When most people think of grand tourers, brands like Bentley, Aston Martin, and Ferrari typically come to mind. A few mention Maserati, but the BMW is rarely included in the conversation. However, the BMW M8 is very much a grand tourer, comparable to the Bentley Continental GT or the Aston Martin Vantage, and depending on your preferences, it might even be the better choice. It has the power for the job, a luxurious interior that rivals most of its competitors, and stunning proportions and design cues that clearly define its identity. The competition package, such as the one for the 2020 BMW M8 Competition, adds slightly more power and a touch more character throughout, including in the interior where you get Merino leather, a $3,500 option on the standard 2020 BMW M8. More about that later. Let's talk power and performance numbers first.
The 2020 BMW M8 Competition is a brute, and that even seems like an understatement. It's powered by the same 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 as the BMW M5 Competition, producing 617 horsepower and 553 lb.ft sent to all wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Visually, the M8 Competition is larger than the M5 despite having two fewer doors, meaning it is heavier. It tips the scales at around 4,560 pounds, around 200 pounds heavier than the M5 Competition. However, the 202 BMW M8 Competition takes less to reach 60 mph from a standstill, doing so in around 2.5 seconds as tested by Car and Driver. Keep your foot planted on the gas pedal, and the 190 mph top speed won't take long to reach. However, you'll only go up to 155 mph in some examples due to an electronic limiter.
Inside the cabin, the 2020 BMW M8 Competition is just as striking as its exterior. It balances elegance with a performance-oriented aesthetic, avoiding a somewhat familiar grand tourer compromise of sacrificing an aggressive touch of luxury and refinement. Leather dominates most surfaces, stretching from the seats, steering wheel, doors, and dashboard. It's complemented by soft-touch plastic, where you'd expect leather to wear out over extended interaction, and the floor mats are equally plush. The carbon on the center console, aluminum trims on the vents, speaker surrounds, and steering wheel add a sporty industrial feel that reminds you you're in a BMW and not a Bentley.
Compared to other grand tourers, a major plus point of the 2020 BMW M8 Competition is its aggressive yet refined visual appeal. Its low-slung wide stand beautifully suits its size, and if BMW had raised it any higher, it wouldn't be any different from the Bentley Continental GT. The long nose and short cabin with a sloping roofline towards the rear are aesthetically pleasing, and the body flow is accentuated by aerodynamic enhancements that add to its athletic aesthetic. At the front, the carbon splitter blacked-out kidney grille and massive air vents add a touch of character even though they were designed for function and not form. And at the rear, the quad exhaust tips and subtle lip spoiler complete the sporty look.
We know you're eager to know how much a 2020 BMW M8 Competition will cost you, but let's dive into its tech offerings for a bit. In the cabin, BMW included a 12.3-inch infotainment display as standard that is both user-friendly and well equipped. It includes BMW Maps, navigation, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, Driving Assistant, Parking Assistant, and more. For audio, the car has a Harman Kardon surround sound system that delivers exceptional sound quality, even with the windows down and the exhaust at its gnarliest setting. And just like the exhaust, nearly every parameter of the car can be adjusted. The M8 Competition excels in Sport Mode, providing a balance of comfort and engagement. If you crave even more excitement, Sport Plus will have you pressing into the headrest with every throttle blip. BMW recommends Track mode only for the track, but it's recommended to ignore the rules and embrace the thrill occasionally.
The market has yet to fully appreciate the BMW M8 and M8 Competition, creating a unique buying opportunity should you decide to buy one. The 2020 M8 Competition's prices start at roughly $75,000, half the original MSRP. Ready to own one? Exotic Car Trader's BMW M8 listings feature all models, including the M8 Competition Cabriolet for those seeking an open-top driving experience. If you're interested in exploring other BMW options, check out our general BMW listings.
Does the 2020 BMW M8 Competition meet your grand tourer standards? Its combination of luxury and performance more than qualifies it as a grand tourer, and if you don't see it that way, you might want to reconsider your criteria. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! Though often overshadowed by more premium alternatives, the BMW M8 Competition offers an exhilarating and refined driving experience.
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