BMW is gunning for the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 with the
M8 Gran Coupe, which is a few months away from being launched. Announced for the 2019 Los
Angeles Auto Show on November 22, which will be preceded by the four-day press
and trade event, it will target those who find the M5 a bit too conservative,
with a four-door coupe body style and more upmarket positioning.
The other two members of the M8 family, the Coupe
and Convertible, have inspired the front end of the car up to the C pillar.
Some styling influences have been borrowed from the Concept M8 Gran Coupe as
well, although they were toned down for production.
Compared to the 8-Series Gran Coupe, the M8 will
feature a stiffer chassis, bigger brakes and sports exhaust system with quad
tailpipes. Drivers will be able to alter the response of the powertrain,
suspension and steering at the push of a button, making the car suitable either
for a long and relaxing highway drive or some quick laps at the track.
Competing against the likes of the AMG GT 63 and GT
63 S requires a lot of brute force, as the former enjoys 639 PS and the latter 585 PS from Merc’s 4.0-liter, twin-turbo
V8. Thus, the M8 Gran Coupe will put BMW’s 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8, which produces
600 PS in the standard M8 Coupe and Convertible, and 625 PS in Competition spec, to good use and bring on the fight to
its arch rival from Stuttgart.
