The 2021 M8 Gran Coupe has an impressive performance quotient with no compromise on the fuel economy front when taking in segment standards into account, and practicality also make it a fair deal to own. Regardless of the competitors, it has its own league of package 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.

There are no such trim variants available for the 2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe, which comes with an MSRP of $130,000. It comes with a standalone 4.4 L twin-turbo V8 engine which has been coupled with the xDrive technology with variable torque distribution. The 2021 M8 can be further expanded with an additional Competition Package but that may cost a significant sum which might not be a must option. There are four rims for the M-Light alloy wheel section which are the 19” Double-spoke style, 20” s Double-spoke style, 20” Double-spoke style, and 20” Star-spoke style.

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 also the Competition Package.

The 2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe gets a 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 which churns out a heart-wrenching 600 hp and 553 lb.-ft. of torque. 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 setup which allows the 2021 M8 to achieve the 0-60 mph mark within 3.3 seconds and a quarter-mile in just 11.2 seconds.

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 of 195 mph. If one spends more than $100,000 then there should be no settling for mediocrity. Well, this has been given due respect by the M8 Gran Coupe as it comes with a bunch of features that can assure you superior driving dynamics. 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.

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 2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe seems to return a fairly decent mileage of 15 MPG in the city, 21 MPG on the highway, and 17 miles to the gallon in combined numbers. 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 exciting fuel efficiency figures from this segment as all the contenders in the lineup have huge engine capacity. Furthermore, with a 20.1-gallon fuel tank, the 2021 M8 Gran Coupe can stretch up to 341 miles on the go between fill-ups.

The most fuel economical car is the AMG GT 63 which is evident as it tends to let go a bit on the performance front. 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.

The 2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe is one of a kind when it comes to interior finish. One can’t expect more when he/she gets Merino leatherette in Silverstone, Sakhir Orange, and Midrand Beige accents along with an 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 lighting setting 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 interior space in the front but the rear seat spacing is a bit of a squeeze. The M8 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.

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.

Like the M6 GC before it, the M8 Gran Coupe is one of the few modern Bimmers that fell poster-worthy - Carbuzz

BMW has always been a pioneer in designing understated yet impressive exterior style statements, which also stands true for the 2022 M8 Gran Coupe. 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 the M Rear Spoiler and M Sport Exhaust outlets which gives it an aggressive and 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 dimensions, the 4-door BMW M8 Gran Coupe is the lengthiest but not by a huge margin. This helps it serve more rear cabin space. Moreover, the curb weight stands at 4295 lbs, which makes it the lightest in the segment. The Audi RS7 is undoubtedly overweight which tends to affect its handling dynamics, unlike with the BMW M8 Gran Coupe.

Standout exterior features on offer are:

• 20” M-Light Alloy Wheels with mixed tires
• M Sport Exhaust
• M Rear Spoiler
• Shadow Line exterior trim
• M Carbon roof
• Signature M gills

Coming onto the safety quotient, unfortunately, the 2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe misses out on that verification as it has not been crash-tested yet by the NHTSA or the IIHS for that matter. But the luxury M8 Gran Coupe does come with some advanced safety 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.

Standout safety features on offer are:

• 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 fuel economy, performance, passenger space, or practicality. The latter is even faster than the M8 Gran Coupe 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 fuel economy give the Panamera Turbo S a significant lead in the luxury sports car segment. Moreover, the BMW M8 Gran Coupe is a little more compact in dimensions as well which improves its overall handling dynamics and flexibility. But one thing that disappoints is its heft price tag which may not be as impressive as its features as one has to bear a huge surge for a tiny return.

A class apart safety aid, assistance packages, and an appealing interior accent of the new 2021 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 might as well give other rivals a look as well before making a final call.