2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe

The M8 Gran Coupe comes unchanged this year with little variance in the trimming and coloring combinations. The xDrive technology with the M-setup for the engine and suspension is going to get you along the track quite impressively. This year, the M8 Gran Coupe goes straight against the likes of the Audi RS7 Sportback, Porsche Panamera Turbo S, and the Mercedes AMG GT 63. 

There is no such trimming variance available for the 2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe. It comes with a 4.4 L twin-turbo V8 which has been coupled with the xDrive technology with variable torque distribution. It can be further expanded with an additional Competition Package but that may be an extra penny which might not be a must option. 

Further adding to that it gets Merino leatherette in Silverstone, Sakhir Orange, and Midrand Beige accents. There are four rims for the M-Light alloy wheel section which are the 19” Double-spoke style 812 M Bicolour, 20” s Double-spoke style 810 M Bicolour, 20” Double-spoke style 810 M Black, and 20” Star-spoke style 811 M Bicolour.

The musical enrichment is fulfilled by the 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium surround sound system which seems to be justifying such a price offer. Not just that, the same can be even upgraded to a 16-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system. On top of that, the interior interactive feature is enhanced by the 10.25” central infotainment display and the 12.3” Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster. The BMW M8 Gran Coupe can be accustomed to BMW Secure Advance Package, M Driver’s Package, and the Competition Package. 

Which Trim should you buy?

An impressive pick-up with no compromise in the fuel economy for its segment standards and practicality make it a fair deal to own. Regardless of the competitors, it has its own league of offerings which include the M-setup for different domains which enhances not only the dynamics and traction but safety within the cabin as well. With optional charms like the M Driver’s Package, M Carbon Ceramic Brakes, and M Sport Exhaust System one can have a better driving experience altogether but only if the expense allows. 

The 2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe gets a 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 which churns out a heart-wrenching 600 hp of power @ 6000 rpm and 553 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1800 rpm. This has been married to the M Servotronic Assist that allows you to keep changing driving mode as per your convenience along with the 8-Speed M Steptronic Sport Automatic Transmission which makes gear-shifting a smooth fun. The drive is supplemented by the AWD which allows it to achieve the 0-60 mph mark within 3.3 seconds and a quarter-mile in just 11.2 seconds.

The monstrous acceleration and pick-up of the M8 Gran Coupe get a blow when it is subjected to having a rhythm against the rivals for a long mile. Being the lightest among all, it still fails to outclass them in the racing dimension. The Mercedes AMG GT 63 is the class leader with a top speed 0f 195 mph. The overall nominal mechanical efficiency might be one of the reasons to be credited for these figures.

How well does the 2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe handle?

If one spends more than $100,000 then there should be no settlement in desire and return. Well, this has been given due respect by the M8 Gran Coupe as it comes with a bunch of features that can assure you a leveled driving around the corner. 

The xDrive in conjunction with M-Adaptive suspension and Electric Power-Assist Speed-Sensing Steering is capable of being responsive and takes on the upheavals. Moreover, one gets a pedal setting at the regenerative braking unit to make it more flexible for the abuse. 

2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe Braking Performance

The 2021 BMW M8 gets 4-wheel ventilated anti-lock disc brakes along with Regeneration that assists in trickle charging. The 15.6” rotors in the front and 15” in the rear are quite efficient enough to take on the braking force applied through the calipers. The optional pack adds the M Carbon Ceramic Brakes that can further reduce the braking distance. The technology is more sound at its bay with an Automatic braking system post crashing and Cornering Brake Control.

As it is evident that, the official figures for two of them are not available. So it would be pretty difficult to conclude anyone’s dominance in this domain. But one can’t ignore a high-end result from the Audi RS7, despite being the heaviest among all. Thus with this much tech support at the braking and lighter weight, it is logical to have a speculative parallel braking travel expectation from the BMW, if not less than that.

The 2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe seems to return a fairly decent mileage of 15 MPG in the city, 21MPG on the highway, and 17 on average. The low-end pull at the power band consumes a hell of a lot of gas which makes it come up with such figures. Well, it would be unwise to expect a much exciting mileage from this segment as it has huge engine capacity which has a disadvantage in the air-fuel mixture homogeneity. Moreover, the turbo becomes a prerequisite to have desired volumetric efficiency which confirms high oxygen concentration.

The most economical car is the AMG GT 63 which is evident as it tends to have a let go a bit in the performance curve. Nonetheless, all the cars in the competition provide almost similar fuel economy but the bigger fuel tank capacity gives an edge to Panamera Turbo S in its overall range coverage by some 50 miles as compared to the closest rival, AMG GT 63. Therefore, if the BMW aims to be at the top then, it sincerely needs to curb its extra engine cylinder volume. 

The BMW M8 Gran Coupe is one of a kind in its interior touch. One can’t expect more when he/she gets Merino leatherette in Silverstone, Sakhir Orange, and Midrand Beige accents along with Anthracite headliner. Electrically actuated seats with memory functions are other value-added services that have been integrated inside the cabin. The M-Leather Steering Wheel has paddle shifters branched to it. On top of that, one gets the 6 pre-defined selectable ambient lightings as well. 

All these sporty sedans come with a seating capacity of 5 except the Panamera. The BMW M8 Gran Coupe offers the maximum amount of space in the front but the rear seat spacing is a bit of a squeeze. It also lays behind others in terms of cargo volume availability. Specifically, headroom might be painful for long hauling. The interior is charming but it could not have been made much more ergonomically sound. A few interior features are:

• Merino leather upholstery
• Automatic Air Conditioning with 2-zone control
• M-Sport seats with memory function 
• Anthracite headliner
• Electrically actuated seats

What’s there inside the 2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe to keep you entertained?

The BMW M8 Gran Coupe has been adorned with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional which has Navigation Function with 3D maps, 12.3” and 10.25” display touchscreens, and iDrive Touch with handwriting recognition. Further adding to that, the M8 Gran Coupe comes with HD radio and Sirius XM satellite radio as standard. 

The standard 16-speaker Harman Kardon Surround Sound system and optional 16-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound will get you away from the chaotic noise of the city. The BMW ConnectedDrive offers you a BMW Head-up Display that monitors all the required feedback. Hence, it is a worthy one to own and relish. Standout infotainment features:

• 10.25-inch touchscreen display infotainment system
• BMW Gesture Control
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Live Cockpit Professional
• Harman Kardon surround sound system
• BMW Head-up Display

BMW has always been a pioneer in designing a true masterclass which seems to be a treat to your eyes. The wide front with high-beam headlights has been printed with “BMW Laser” for its laser module. What’s more fascinating is the rear which is carved by a couple of M Rear Spoiler and M Sport Exhaust outlets which gives it an aggressive sportier finish. The frame curve is further supported by the 19” M-Light Alloy Wheels which can be replaced by bigger 20” M-Light Alloy Wheels with mixed tires.

As per data, the 4-door BMW M8 Gran Coupe is the lengthiest but not by a huge margin. This pushes BMW to rely on its additional driver assistance and stability technologies to guarantee its stature. Meanwhile, a lightweight chassis does cut short some pressure off the tech-end. The Audi RS7 is undoubtedly overweight which tends to affect its handling dynamics, unlike the BMW M8 Gran Coupe. Standout exterior features:

• 20” M-Light Alloy Wheels with mixed tires
• M Sport Exhaust
• M Rear Spoiler
• High-Gloss Shadow Line

One is destined to be analyzed if the data is available for it. Unfortunately, the BMW M8 Gran Coupe misses out on that verification as it has not been crash-tested yet by the NHTSA. But it does come with some advanced features like the Electronic Stability Control, Forward Collision Mitigation, and the Lane Departure Warning. It keeps track of the driving behavior and inputs as well. 

Apart from that, Automatic Differential Brake Assist and the 360 degrees Surround View Cameras together help in mapping the surroundings and reacting to unexpected situations. The Traction control and Airbags support are some of the most common that have been consumed by its aura as well. Standout safety features:

• Forward Collision Warning
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Automatic Differential Brake Assist
• Lane Departure Warning
• Electronic Stability Control

2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe vs 2021 Audi RS7 Sportback

The M8 Gran Coupe is more expensive than the Audi RS7 Sportback yet struggles to outdo it in any domain be it economy, performance, space, or practicality. The latter is even faster than the former when competing on a long stretch. It is interesting to note that the BMW offers a set of impressive braking units and a classy interior but that does not seem to feed the value-owing customers. 

2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe vs 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S

A better performance curve and a parallel economy give the Panamera Turbo S a significant lead in the powertrain supremacy. Moreover, the Porsche Panamera is a little more compact as well which improves its overall handling dynamics and flexibility. But one thing to disappoint is its heft price tag which may not be as impressive as its features as one has to a huge surge for a tiny dividend.

2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe vs 2021 Mercedes AMG GT 63 4-Door Coupe

Both of them are quite parallel to each other in many regards. The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 has a better fuel economy while the M8 Gran Coupe has better performance. If one can exclude these, then they are no less than siblings. A relatively smaller price range does put the M8 Gran Coupe a slight ahead of the AMG.

A class apart safety aid, assistance packages, and an appealing interior accent of the new BMW M8 Gran Coupe can entice you but one has to give preference to value return as well. The infotainment unit along with the BMW Connected Services are value editions that increase the price tag yet are not enough to justify it. Hence, one may give other rivals a look as well before making it a final call as it has to travel a long distance to match others in performance and practicality.