2020 BMW M8 Gran Coupe is not really a couple, but it looks and acts like one.
2020 BMW M8 Gran Coupe Overview
BMW can call it whatever it wants, but a true coupe has only two doors while a sedan comes with four. Under BMW’s new nomenclature, their four-door hatchback model cars are now referred to not as sedans, but rather as “Gran Coupes” including everything from the BMW 2-Series through the X6. Crossover or SUV Bimmers with four doors are now designated as “Sports Activity Coupes “ or SAVs.
Additionally, BMW now also uses the numeral 8 instead of 6 when referring to their luxurious upscale grand tourers, with the 8-series Gran Coupe taking the top position as the best looking, classiest and most spacious while providing comfortable seating for five adults and their personal lifestyle gear, with practical, comfortable rear seat accommodations, despite the fact that the back seat’s headroom is encroached upon. The BMW M8 Gran Coupe is longer than its two-door stablemates and also provides more cargo space.
2020 BMW M8 Gran Coupe Energy Source 
Power for the 2020 M8 Gran Coupe is generated by a longitudinally front mounted 4.4-liter, DOHC, 32-valve BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8 that cranks out 600 ponies at 6,000 rpm along with 553 pound feet of torque at 1,800 rpm. Energy is transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and steering wheel mounted paddle shifters to the driving wheels via BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system with rear wheel drive capability. One can gain an extra 17 horsepower by opting for the Competition Package.
ELEGANT PACKAGE INSIDE AND OUT
The regular BMW 8 Series Coupe is already large to begin with, but the 2020 M8 Gran Coupe is longer, wider and taller. It’s also heavier. Despite its larger dimensions, the Gran Coupe still displays a long and low image with aggressive front styling and an aerodynamic silhouette. its carbon fiber roof, 20-inch wheels and quad exhaust outlets sends the message to all that this big 4-door sedan (errr, Gran Coupe) is a serious performer. Its modern exterior design comes with an air of sensual exclusivity and allure, displaying a low-slung, elongated silhouette that features slim window pillars, a long wheelbase and an expressive wide track.
The overall design form is sculpted with signature headlights, and It is enhanced by the exaggerated and elaborate styling of the front end with its large, functional air intakes.
The kidney grill showcases increased proportions featuring a hexagonal outline that widens towards the bottom with a single-piece surround that encompasses it. The full LED headlights feature BMW LaserLight technology.
The cabin is sharply tapered at the rear, accentuating the strong shoulder line. The long, heavily raked rear window is a classic representation of high performance luxury sports coupes of yesteryear.
The Gran Coupe’s aft end is comprised of sculpted surfaces emphasizing the car’s tail width and low center of gravity. Slim all-LED rear light clusters extend deeply into the flanks adding to the effect. The taillights light uniformly in an ‘L’ shape, and twin exhaust tailpipes with a trapezoidal contour appear on either side of the rear lower section.
Kidney grille slats and Air Curtains including Air Breathers aid in aerodynamacism along with narrow exterior mirror bases, mounted directly on the side window weather strips. The overall proportions accentuate its menacing face and shapely haunches.
The M Sport package adds a muscular body kit and black exterior trim along with an M-specific steering wheel and other interior upgrades. Other noteworthy options include a set of 20-inch wheels on performance run-flat tires for enhanced cornering capability and the Comfort Seating package which comes with added front-seat adjustments, heated front and rear seats, ventilated, cooling front cushions, and power rear sunshades.
A RICHLY FUNCTIONAL INTERIOR
Upscale features abound in the sumptuously appointed cabin. It is exquisitely outfitted—despite being somewhat somewhat sedately styled. There’s a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, customizable ambient lighting, a large head-up display, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and wireless charging. The interior may be further upgraded with elaborate headliners, glass switchgear, and multi-functional seats with increased adjustability. The driving position is very comfortable thanks to a well-placed dead pedal. Forward visibility is excellent, but the rearward view through the steeply angled fastback’s glass is on the restricted side. Legroom is more generous in the back seat of the Gran Coupe than in its two-door counterparts but headroom is limited due to the angled roofline—. The cargo area increases with the rear seat stowed.
CONNECTIVITY AND INFOTAINMENT
A 10.3-inch touchscreen is the focal point of the M8 Gran Coupe’s iDrive infotainment system, that’s positioned high on the dashboard providing a host of functions. In addition to a convenient rotary knob and center console touch inputs, the system answers to a combination of voice commands, conventional buttons, and optional gesture controls. Every Gran Coupe features as standard, Apple CarPlay, a Harman/Kardon audio system, several charging ports, and subscription-based services such as SiriusXM satellite radio and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Android Auto is not yet available. A Bowers & Wilkins stereo system is optionally available for $3,400 if you’re a wealthy audiophile.
DRIVER ASSISTANCE AND SAFETY FEATURES
The M8 Gran Sport does have standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, while other features are available at extra cost, such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology; lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist; and blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic assist.
2020 BMW M8 Gran Coupe As Tested
My 2020 BMW M8 xDrive Gran Coupe wore a rich Almandin Brown II metallic exterior finish complemented by a Toruma Brown full Merino leather interior. The base price was set at $130,000., while the final tally came to $154,295., after factoring in the optional fare, which included: the Driving Assistance Package; Drivers Assistance Pro Package; M Driver’s Package, M Carbon Ceramic brakes, Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system and the destination charge.
PERFORMANCE
In describing the M8 Gran Coupe’s performance capability , the word awesome comes to mind. Acceleration is blistering – the big TwinPower turbo V-8 hurtles the nearly two ton and a half ton coupe’s mass from 0-60 mph in a mere 3.6 seconds with an electronically-limited top track speed of 155 mph. EPA mileage estimates are 17.0 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
Steering is positive and the overall handling characteristics are extremely agile and beyond reproach with amazing stability and outstanding braking – all while in totally luxurious comfort in a track scenario, but the 8-Series Gran Sport obviously also does quite well in normal every day driving with all of its power at the ready.
The smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic gearbox and the velvety V8 engine work well together in delivering the 8-series Gran Coupe’s capability.
OUR FINAL TAKE
The 8 is reserved for emotionally stirring, sporty cars of an exceptional nature, and the M8 Gran Coupe will be BMW’s Flagship.
The 2020 BMW M8 xDrive Gran Coupe is truly an amazing automobile. If you are fortunate enough to be able to afford it, it’s worth every penny of its sticker price.
It is not only incredibly good looking, it’s incredibly comfortable and it’s almost unbelievably quick as well, while prompting broad smiles. Its pleasing engine and exhaust notes are enhanced by the standard flap-controlled sports exhaust system. The Driving Experience Control switch may be used to activate both extremely sporty and distinctly comfort-oriented powertrain settings. In the SPORT and SPORT+ modes, accelerator response as well as the V8 engine’s power delivery and acoustics – which take on a particularly distinctive note in the SPORT+ setting – are all configured for an exhilarating motoring experience.
The 2020 M8-Series Gran Coupe is clearly
a winner even if it does have four doors.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2020 BMW M8 Gran Coupe
Base Price: $130,000.
Price as Tested: $154,295.
Engine Type and Size: 4.4-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8
Horsepower (bhp): 600 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 553 @ 1,800 rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with overdrive. And steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
Drive Train: Longitudinally front mounted engine / M xDrive all-wheel drive system with rear wheel drive capability.
Suspension: Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers.
Front – Double wishbone with coil springs and anti-roll bar.
Rear – Multilink with coil springs and anti-roll bar.
Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel vented discs with ABS, Brake Assist, Hill Descent Control, Hill Hold Control and Electric Parking Brake.
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Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 275/135 R20 front / 285/35 R20 Rear mounted on 5 grooved “V”-spoke alloy wheels – machine face with black inners.
Wheelbase: 119.2 inches
Length Overall: 200.9 inches
Width: 76.5 inches w/o mirrors
Height: 55.9 inches
Curb Weight: 4,480 lbs.
Turning Circle: 42.4 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 20.1 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 17 mpg city / 15-mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: 0.31
0 – 60 mph: 3.6 seconds – Top track speed 155 mph electronically limited.
