2024 BMW M8 Convertible

　　

2024 BMW M8 Convertible Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　, rating written byChristian WardlawAssociate Manager, Vehicle Testing and Operations

　　Rex Tokeshi-Torres has worked in the automotive industry for over 17 years. Rex is a vehicle testing technician and photographer at zzdcar and is responsible for coordinating vehicle testing and logistics, organizing data, and capturing photos for the site and social media. He has written over 100 vehicle-related articles and has rated, tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. He has also contributed content to Autobytel, Autotrader, Automobile, the Associated Press and DSport along with various motorsport teams. His affinity with cars started because of Hot Wheels and his love of modifying cars. He occasionally drives Subarus.

　　When a BMW wears an M badge, it's been engineered and tuned for maximum performance. Among the automaker's cars, the 2024 M8 sits at the top of an accomplished lineup of M-tuned models, serving as the flagship of the M lineup and capable of accelerating to 60 mph in a touted 3 seconds flat. It is available in coupe and convertible body styles and is priced high enough that if you must ask, you can't afford it. (zzdcar reviews the M8 Gran Coupe sedan separately.)

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 BMW M8 Competition 2dr Coupe AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$260/mo  for M8 Competition

　　M8 Competition

　　Competition 2dr Coupe AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) - $138,800 MSRPCompetition 2dr Convertible AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $148,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Performance

Fortified with a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, an eight-speed automatic sport transmission, and an M-developed version of BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the M8 provides a thrilling driving experience. Better yet, the car isn't solely about straight-line acceleration. The wizards toiling within BMW M (the automaker's high-performance tuning division) have waved their magic wands over the M8's suspension, steering, and braking systems to ensure optimum handling and braking capabilities. Then they package the car with more aggressive styling and plenty of luxury within the cabin. And if you have extra room in your budget, you can custom-tailor the car through the BMW Individual menu of options.

　　

Competitors to consider

If a BMW M8 coupe or convertible isn't to your liking, you have a handful of alternatives. You could get a Lexus LC, a stylish and rare car equipped with a V8 engine or a hybrid drivetrain. It's not as fast, but you'll spend far less while still turning heads. The recently redesigned Mercedes-AMG SL is another alternative, but it is smaller, slower and costs more. You might also consider the Porsche 911, but it can't touch the BMW's performance or practicality at the price. Be sure to read our full Expert Rating to learn more about the 2024 BMW M8.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

9.0/10

　　How does the M8 Convertible drive? Acceleration from a standstill beggars belief. We recorded a 0-60 mph time of 3 seconds. That's quick enough to dust off most any non-supercar, let alone most convertibles. It also ripped past the quarter mile in only 11.1 seconds at 123.6 mph. Better yet, the M8 convertible in Competition form can deploy that power all day thanks to its impressive all-wheel-drive system.

　　But the M8 is anything but high-strung. With plenty of low-end torque, its intelligent transmission tuning all but eliminates unnecessary shifts and provides you with ample and immediate power.

　　That all-wheel-drive system does what it can to offset the M8 convertible's somewhat portly 4,500-pound curb weight. The BMW delivers neck-stretching grip and loads of confidence through medium- and high-speed bends. We wish the steering delivered more feedback, but that's a common complaint with modern BMWs. We weren't particularly fond of the somewhat grabby feel of the carbon-ceramic brakes since that made it tricky to stop smoothly in city traffic. Performance braking is nonetheless impressive. Our test car stopped from 60 mph in a scant 104 feet, and there was no fade after repeated stops.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the M8 Convertible? You can't build a grand-touring convertible without offering high levels of comfort and the ability to sustain them over a day's worth of driving. The M8 convertible does exactly that, offering accommodating yet supportive seats, a well-insulated cabin (especially for a convertible) and an exceptional ride.

　　A smooth ride quality is one of the hallmarks of the M8 Competition convertible, balancing excellent body control with good impact absorption. Only a slightly soft Comfort setting earns a mild demerit. We're very impressed.

　　The climate control works well but can be difficult to decipher even if you mainly leave it in Auto mode. Activating seat heating or ventilation requires multiple steps, and we found the ventilation, even at its highest setting, to be marginal. We'd also skip the optional Neck Warmer option since the warm air it blows on your neck all but vanishes at speeds over 30 mph.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below