BMW Thailand has introduced the BMW M8
Coupe in the kingdom. Munich’s flagship coupe is imported in the top
Competition spec for a hefty 17.999 million baht. Unveiled in June 2019, the F92 Coupe is
powered by an S63 4.4 litre twin-turbocharged V8 that develops 600 hp at 6,000
rpm and 750 Nm of torque between 1,800 and 5,600 rpm. Power is sent to all four
wheels via an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission with Drivelogic
settings. So equipped, the M8 will do 0-100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds, and top
speed with the M Driver’s Package is 305 km/h.
The M8 Competition raises power to 625 hp
and extends peak torque output to 5,800 rpm. It also gets stiffer engine mounts
for quicker throttle response and a more instantaneous turn-in, along with a
switchable M Sport exhaust system that’s optional in the “base” car. The
Competition is a tenth faster to 100 km/h at 3.2 seconds.
The M8 gets the F90 M5’s M xDrive all-wheel
drive system, which varies torque distribution between the front and rear
wheels depending on conditions and the chosen setting. While the system already
features a rear bias as standard, putting the car in 4WD Sport mode sends even
more torque to the rear axle; the hardcore 2WD mode, only available with DSC
switched off, locks the system in RWD. An Active M Diff is fitted at the rear.
Competition models benefit from increased
front camber and the use of ball joints on the rear toe links, further improving
cornering dynamics. There’s also a Track mode that turns all assists, the
centre screen and the audio system off, enabling the driver to focus 100% on
driving.
More Competition-exclusive items are gloss
black exterior highlights, complex forged alloys and the option of leather and
Alcantara trim in a contrasting two-tone scheme. More on the MotoGP safety car
here. The M8 is also available in Convertible and four-door Gran Coupe form.