BMW M8 launched at Rs 2.15 crore

BMW has launched its new flagship two-door coupe, the M8, at Rs 2.15 crore (ex-showroom, India). Launched digitally and available through BMW's Contactless Experience online retail platform and through BMW dealers once the lockdown is lifted, the M8 will be available in standard variant (No Competition variant for now). Along with the 8 Series Gran Coupe, the M8 is the first of a number of digital launches for the company this year.

The M8 will be powered by a 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbocharged petrol engine. It produces 616bhp and 750Nm of torque in competition trim. But in the standard M8 that we are getting, it produces a slightly lower 592bhp but still gets a colossal 750Nm of torque. The M8 will come standard with BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system with an option to switch to purely rear wheel drive. All this paired to an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission from ZF will propel the M8 to 100kmph in 3.3 seconds and to a limited top speed of 250kmph. The top speed can be raised to 305kmph with the optional M Driver's package. There is also a new adaptive M suspension system, with double wishbones at the front and a five-link arrangement at the rear, together with variable dampers.

Distinctive exterior features on the M8 include a uniquely styled bumper, prominent M badging in the grille and around the side air vents. The M8 also gets 20-inch M-Sport wheels, mirror housings, a lip spoiler at the boot and a rear bumper with a massive diffuser along with BMW M’s squad round-tailpipes.

On the inside, the M8 gets swathes of Merino leather in the cabin with bits of piano black trim for the dash and the illuminated M headrest logos. There are standout elements like the latest M-Sport steering wheel, stainless-steel pedals, M-Sport seats, and a newly designed M-sport gear lever.

The M8 gets gesture control, a head-up display, wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay. A 12.3-inch digital instrument display behind the steering wheel and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen are also present.

Safety features include six airbags, Attentiveness Assistance, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electric parking brake with auto hold, side-impact protection, electronic vehicle immobilizer and crash sensor and ISOFIX child seat mounting for the two outer rear seats. Customers can also opt for BMW Night Vision with person recognition.

The M8 will go up squarely against the Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe and comes to India via the CBU route. The AMG though is considerably pricier. The M8, as a result, comes across as an aggressively priced product in a part of the market that doesn't see such aggressive pricing. BMW has thrown everything it has at the M8 and as a result, the new BMW flagship gets all the right ingredients (powerful motor, luxurious cabin, cutting edge technology and stunning design) for a luxury coupe like no other.