BMW M8 Review: What Sets It Apart from the Standard M8 in 2025?

The BMW M8 is one of those cars that turns heads wherever it goes. It’s bold, fast, and full of features that make every drive feel special. Whether you’ve seen one on the road or are seriously considering buying one, you might be wondering:

What makes the BMW M8 different from the rest of the 8 Series lineup? And what’s new for 2025?

This review breaks it all down, performance, features, style, and everything in between, so you can get a clear picture of what sets the BMW M8 apart.

What Is the BMW M8?

The BMW M8 is the ultimate version of BMW’s already impressive 8 Series. While the regular 8 Series is known for its luxury and smooth ride, the M8 cranks things up in a big way. It’s built by BMW’s M division, the same team that handles all of BMW’s high-performance models. That means it’s not just another luxury car, it’s a serious sports car built for speed, handling, and excitement.

You can choose the M8 in three body styles, depending on your preferences:

• M8 Coupe – Sleek and sporty with two doors
  
• M8 Convertible – Adds the fun of open-top driving
  
• M8 Gran Coupe – A four-door option with extra room, but the same powerful engine

No matter which one you go with, you’re getting one of BMW’s most powerful and advanced cars to date.

Let’s Talk Power: What’s Under the Hood?

The real star of the 2025 BMW M8 is what’s under the hood. It comes with a 4.4-liter V8 engine with twin turbochargers, which means it’s built to go fast and stay fast.

Here’s a quick look at the numbers:

• 617 horsepower
  
• 553 lb-ft of torque
  
• 0 to 60 mph in about 3.0 seconds
  
• Top speed up to 190 mph (with the optional M Driver’s Package)

Those numbers are more than just impressive; they put the M8 in supercar territory.

The M8’s 617 horsepower puts it in elite company alongside other BMW M performance cars, like the M5 Competition and M5 CS, which also deliver supercar-level performance in sedan form.

But it’s not just fast in a straight line. Thanks to xDrive all-wheel drive, the M8 has excellent grip on the road, even in wet conditions. Whether you’re launching off the line or taking sharp corners, the car stays planted and confident.

The 8-speed M Steptronic transmission is another highlight. It shifts quickly and smoothly, adapting to how you drive. Whether you’re cruising in Comfort mode or pushing hard in Sport mode, the transmission keeps the power flowing exactly when you need it.

What Does All That Mean for You?

Driving the M8 feels effortless but thrilling. You don’t have to be a racecar driver to enjoy it, but you’ll definitely feel like one behind the wheel. It’s the kind of car that makes merging onto the highway fun and taking the long way home worth it.

If you’re looking for a car that blends luxury, power, and precision, the BMW M8 delivers on all fronts.

M8 Driving Experience: What’s It Like?

The BMW M8 gives you the power to change how the car drives based on your mood or the road ahead. With just a few taps, you can switch between:

• Comfort Mode – Best for daily driving. It softens the ride and quiets the engine for a smooth, relaxed feel.
  
• Sport Mode – Sharpens throttle response and tightens the suspension. Great for spirited weekend drives.
  
• Track Mode – Designed for closed tracks. This mode unleashes the M8’s full potential, turning off some driver assists so you’re in complete control.

You can also use the M Mode button on the steering wheel to jump between presets quickly. Want a more aggressive setup for your favorite backroad? Just press and go.

So, Is It Fun to Drive?

Absolutely. The BMW M8 isn’t just powerful, it’s playful. It gives you confidence when you’re pushing it hard, but also comfort when you’re just cruising.

It’s the kind of car that makes every drive feel like an event, even if you’re just running errands. That’s what sets the M8 driving experience apart; it’s not just about going fast, it’s about enjoying every second behind the wheel.

The BMW M8 isn’t just built to perform, it’s built to turn heads. From the moment you see it, you know this car means business. Its bold design, aggressive stance, and performance-focused details make it clear that this isn’t your average luxury car. It’s a statement on wheels.

Bold and Athletic Styling

Everything about the M8’s exterior is designed to show off its power and precision. It’s low to the ground, wide at the back, and sculpted in all the right places. Even when it’s parked, the M8 looks fast.

Here are a few standout features that make the 2025 BMW M8 a visual knockout:

• Large Air Intakes
  These aren’t just for show. The oversized front air intakes help cool the engine and brakes while adding an aggressive look to the front end.
  
• Carbon Fiber Roof (Coupe Only)
  Lightweight and sporty, the carbon fiber roof doesn’t just reduce weight, it adds a sleek, race-inspired touch that car enthusiasts love.
  
• Optional M Carbon Package
  If you want even more edge, this package adds carbon fiber accents to the front splitter, mirror caps, rear spoiler, and diffuser. It makes the M8 look even more track-ready.
  
• Shadowline Headlights
  These dark, high-gloss headlight housings give the car a sharp, modern edge, especially noticeable at night. They’re stylish, but they also help the M8 stand out from other BMW models.

Strong Presence from Every Angle

Whether you’re walking up to the M8 from the front or watching it drive away, it has a powerful presence. The wide stance and muscular lines give it a sense of motion, even when it’s standing still.

You’ll also notice small design details that tie the whole look together:

• Quad exhaust tips that hint at the power inside
  
• A sculpted hood that adds depth and character
  
• Bold wheel options that range from sporty to downright aggressive

The BMW M8 is one of those rare cars that looks just as good as it drives. It blends performance design with luxury style, so you never have to choose between the two.

What’s Inside the BMW M8?

Step inside the BMW M8, and you’ll immediately notice one thing: it feels like a true luxury performance car. From the materials to the technology, everything is designed to give you a premium experience without taking the fun out of driving. It’s refined, high-tech, and built with the driver in mind.

Luxury You Can Feel

The first thing you’ll notice when you sit down is the M-specific leather sport seats. These aren’t your average seats; they’re sculpted for comfort and support, with built-in headrests and side bolsters to keep you in place during spirited driving. Covered in fine Merino leather, they look and feel high-end from every angle. Some trims even offer heating, cooling, and massage features.

Throughout the cabin, you’ll find carbon fiber trim, contrast stitching, and M8 badging that remind you this car is something special. Everything is laid out with purpose, and every material, from the leather-wrapped steering wheel to the metal paddle shifters, feels high quality.

Technology at Your Fingertips

The BMW M8 comes equipped with BMW’s latest technology to keep you connected, informed, and entertained while on the road. Front and center is the BMW Curved Display, which combines two high-resolution screens:

• A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that shows your speed, drive mode, navigation directions, and more
  
• A 14.9-inch touchscreen running the iDrive 8.5 system, BMW’s latest and most advanced infotainment setup
  

With iDrive 8.5, you can control almost everything: music, climate, navigation, and settings, using:

• Touchscreen controls
  
• Voice commands (just say “Hey BMW”)
  
• Gesture controls (yes, you can turn up the volume with a wave of your hand)
  
• The iDrive controller knob on the center console

It’s easy to use whether you’re parked or on the move.

Designed for Drivers

While the M8 is packed with luxury features, it still feels like a driver’s car. The cockpit wraps around you, with the gear shifter, steering wheel, and controls all within reach. Even the M Mode button is placed right on the steering wheel, so you can quickly switch drive settings without taking your eyes off the road.

There’s also a head-up display, which projects key info, like speed and navigation, right onto the windshield so you don’t have to look down.

Is It Comfortable for Passengers, Too?

Yes! While the focus is definitely on the driver, the M8 offers plenty of comfort for passengers. The rear seats in the Gran Coupe are surprisingly spacious for a performance car, making it a great option if you want a supercar feel with everyday usability.

The inside of the BMW M8 is the perfect mix of technology, comfort, and sportiness. It feels high-end without being over-the-top, and it’s designed for people who love to drive, but also enjoy the finer things.

M8 vs. Standard 8 Series: What’s the Difference?

If you’re looking at the BMW 8 Series, you might be wondering:
“Is the M8 really that different from the M850i?”

It’s a fair question, after all, both models come with powerful engines, luxurious interiors, and that signature BMW style. But once you take a closer look, the BMW M8 stands in a league of its own. The M8 is built by BMW’s M division, which has a rich history of creating high-performance vehicles that blend luxury with track-ready capabilities.

Let’s break it down.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	M850i xDrive	BMW M8
Horsepower	523 hp	617 hp
0–60 mph	3.8 seconds	3.0 seconds
Suspension	Adaptive Suspension	M Adaptive Suspension with performance tuning
Brakes	M Sport Brakes	M Compound Brakes (Carbon Ceramic optional)
Exhaust System	Standard	M Sport Exhaust (louder and adjustable)
Drive Modes	Comfort/Sport	Comfort/Sport/Track with customizable M Modes
Starting Price	Around $100,000	Around $140,000+

How the M850i Feels to Drive

The BMW M850i is no slouch. With a 523-hp V8 engine and all-wheel drive, it’s fast, smooth, and delivers a seriously luxurious ride. It’s ideal if you want high performance without going full race mode. It still corners beautifully, accelerates hard, and gives you that “grand tourer” feel.

If you want a sporty luxury car that’s comfortable for everyday driving, and you’re not planning to hit the track, the M850i might check all your boxes.

What Makes the M8 Worth the Upgrade?

The BMW M8 takes everything the M850i does well and cranks it up, a lot.

• Faster acceleration: Going from 0–60 in just 3 seconds feels like being launched.
  
• Track-ready suspension: The M Adaptive Suspension is tuned for sharper handling, better body control, and more feedback on twisty roads.
  
• More aggressive sound: The M Sport Exhaust delivers that deep, growling note that lets everyone know you’re driving something serious.
  
• Bigger brakes: M Compound brakes, and optional carbon ceramics, give you better stopping power, especially at higher speeds.
  
• Driver-focused controls: You get extra M buttons on the steering wheel, M Mode presets, and advanced performance displays in the cockpit.

The M8 feels tighter, faster, and more connected. It’s for drivers who don’t just want luxury; they want a thrill every time they press the gas pedal.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re still deciding between the M850i and the BMW M8, here’s a simple way to think about it:

Choose the M850i if you:

• Want a luxurious, powerful ride for everyday use
  
• Don’t plan to take the car on a track
  
• Prefer a quieter, more comfortable driving experience
  

Choose the BMW M8 if you:

• Crave the highest level of performance in the 8 Series lineup
  
• Want a sharper, more responsive ride
  
• Enjoy the feeling of driving a car that’s track-capable and street-ready
  

The M850i is a fantastic grand tourer. But the BMW M8 is something else entirely; it’s built for driving enthusiasts who want their luxury car to perform like a supercar. With more power, more control, and more edge, the M8 delivers an experience you simply won’t find in the standard 8 Series.

Tech and Safety in the 2025 BMW M8

When it comes to technology and safety, BMW didn’t cut any corners with the 2025 M8. It’s loaded with smart features designed to make your drive more convenient, more connected, and most importantly, safer.

Whether you’re cruising on the highway or navigating tight city streets, the M8 uses advanced tools to keep you in control and give you peace of mind.

Smart Tech That Keeps You Connected

Inside the BMW M8, you’ll find some of the brand’s most advanced digital features, all designed to make your driving experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Digital Key Plus
  Forget fumbling for your keys. With Digital Key Plus, you can unlock and start your M8 using just your smartphone. You can even share access with friends or family members digitally.
  
• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
  Connect your phone without plugging in. You can use maps, stream music, make calls, and access apps, all on the large touchscreen display.
  
• iDrive 8.5 with BMW Curved Display
  The M8’s infotainment system is sleek, smart, and super easy to use. The combination of a 14.9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster creates a seamless digital dashboard. It responds to touch, voice, or even hand gestures.
  
• Crystal-Clear Head-Up Display
  This feature projects key info, like speed, navigation, and safety alerts, directly onto the windshield so you can keep your eyes on the road.
  
• Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System (Optional)
  If you love music, you’ll appreciate this optional upgrade. It offers rich, detailed sound with studio-quality clarity, turning every drive into a concert.

Safety Features That Work With You

The 2025 BMW M8 doesn’t just protect you in case something goes wrong; it works constantly in the background to help prevent accidents in the first place.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Highway Assistant
  This semi-autonomous driving feature helps with steering, braking, and acceleration during long highway drives. It’s like having a co-pilot for those boring stretches of road.
  
• Adaptive Cruise Control
  Keeps a safe distance from the car in front of you and adjusts your speed automatically based on traffic conditions.
  
• Lane Keeping Assist
  Gently helps steer the car back into your lane if you start to drift without signaling.
  
• Blind Spot Detection
  Warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot when you’re changing lanes.
  
• Front and Rear Collision Warning with Braking
  If the car senses a potential crash, it can alert you, and even hit the brakes if needed.
  
• 360-Degree Camera System
  Makes parking and tight maneuvers much easier by giving you a bird’s-eye view of your surroundings.

Is the M8 Safe for Daily Driving?

Absolutely. Even though the BMW M8 is built for high performance, it’s fully equipped for daily driving. The safety and tech features make it just as practical as it is powerful.

So whether you’re commuting, going on a road trip, or just running errands, the M8 has the tools to keep you safe, connected, and comfortable.

Choosing the Right M8: Coupe, Convertible, or Gran Coupe?

One of the best things about the BMW M8 is that you can choose the body style that fits your lifestyle and driving style. All three versions have the same thrilling engine and performance features, but each one brings something unique to the table. Like the M4, which also offers both coupe and convertible options, the M8 lets you choose between traditional hardtop performance and open-air driving excitement.

M8 Coupe

If you’re a true driving enthusiast who loves sporty handling and a lightweight feel, the M8 Coupe is for you. It’s the most agile of the group, with a sleek two-door design and a lower center of gravity that makes it perfect for winding roads and spirited weekend drives.

M8 Convertible

Want the same power with a bit more freedom? The M8 Convertible delivers an open-air experience that adds excitement to every drive. Drop the top, feel the wind, and enjoy the roar of the V8 engine. It’s a great choice for sunny-day cruising or anyone who wants a little extra drama on the road.

M8 Gran Coupe

Need something more practical but still want top-tier performance? The M8 Gran Coupe has you covered. With four doors and more rear-seat space, it’s perfect for daily driving, road trips, or even family use, without giving up the thrill of the M8’s 617-horsepower engine.

No matter which version you pick, you’re getting everything that makes the BMW M8 special: high-end luxury, incredible speed, and head-turning style.

Who Should Buy the BMW M8?

The BMW M8 isn’t just a luxury car; it’s a high-performance machine built for people who love to drive. If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t settle for average and wants the best of both worlds, power and comfort, style and substance, then this car is worth a serious look.

The M8 is a great choice if you:

• Love performance driving, but don’t want to give up daily comfort
  
• Want a car that turns heads and makes a bold statement
  
• Need something practical but powerful, especially if you’re considering the Gran Coupe

Whether you’re chasing your dream car or just want the best that BMW has to offer, the 2025 BMW M8 is built to impress.

Why the BMW M8 Stands Out

The BMW M8 is more than just a fast car; it’s a complete experience. From its powerful V8 engine to its luxurious interior and advanced tech, the M8 brings together everything BMW does best. It’s aggressive when you want it to be, refined when you need it to be, and thrilling every time you drive it.

Compared to the rest of the 8 Series, the M8 stands at the top. It’s sharper, stronger, and more focused in every way. If you want a car that delivers true M-level performance without sacrificing everyday usability, the M8 checks every box.

Want to Drive the BMW M8?

Ready to feel the power of the BMW M8 for yourself? Whether you’re leaning toward the Coupe, Convertible, or Gran Coupe, our team is here to help you find the perfect match. Contact us today to schedule a test drive or explore current offers.

It’s time to experience what luxury performance feels like. The road is waiting, and the BMW M8 is ready.