2023 BMW M8
MSRP Range: $143,700 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
2023 BMW M8


360°



+46
great
8.1/10
edmunds TESTED
Both mind-bending speed and transcontinental comfort are hallmarks of the new BMW M8 convertible. In its 617-horsepower Competition trim, the M8's breadth of abilities never ceases to impress. If only its interior wasn't so cluttered with buttons, and the trunk space wasn't so affected by the convertible top, we'd have a tough time finding any meaningful competition.
Pricing
Total MSRPThis price includes a $995 destination fee charged by the manufacturer. | $145,695 |
---|---|
Edmunds suggests you pay | $133,827 |
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2023 BMW M8 Review


byAlex Nishimoto
Correspondent
Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.
, rating written byKurt Niebuhr
Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.
Pros
- Stunning acceleration
- Extra performance capabilities do not impinge on luxury
- Wide range of colors and options
Cons
- Bigger and heavier than competition
- Lacks the raw performance of some rivals
- Interior is a little button-heavy
What's new
- New 12.3-inch central touchscreen
- Part of the first M8 generation introduced for 2020
Overview
Standard 8 Series too pedestrian for you? The 2023 BMW M8 could be the solution. Positioned as BMW's flagship, the M8 takes all the things that make the regular 8 Series great and amplifies them to a new level of performance. It comes exclusively with a 617-horsepower turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. It's also fitted with an adaptive suspension and a sport-tuned all-wheel-drive system. You can even select a rear-wheel-drive mode should you like going sideways just as much as you like going forward.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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 $4.32 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$305/mo for M8 Competition
M8 Competition
vs
$184/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
BMW sells the M8 as a coupe, convertible or four-door Gran Coupe. The two-door M8s, which are reviewed here, compete with high-performance luxury grand tourers such as the Aston Martin DB11, Bentley Continental GT and Porsche 911 Turbo. Read on for our Expert Rating to find out if the M8 is the right six-figure GT car for you.
Edmunds Expert Rating
great
8.1/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds 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.
Both mind-bending speed and transcontinental comfort are hallmarks of the new BMW M8 convertible. In its 617-horsepower Competition trim, the M8's breadth of abilities never ceases to impress. If only its interior wasn't so cluttered with buttons, and the trunk space wasn't so affected by the convertible top, we'd have a tough time finding any meaningful competition.
Rated for you by America's best test team.
Performance
9.0/10
How does the M8 drive? Acceleration from a standstill beggars belief. We recorded a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 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 11.3 seconds at 121.8 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.
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? 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.
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 Edmunds Expert Rating below
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2023 BMW M8 pricing
in Ashburn, VAEdmunds suggests you pay
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? Getting into the M8 convertible is relatively easy so long as you have room to open the long doors. The car's relatively typical ride height means you don't have to plop down much to get in. And once there, the front passenger will have ample room to stretch out and the driver can dial in a near-perfect seating position. Rear passengers won't fare quite as well, but adults can fit for short rides. That's more than can be said for the back seats in a 911.
Typical for higher-end BMWs, there's a lot going on in the M8 convertible. Buttons abound, whether on the steering wheel, the center console or around the shift lever. Some controls, including BMW iDrive, are immediately familiar, while others, such as the climate control and steering wheel-mounted cruise control settings, require a second glance or, worse, additional selections on the touchscreen.
Typical for higher-end BMWs, there's a lot going on in the M8 convertible. Buttons abound, whether on the steering wheel, the center console or around the shift lever. Some controls, including BMW iDrive, are immediately familiar, while others, such as the climate control and steering wheel-mounted cruise control settings, require a second glance or, worse, additional selections on the touchscreen.
Technology
8.0/10
How’s the tech? The M8 has an excellent suite of advanced driver aids and a near state-of-the-art virtual voice assistant emulating Mercedes-Benz's popular MBUX system. Both areas still fall a bit short of what Mercedes offers, but they provide convenience when it comes to easing the burden of rush-hour traffic or turning on your seat ventilation without lifting a finger.
The optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system delivers solid sound and feels worth the price, especially with some competitor systems costing twice as much. It's even effective with the top down at highway speeds. The M8 also comes with onboard navigation that's easy to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, both with wireless connectivity, is included.
The optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system delivers solid sound and feels worth the price, especially with some competitor systems costing twice as much. It's even effective with the top down at highway speeds. The M8 also comes with onboard navigation that's easy to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, both with wireless connectivity, is included.
Storage
6.5/10
How’s the storage? It can be tough to criticize the trunk space in a convertible, but the BMW M8 is neither small nor inexpensive. As such, we expected a bit more efficient use of space. With the top up, the M8 has a decent capacity of 12.4 cubic feet. That puts it well ahead of a 911 Turbo Cabriolet (4.5 cubic feet) and the Lexus LC 500 convertible (5.4 cubic feet).
But all that capacity vanishes if you'd like to put the top down as you need to deploy a trunk divider, which essentially leaves space for two half-full grocery bags. The rear seats do fold for longer items (assuming the top is up) but the opening is quite narrow.
It's much better on the inside, where both front passengers will find ample room for their personal effects, especially in the long, padded door pockets. The rear seats do have anchors for car seats, but they're better used for holding bags and jackets.
But all that capacity vanishes if you'd like to put the top down as you need to deploy a trunk divider, which essentially leaves space for two half-full grocery bags. The rear seats do fold for longer items (assuming the top is up) but the opening is quite narrow.
It's much better on the inside, where both front passengers will find ample room for their personal effects, especially in the long, padded door pockets. The rear seats do have anchors for car seats, but they're better used for holding bags and jackets.
Fuel Economy
8.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates that the M8 convertible returns 17 mpg combined (15 city/22 highway). Those numbers are similar to competitors' figures. In our time with the M8 convertible, we found it easy to both exceed the EPA's estimates as well as come nowhere close to them. For example, it returned a credible 21.5 mpg in light traffic over our 115-mile evaluation route. But when we turned its 617 hp loose on a few of our favorite roads, the fuel economy hovered just above single digits. A 20.1-gallon fuel tank ensures a highway cruising range in excess of 400 miles.
Value
8.0/10
Is the M8 a good value? Value certainly takes on a different meaning for the BMW M8 Competition, with a starting price of $142,500 and an as-tested price nearing $180,000, as well as other cars in this class. Buyers expect a lot for their money, and the M8 convertible delivers with an attractive high-quality interior, plenty of impressive technology and jaw-dropping performance. That performance might be the biggest bargain since almost nothing combines the BMW's mix of comfort and speed for less money.
At four years/50,000 miles apiece, both the bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties are typical for the class. You also get three years/36,00 miles of free maintenance. Roadside assistance is a generous four years/unlimited miles.
At four years/50,000 miles apiece, both the bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties are typical for the class. You also get three years/36,00 miles of free maintenance. Roadside assistance is a generous four years/unlimited miles.
Wildcard
9.5/10
The strength of the BMW M8 convertible lies in its ability to be effortlessly capable of long highway trips as well as devastatingly quick on a deserted back road. Its performance numbers are brash, but the car is cloaked in a subtlety and refinement to the point where you almost forget how capable this convertible can be. And therein lies the charm of the M8 convertible. It's fast and engaging when you want it most and calm and collected when you need it the most. It's expensive, yes, but it does more things extremely well than most cars do at all.
Which M8 does Edmunds recommend?
BMW makes picking an M8 easy with just one available trim level, the Competition. But to get the most out of it, we recommend opting for the Driving Assistance Professional package, which adds a bounty of driver assist features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning and lane keeping assistance.
BMW M8 models
The 2023 BMW M8 comes as either a coupe or convertible. (The four-door Gran Coupe is reviewed separately.) It comes in just one trim level, the Competition, and is powered by a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 good for 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It sends its power to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Feature highlights include:
M8 Competition
Comes well equipped with:
- 20-inch wheels with performance tires
- M Sport exhaust system
- Carbon-fiber roof
- Track drive mode that sets up the car for optimum track-based performance
- Adaptive sport suspension
- M Sport differential
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- LED headlights
- M Sport seats
- Leather upholstery
- Carbon-fiber interior trim
It also comes with:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Harman Kardon sound system with 16 speakers (12 in the convertible)
- Configurable digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch central touchscreen
- Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
- Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Options and packages available include:
- Driving Assistance package
- Blind-spot intervention (automatically steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the vehicle's blind spot)
- Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your path while you're in reverse)
- Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
- 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the M8 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
- Driving Assistance Professional package (requires Driver Assistance package)
- Traffic-adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
- Lane keeping assistance (steers the M8 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
- Semi-automated steering for certain roads and conditions
- Night vision with pedestrian detection
- M carbon bucket seats
- M carbon-ceramic brakes
- M carbon exterior package

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Edmunds' Test Track: Results and Specs



Edmunds
Tested
Tested

Driven by Reese Counts
5/08/2023
Vehicle tested
2023 BMW M8
- Style:
- Competition Convertible
- Drive type:
- All-Wheel Drive
- Engine type:
- Conventional Gasoline
- Transmission type:
- Automatic
- Tire season:
- All-Season
- Tested weight (lbs):
- 4,465
- Transmission speeds:
- 8
- Engine configuration:
- V8
- Engine displacement (liters):
- 4.4
- Engine induction type:
- Turbocharged
- Indicated redline (rpm):
- 7,200
- Actual redline (rev limit):
- 7,200
- Tire make:
- Pirelli
- Tire model:
- P Zero
- Tire size (sidewall) - front:
- 275/35 ZR20 102Y
- Tire size (sidewall) - rear:
- 285/35 ZR20 104Y
- Weight distribution, front (%):
- 53.1
Performance results
- 0-60 mph (sec.):
- 3
- 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph):
- 11.1 @ 123.6
- 60-0 mph (ft.):
- 106
- Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g):
- 1
- Sound level @ idle (dB):
- 57.5/58.2 (Sport)
- Sound level @ 70 mph cruise (dB):
- 65.1/67.1 (Sport)
Driver’s Comments
- Acceleration:
- Hell yeah, brother! At the time we tested it, this was the quickest M8 we've ever had at our track, and that includes both the Competition Coupe (3.2 seconds to 60 mph) and Competition Gran Coupe (3.1 seconds) in addition to another Competition convertible (3.2 seconds). Maybe it was the weather or that this engine was a little stronger than the rest because there are no significant mechanical differences between any of the cars, and we used launch control for each of the car's best runs. It held the lead through the quarter mile, recording a shorter time and a higher trap speed. To set up launch control, deactivate stability control (DSC), select first gear with the transmission set to S3 and then hold the brake. Press the gas until you see a notification in the instrument cluster. Revs will rise to about 3,000 rpm, mitigating any turbo lag. The all-wheel-drive system and summer tires prevent wheelspin from being an issue. The rear squats and the shifts are nearly neck-snapping, but it's a hugely enjoyable experience. This V8's exhaust note is a real killer too.
- Braking:
- This isn't the first M8 we've tested, so it's notable that performance across the cars has been so consistent. This tied the M8 coupe at the bottom, but a difference of a couple feet is pretty close to just being a wash. As with the other M8s, this Competition convertible was fitted with BMW's carbon-ceramic brakes and summer tires, though this one does stand out by wearing Pirelli rubber rather than the previous test car's Michelin tires. It took a few runs for the tires and brakes to get up to temperature, and stopping distances improved over five runs, only falling off on the sixth. The M8 feels very solid and stable under braking. The suspension is comfortable and compliant on the street but stiffens up when you need it. That means minimal dive during hard braking. The pedal is short and firm but easy to modulate. There was no brake fade either, though that's not surprising for a car fitted with carbon-ceramic brakes.
- Handling:
- As with braking and acceleration, figures for this M8 were right on par with the last few we've tested. Sticky tires, sport-tuned suspension and all-wheel drive provide tons of grip around the skidpad. It's still a big car, and the nose will push a bit wide at the limit, but you can hold the wheel steady and adjust the throttle to tighten the line. The car feels controlled, with a mild amount of body roll. The seats do a nice job of keeping you planted, too, which is good for something so big that has so much lateral grip. If you turn stability control on, the car requires a bit more work but still performs very well. Intervention at the limit is mild, with the stability control gently cutting power to keep the car from pushing wide. The steering feels nice, too. Quick and firm but not overly heavy. It helps make such a sizable car feel smaller and more nimble than you expect from the outside.
How do we test?
The instrumented testing at our test track is only one part of the Edmunds Rating process.
Learn more about how we testBMW M8 Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(71%)
4(29%)
3(0%)
2(0%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Go back to the M6 shape and more
4 out of 5 starsQ Skydiver, 02/26/2022
2020 BMW M8 Competition 2dr Convertible AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
Been driving M8 Competition Convertible for a couple of years now. Drove M6 for 8 years. I wish they had just put all the performance features of the M8 Comp in the M6 design and call it good. M6 Convertible looks so much nicer the the M8. Reducing the rear seat leg room, TERRIBLE idea, Who the heck came up with that idea?
Rear Wind deflector, put the glass back on there. Can't … believe you have to manually put the deflector on. Who wants to get out of the car after the top down is done to put the deflector on. Totally takes away the cool factor. Not to mention having the use up trunk space and remember to carry the deflector.
I have been driving BMW convertibles for the past 15 years. I know what I am talking about.
Did not go with ceramic brakes since the squealed like hell. The regular brakes did not make a sound for the first 10k miles. After first service dealer can't get the brakes to stop from making the embarrassing sound. If it wasn't for the trunk room and 0-60 specs, I would have definitely considered other brands.
Technology factor looks too plain for a $180k car. Interior lighting not up to par compared to cheaper models.
Fast AND comfortable
4 out of 5 starsDave, 02/10/2023
2023 BMW M8 Competition 2dr Convertible AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
A quick note to say I totally agree with the review that says bring back the built in glass rear deflector. I had a 650 convertible before the M8 and while the top looks cooler on the M8 as it’s going up or down (all at once rather than the “Batman” ears look), the lack of the rear deflector “window” makes a HUGE difference. Please bring it back!
Amazing Car
5 out of 5 starsBrandon Breaux, 05/03/2022
2023 BMW M8 Competition 2dr Coupe AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
I have never owned or driven a BMW and I cannot believe it has taken me so long - this car is unbelievable. It is so comfortable for being a sports car and fast as hell. The sound it makes in the sports plus mode is incredible. Love it.
BMW M8 93oct eth free....
5 out of 5 starsM8 Monster, 05/29/2022
2022 BMW M8 Competition 2dr Coupe AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
Try a review after a couple of tanks of 93 eth free gas. It will blow your mind....
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 BMW M8, so we've included reviews for other years of the M8 since its last redesign.
Helpful shopping links
2023 BMW M8 videos
[MUSIC PLAYING] CLINT SIMONE: Welcome to Edmunds U-Drags. Last year, we saw the Shelby GT500 take down the BMW M4 competition. But now, the Germans are back. And because you asked for it, we have the much more powerful BMW M8 competition. This time around, will it be Munich or Merica? What is U-Drags? I'm so glad you asked. It's a race to there and back. At Edmunds, we love to test cars. And we came up with this not so scientific test that we call U-Drags. We're going to take these two cars, send them all the way down the track, where they're going to get hard on the brakes, turn around, and come back. That means, we're getting a quarter mile hard braking, handling, and a rolling start, all in one. And after the first race, we're going to swap drivers and lanes to make sure everybody gets a fair shot. Today's test pilots are Reese. REESE COUNTS: We'll see how it goes. CLINT SIMONE: And Kurt. KURT NIEBUHR: This is going to be a good race. CLINT SIMONE: This race is going to be brutal. First up is the Shelby GT500. Pretty classic formula, long hood with a big supercharged engine underneath. This one making 760 horsepower and 625 pounds feet of torque. Then there's the BMW M8 competition. This is no slouch, with a twin turbo V8, making 617 horses, and 553 pounds feet of torque. Everybody loves U-Drags. If you want to see more of them, like this video, and subscribe to the Edmunds YouTube channel. And if you're looking to your car, head over to edmunds.com/sellmycar. [MUSIC PLAYING] REESE COUNTS: All right. The Shelby GT500, the fastest, most powerful Mustang. And this is Edmunds long-termer. We've spent a lot of time in it. So I'm going to use the launch control. Switch the mode to track, adjust the stability control, put the car in drive, pull the brake, hold the gas until I get the launch control notification. I've set the RPM. We're going to use 1,200. So we'll see if I need a little more revs, but I want to get this thing off the line as quick as possible. KURT NIEBUHR: This is going to be a tough one. I got a lot of power. I got all wheel drive. In order to harness the all wheel drive to its maximum potential, I have to put it in launch control, get it in the right M-Mode, turn the DSC completely off. Make sure you're in first gear. It shows up up here. You've got the hardest level shifting. There are three bars alongside it. This is the most aggressive, quickest shifts. Left foot on the brake, right foot on the gas. I'm flustered. The thing has 760 horsepower. And then you'll see a little sign pop up. This is going to be a good race. No room for error. That means you too, dude. [MUSIC PLAYING] SPEAKER: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. - Got it. Oh. KURT NIEBUHR: All wheel drive is going to saved my ass today. Breaks are getting really hot. REESE COUNTS: Come on. Come on. [MUSIC PLAYING] That M8 looked good. I just wish I wasn't looking at it. KURT NIEBUHR: So fast. So fast. That was a pretty even jump, but this thing just still-- just gets away. REESE COUNTS: I felt like I was coming up on you towards the end of the quarter. I just couldn't get turned around fast enough. KURT NIEBUHR: You might have been. I was just I was so focused ahead, and just tried to take one quick look in the mirror to make sure you weren't too close. But after a while, there's nothing I can do. I mean, I'm holding my foot on the floor, and shifting at red lines. So yeah. REESE COUNTS: Yeah, I'm happy that the transmission in the Shelby will automatically shift for you when you get out of launch control. That's one thing I don't like about the BMW. When we're in a straight up run like this, I'd rather just let the computer handle it. KURT NIEBUHR: I love how early you can get on the power in this car. It's right away. And you can just keep your foot on the floor. REESE COUNTS: So that's the thing. I still have to be a little ginger with it, until I get the wheel straightened out. Sounds good, though. I don't really hear anything else while we're moving. KURT NIEBUHR: You don't have to hear anything else. That's just great. You don't have to have a radio in that car. You don't have to have a passenger. It's just sounds beautiful. REESE COUNTS: It wouldn't be much of a conversation, anyway. KURT NIEBUHR: Exactly. We drive cars for a living. We're not very good conversationalists. [MUSIC PLAYING] REESE COUNTS: OK, BMW M8 competition coupe, the biggest, baddest BMW they make. I'm excited about this one. I thought the Shelby was going to be quick, but this one took the first race. KURT NIEBUHR: Oh, old faithful, here we are. Shelby GT500. It's all about the launch. And unfortunately, on a non-prep surface, this isn't very good at launching, which is just a shame. We're going to try and heat the rubber up, just so we get some grip, but the car still spins its wheels through almost 100 miles an hour. That's all it takes for that thing to just pull ahead. I'm going to do what I can, but at some point, the advantage this has on the start, is more or less the advantage it carries throughout the entire race. So unless I can somehow take away some of that advantage, it's an uphill battle with this thing. I still love it. It's the best sounding car in U-Drags. [MUSIC PLAYING] SPEAKER: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. KURT NIEBUHR: Switch to track mode. A better exit. Really bumpy. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Oh, man. REESE COUNTS: Oh, he's coming up hot. KURT NIEBUHR: Come on give it to me. Ha. Ha. REESE COUNTS: You were coming up really fast at the end. But man, this thing hauls. KURT NIEBUHR: Yeah, you can't give that thing a half a second. If you give it a half a second, you're going to lose by half a second. That's just such an enjoyable way to go fast, isn't it? In that car? REESE COUNTS: Yeah. I mean, both of these. And they're different machines. They feel different, but they're both supremely fun, and supremely fast. KURT NIEBUHR: They really are. I mean they're cut from the same cloth, but you get a very similar result in very different ways. CLINT SIMONE: It's pretty clear that the M8 superior low end torque and grip paid off big time. In race one, the BMW flew off the line, grabbing 60 in 3.1 seconds. The Beamer kept its lead through the corner, throwing down a crazy 10.9 second run. The Shelby clawed back hard in the corner, matching the BMW 1.17G. And in the final stretch home, the Mustang was cooking, but it was a little too late. The M8 finished the race in 32 seconds flat, 0.7 seconds ahead of the Ford. What's interesting is that the Mustang did finish second, but it was going nearly 8 miles per hour faster when it hit the finish line. Race two began with better launches than round one, with the M8 ripping a three second sprint, and the Mustang at 3.8. With such a clean start from the BMW, it was an uphill battle for the Shelby all the way into the braking zone, where you can see the Mustang get pretty unsettled as it started to scrub speed. Each car pulled over a G of cornering force in the turnaround, but the M8 was too far ahead. It finished the race in 32.4 seconds, at 137.3 miles per hour. But get this, the Mustang almost closed the gap, finishing just 0.1 seconds behind, with the speed of 147.8, 10 miles per hour quicker. Move the finish line a few more yards, and this could have been a different story. And now, let's turn to our updated Edmunds U-Drags Leaderboard. Remember, our races from last year are not shown, because we had to lengthen the course to accommodate big EVs with not so big brakes. Each car's quickest run goes on the leaderboard, regardless of race pairing. Both cars maintain their spots on the board, unable to improve on previous times. And now, let's check out the in-car camera and the data. KURT NIEBUHR: Switch to track mode. A better exit. Really bumpy. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. REESE COUNTS: Oh, man. KURT NIEBUHR: Come on. Give it to me. CLINT SIMONE: This is normally when we see the in-car camera and the data. But unfortunately, technical difficulties got in the way, and we can't show you the BMW. Please tell the good people at home what it is like to launch a Shelby GT 500. KURT NIEBUHR: It's frustrating with like-- CLINT SIMONE: Looked like it KURT NIEBUHR: --capital F. REESE COUNTS: It's just rear drive versus all wheel drive. KURT NIEBUHR: On an unprepped surface, if you ask for too much, like I tried a 2000 RPM launch, and got wheel-spin right through first and second gear. So you kind of have to accept the little bog that comes off the line, and then wait for it to just manage all that power. REESE COUNTS: Honestly, if the straight was any longer, that Shelby might have had it. CLINT SIMONE: That makes sense. What's your dream pairing? Let us know in the comments. We want to do more U-Drags. Let us know what you'd like to see. Thanks for watching. [MUSIC PLAYING]
U-DRAG RACE: BMW M8 Competition vs. Shelby GT500! | Quarter Mile, Rolling Start, Handling & More!
2023 BMW M8 Features Specs
Convertible
Total MSRP | $145,695 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $305/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
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BMW M8 vs. Porsche 911
The BMW M8 and Porsche 911 Turbo are no doubt very different in design, but they share a similar mission. The 911 Turbo is the grand tourer of the lineup, tuned for long-distance jaunts at relatively high speed. Like the M8, it's comfortable and obscenely powerful, though the BMW sounds better throughout its rev range.
BMW M8 vs. Lexus LC 500
There's unfortunately no high-performance Lexus LC F to do battle with the M8, but the standard LC 500 is a capable grand tourer in its own right. Packing a 471-hp V8 engine, the LC might be down more than a hundred ponies from the M8 but it won't leave you wanting for power. Its interior also gives the big BMW coupe a run for its money, using high-quality materials and unique, eye-catching design elements.
BMW M8 vs. Bentley Continental
The Bentley Continental costs close to twice as much than the BMW M8, so is it really fair to compare them? You'd be surprised how well the BMW holds up. The base Continental GT V8 makes less power but is still good for 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. Though the big two-door Bentley knows its way around a winding road, it's more at home on a long stretch of highway. Much of the price difference can be accounted for in the Continental's interior, which exists on another level of luxury.

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Safety
Our experts’ favorite M8 safety features:
- Evasion Aid
- Helps mitigate an accident by proactively swerving, if appropriate, to avoid a front collision.
- Traffic Jam Assistant
- Helps keep the car centered in the lane and follows the car in front in stop-and-go traffic.
- Active Protection System
- Automatically tensions seat belts, closes windows and sunroof, and activates the brakes when it detects an imminent collision.
FAQ
Is the BMW M8 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 M8 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.1 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 M8 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 7 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the M8 has 12.4 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a BMW M8. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 BMW M8?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 BMW M8:
- New 12.3-inch central touchscreen
- Part of the first M8 generation introduced for 2020
Is the BMW M8 reliable?
To determine whether the BMW M8 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the M8. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the M8's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 BMW M8 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 BMW M8 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 M8 and gave it a 8.1 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 M8 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 7 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 M8 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 BMW M8?
The least-expensive 2023 BMW M8 is the 2023 BMW M8 Competition 2dr Convertible AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $143,700.
Other versions include:
- Competition 2dr Convertible AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $143,700
What are the different models of BMW M8?
If you're interested in the BMW M8, the next question is, which M8 model is right for you? M8 variants include Competition 2dr Convertible AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of M8 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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