REVIEW

Back in the 1990’s BMW had a range-topping super-coupe called the 8-Series – it was sleek, powerful and sold terribly but had a huge following. They made one single prototype that used the M8 name, but sadly that was all that came of it. BMW aren’t about to repeat that mistake though as the new 8-Series has now spawned a proper, full-fat M/// version – the M8 Competition. Sharing the same taught, muscular body the M8 adds another 200% more aggression with a lower front bumper, massive intakes, wider sills and bigger side vents behind the wheels. It’s the rear that really shows what the M8 is capable of though, with a huge rear diffuser, trademark quad exhaust pipes and a chunky lip spoiler. Add in the satin paintwork and this new M8 looks seriously menacing. Under that bonnet sits a reworked 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 that now produces 616bhp, still linked to the xDrive AWD system through an 8spd auto gearbox. Performance is understandably brisk, hitting 62mph in 3.2 seconds on the way to a limited 155mph top speed, though this can be upped to 174mph with the optional BMW Drivers Package.