BMW M8 Competition Coupe and the BMW M Bike

By Alexandra Cheney |  January 29 2020

Pedal power meets horsepower under the same umbrella design language, which is keen on carbon fiber components and lightweight, albeit functional, performance.

Smooth surface track days and pavement dreams become a reality thanks to the company-coined ‘signature BMW experience.’ It almost reads like propaganda, were it not the driving force behind BMW’s M-line.

As the most powerful engine in BMW’s lineup, the M8 Competition Coupe delivers 617 hp from a 4.4-liter V8 engine. It’s exhilarating 0 to 60 mph occurs in just 3.0 seconds.

The coupe growls as it goes, happily consuming asphalt and, upon stopping, often begs for more. From the pinched, dual-lined hood up over the double-bubble contour of its carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic roof to the gentle application of cutout rear wing, the character-defining features err on the side of edgy, even refreshing.

The M8 Competition Coupe delivers 617 hp from a 4.4-liter V8 engine

Implementing the same aerodynamic desire for speed, the M Bike draws inspiration from the M lineup

Gone is the fear of sharp angles and deep, robust curves. Nearly two decades in the making, this vehicle signals a significant expansion of the rarefied second-generation 8 series.

Look no further than the two-toned wraparound quad exhaust, should a further example of statement-making impact be in question. There’s no entreaty for electrification here.

Implementing the same aerodynamic desire for speed, the M Bike clearly draws its inspiration from the M lineup. The matte black paintwork and M Motorsport color stripes create an easy allusion.

But it’s the 11-gear Shimano SLX/XT groupset with carbon fiber fork, spacers and seat posts that mimic the lightweight design and trackside style of the Coupe. Should a customer place the bike in the foreground and the car in the background, similar swoops and shapes abound. The sporty yet composed likeness is undeniable.

BMW M8 Competition Coupe from $146,000, M Bike from $1,680, bmwusa.com

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