The first-ever BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe now available in Singapore. - The sportiest luxury model with four doors.

The new four-door high-performance model is derived directly from the new BMW M8 Coupe and was developed alongside the BMW M8 GTE endurance racer. The powertrain, chassis, and aerodynamics were adapted to suit the standalone concept underpinning it in intensive testing on the BMW Group’s proving grounds, the Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit, and other punishing race tracks.

The hallmark power delivery of BMW M engines is one of the calling cards of the V8 unit fitted in the first-ever BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe. The high-revving 4.4-litre eight-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology impresses with its instant response to the slightest press of the accelerator, vast appetite for revs, and uninterrupted power development over a wide rev band. The engine develops a maximum output of 625 hp with a peak torque of 750 Nm, and teams up with the M Sport exhaust system and eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. As such, the first-ever BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering 3.2 seconds – and gets from 0 to 200 km/h in 11.0 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, and rises to 305 km/h if the optional M Driver’s Package is selected.

The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with a rear-biased configuration channels the engine’s power onto the road with poise and authority. It works via a centrally controlled interaction with the Active M Differential at the rear axle – torque is distributed between the front and rear wheels with creamy smoothness and fully variably by means of the transfer case’s electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. After which, the Active M Differential splits it again between the two rear wheels as the situation demands. Drivers can then use the Setup menu to select 4WD Sport mode, which sends an even higher proportion of drive to the rear wheels and further sharpens handling agility. Deactivating DSC brings 2WD mode into play, with drive fed exclusively through the rear wheels and suppressing any intervention from the control systems to allow experienced drivers to enjoy an unadulterated driving experience.

To maintain optimum operating conditions in all driving settings – from urban journeys to outings on the race track – the first-ever BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe is equipped with a highly efficient cooling system. Its central cooling module is complemented by two remote hightemperature coolers at either side: the low-temperature circuit incorporates the indirect charge air coolers, while the high-temperature circuit supplies coolant to both the engine blocks and the turbochargers. The system also comprises an additional engine oil cooler and a dedicated transmission oil cooler.

The oil supply system has also been geared towards the specific demands of track use. To this end, the oil sump includes a smaller front sump that steps in when extra capacity is needed. This ensures a reliable supply of oil at all times, even when the car is subject to extreme rates of lateral and longitudinal acceleration.

The design and responses of the model-specific chassis technology have been prompted by the particular demands of track use, likewise the extremely stiff mountings connecting the suspension to the body. The V8’s rigid connection to the vehicle structure results in a remarkably direct transmission of engine power to the drivetrain, sharpening the car’s responses on turn-in and transmits the rousing engine note into the cabin with satisfying effect.

Standard specification includes electronically controlled dampers and electromechanical M Servotronic steering. COMFORT mode smooths out imperfections in the road surface, while switching to SPORT mode activates significantly firmer damper settings, fine-tuned on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit. Activating SPORT PLUS mode produces an even tauter setup to achieve maximum longitudinal and lateral acceleration on smooth stretches of asphalt, such as race tracks. In its M-specific configuration, the new integrated braking system enables two different brake pedal settings – the driver can choose between a more comfort-oriented response when braking and a particularly direct effect with instantaneous response.

Among the ingredients in the extravagant appearance of this four-door high-performance sports car is its dynamically stretched silhouette, muscular shoulders, and standalone rear-end design. Measuring 5,098 mm from nose to tail, the first-ever BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe is 231 mm longer than its two-door sibling. Its distinct proportions are lent further emphasis by a width of 1,943 mm and height of 1,420 mm. Track widths are 1,626 mm at the front and 1,660 mm at the rear. The front section of the firstever BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe is identical to BMW M8 Coupe up to the A-pillars, and the windscreen is positioned at a more upright angle, resulting in increased headroom for the occupants in the front of the four-door sports car.

Minimised weight (the car is just 95 kg heavier than the BMW M8 Competition Coupe), a low centre of gravity, wide tracks, superb aerodynamic balance, and a familiar M approach to increasing the stiffness of the body structure and suspension mountings all serve to maximise performance. The wheelbase of the Gran Coupe model measures 3,027 mm, an increase of 200 mm longer than that of the two-door variant – the addition in wheelbase length enables all chassis and control systems to be adjusted for individual levels of comfort without having to compromise on the car’s extremely sporty character. This brings exceptional spaciousness to the rear compartment, and a third rear seat is available for short journeys. The boot has a capacity of 440 litres.

Furthermore, a BMW kidney grille surround and model badging in High-gloss Black, forged M light-alloy wheels with a high-sheen milled 3D pattern and bi-colour paint finish, a black rear spoiler, and an M Sport exhaust system with Black Chrome tailpipes provide a visual showcase for the high-performance character of the new model. The first-ever BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe is also specified with 20" M light alloy wheels in the Star-spoke style 813 M Bicolour with mixed tyres as standard.

Track-focused performance qualities combine with lavish spaciousness to deliver dynamic prowess and exclusivity in unprecedented form in the firstever BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe. Its interior successfully blends the characteristic racing flavour of M models with a feeling of abundant space and luxury. Carbon Fibre interior trim strips and red splashes of colour on the steering wheel’s M buttons and the Start/Stop button on the centre console set the tone for the cockpit.

The sporty feel is further amplified via the newlook gear selector lever with Drivelogic switch. Trimmed in leather with an M logo and stitching in M GmbH colours, the selector lever also incorporates a distinctive cut-out with integral lighting for added emphasis. An Alcantara headliner adds a further touch of luxury.

The inimitable M feeling continues with M sports seats upholstered in BMW Individual ‘Merino’ full leather trim featuring perforated 3D quilting, as well as M seat belts. The front seats also feature active seat ventilation, as well as electric adjustment and a memory function. The rear backrest has a 40:20:40 split/folding design.

A Setup button on the centre console gives the driver direct access to the settings for the engine, dampers, steering, M xDrive and braking system. Two individually composed variants of the M Setup can be stored and called up using the M buttons on the steering wheel. Added to which, the M Mode button on the centre console allows the driver assistance systems and the instrument cluster / Head-Up Display screens to be configured as required. Drivers can also select TRACK mode in addition to ROAD and SPORT.

The latest advances in the areas of operation and connectivity can be enjoyed with the likewise standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional, complete with navigation system and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. In addition, the exclusive standard equipment of the first-ever BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe includes Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Laserlight, an M-specific BMW Head-Up Display, M sports seats, and the Parking Assistant Plus function. The Driving Assistant Professional system eases the driver’s workload in monotonous driving situations – it enhances both comfort and safety with features such as the Steering and lane control assistant, the Lane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection, the Evasion Assistant, and the Crossroads warning, Wrong-way warning and Front Cross Traffic Alert systems.

The first-ever BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe is now available for viewing at the Performance Munich Autos showroom.

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