2024 BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe is one slinky, sexy sedan

The 2024 BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe—which given its name is inexplicably a four-door sedan—starts at a price that people once paid for their homes: $138,800. Given the rich tariff, the 2024 BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe comes with something very comforting: the thought that no matter what the driving situation, you have the horsepower, agility and impeccable style that comes with a vehicle that costs six figures. And there’s something simply wonderful about that.

The test model supplied by BMW was a 2023, but the BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe remains unchanged for 2024.

First arriving in 2020, the BMW M8 Gran Coupe is wrapped in enticingly slinky, sexy sheet metal with a low overall height that reduces headroom but gives it a sporty appearance for a sedan. Our car was enhanced by its carbon fiber roof and carbon fiber exterior trim on exterior components, including the side mirrors and rear spoiler.

Available in 600-horsepower base trim, and 617-horsepower Competition trim, the difference in horsepower amounts to one-tenth of a second running 0-to-60 mph, which for the latter trim amounts to three seconds. That’s fast for any car. Just count to three. You’re at 60 mph on your way to a top speed of 150 mph, or 190 mph when the optional M Driver’s Package is specified. When it is, you’ll nab M School driver training at the BMW Performance Center in either in Greer, South Carolina, or Thermal, California. Given this fierce four-door’s capabilities, I’d highly recommend it. Besides, it’s really fun. Another recommended option: carbon-ceramic brakes. This rig is quick.

Power is routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels, meaning this sedan can safely transfer its power to the pavement while providing incredible amounts of grip. But you can still have fun thanks to a rear-wheel-drive mode that allows you to play with the back-end. It’s a hoot.

To say this sedan is blisteringly fast is an understatement. In fact, a number of well-worn adjectives comes up when attempting to describe its performance, with words like rocket and missile coming to mind. And the power is maintained through corners, with tires that seem reluctant to relinquish any grip. The body remains flat thanks to its standard adaptive suspension. The ride is very firm, even with the suspension dialed into comfort mode. There’s some compliance over the rough stuff, but not enough to mistake it for the cushy 7 Series. Steering is perfectly weighted with enough communication to know what the car is doing. Braking is strong, providing short, straight stops, although brake pedal feel could be better.

Our test car returned 21.6 mpg, slightly less than the EPA’s 22 mpg rating, resulting mostly from highway driving. Given its performance, that’s very good for a conventional gas powertrain. Premium fuel is required.

The test car was fitted with optional M Carbon bucket seats, which not only look great but also prove supportive during aggressive maneuvers as well as long trips in the saddle. They’re ventilated, while all seating positions are heated. There’s also a heated steering wheel and armrest. As you may have surmised, both the front and back seats have center consoles, so there’s also four-zone climate control.

That said, the cabin is fairly cozy despite this sedan’s 200-plus-inch length. For the eternally claustrophobic, I would recommend the 7 Series instead. For the rest of us, there’s the unbridled fun of the M8 Competition Gran Coupe, a fast and furious four-door and serious fashionista.

The M8’s cabin is fabulously finished with fine detailing that feels appropriately extravagant. But its design doesn’t dazzle you with the third-world casino vibe of some high-end Mercedes-Benz models, nor does it suffer from the dour Germanic aura of Audi. Instead, there’s a lavishness that’s indulgent without being showy.

A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch digital infotainment touchscreen with an ancillary rotary controller on the center console. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a Wi-Fi hotspot are standard. Our test car came with the optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system, which provides flawless sound.

But the sound that resonates most is the sound of the M8’s Twin-turbo powerplant, unleashing its might as it hauls down the highway, its passengers ensconced in impeccable comfort. It’s a beguiling, delightful experience. Yet the 2024 BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe’s performance, technology and fine fittings makes long journeys effortless. After one eight-hour 750-mile drive, I arrived as if I had just left the house, not feeling fatigued or tired. It’s why cars like the 2024 BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe command a premium.

And that premium is justified by the 2024 BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe’s performance. And its name is apt, for its overall agility, comfort and tech package are truly a grand coup for any buyer.

NUTS & BOLTS

Base price: $138,800

Engine: Twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8

Horsepower/Torque: 617/553 pound-feet

EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 15/22 mpg

Observed fuel economy: 21.6 mpg

Fuel required: Premium

Length/Width/Height: 200.9/76.5/55.9 inches

Ground clearance: 5.1 inches

Payload: 900 ponds

Cargo capacity: 11 cubic feet