
The BMW M8 is BMW M GmbH's flagship grand touring performance car — powered by the S63M 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 producing 600 hp in standard Competition trim, equipped with M Carbon Ceramic brakes, active M rear differential, M xDrive all-wheel drive, and representing the ultimate expression of BMW M's GT performance philosophy alongside the M5.
The BMW M8 Competition launched in 2019 as the pinnacle of the 8 Series range — developed by BMW M GmbH rather than BMW's M Performance division, placing it in the same category as the M3, M4, and M5. The M8 uses the S63M 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 in its most advanced form, producing 600 hp and 750 Nm of torque through the M Steptronic 8-speed transmission to the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The Competition Package, which became the only available specification from 2022, adds 17 hp for a total of 617 hp.
Unlike the M850i M Performance car, the M8 Competition features full M GmbH hardware throughout: active M rear differential with torque vectoring, M Carbon Ceramic brake option, M-tuned adaptive suspension with specific spring and damper rates developed by M GmbH, and a rear-wheel-drive mode accessed through M xDrive settings. The M8 Competition Gran Coupe adds four doors to this hardware package — making it arguably the most practical full-M car BMW produces, comfortably accommodating four adults with the performance of a genuine supercar.
In Azerbaijan, the M8 is the apex of what BMW offers in the GT class. Its combination of supercar-level straight-line performance (3.2 seconds to 100 km/h) with 8 Series grand touring comfort creates a vehicle that has very few direct competitors. The S63 engine is shared with the M5 Competition and the XM, giving BMW Baku familiarity with the powertrain. The M8 is a rare car in the Azerbaijani market — a badge of ultimate BMW M prestige for buyers who want the very best.
Exterior design, cabin layout, and real-world use reference images. Broken links gracefully fall back to text tiles.
| Variant | Engine | Power | 0–100 km/h | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M8 Competition Coupe (G15) | S63M 4.4L TT V8 | 600–617 hp | 3.2 sec | Two-door M flagship GT |
| M8 Competition Convertible (G14) | S63M 4.4L TT V8 | 600–617 hp | 3.3 sec | Open-top M flagship GT |
| M8 Competition Gran Coupe (G16) | S63M 4.4L TT V8 | 600–617 hp | 3.2 sec | Four-door M flagship — most practical |
| M850i xDrive Gran Coupe (G16) | N63 4.4L TT V8 | 530 hp | 3.7 sec | M Performance step below M8 |
Competitor choice in Azerbaijan should account not only for headline specs, but for service ecosystem, parts availability, and ownership confidence over your actual routes.
| Model | Core Strength | Main Compromise (Local Context) |
|---|---|---|
| Ferrari Roma | Naturally aspirated V8 character, unmatched driving experience, Ferrari prestige and residuals | No Ferrari service infrastructure in Azerbaijan; extremely limited parts availability; much higher cost |
| Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S (X290) | AMG GT performance credentials, 4-door option, strong brand presence, 630 hp 4.0L V8 | GT 63 S is slightly more track-biased and less GT-comfortable than M8 over very long distances |
| Porsche 911 Turbo S (992) | Definitively better driving dynamics, superior residuals, benchmark performance | Two-seat sports car — not a grand tourer; 911 service support strong but parts cost high |
| Aston Martin DBS Superleggera | Unmatched GT character and drama, hand-built quality, 725 hp V12 | No Aston Martin dealer presence in Azerbaijan; service availability essentially zero |
BMW has an established service presence in Baku through authorised dealerships and independent specialists familiar with the brand. Parts supply for common maintenance items is generally reliable, though specialist components for performance models and older generations may require additional lead time.
Adjust these values for your driving profile. All figures are estimates for planning purposes only.
Inspect each point thoroughly before committing to a purchase. Request service records, VIN validation, and any recall completion documentation.
The M8 Competition and M5 Competition use the same S63 engine and M xDrive hardware. The M5 is a saloon with four doors and more rear headroom — it is arguably the more practical M car. The M8 Competition has the more dramatic body and a lower, wider stance that gives it a marginally sharper chassis feel. The M8 Gran Coupe directly competes with the M5 Competition as a four-door performance car. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise the 8 Series GT aesthetic or the 5 Series saloon practicality.
The M8 Competition is more livable than its performance numbers suggest. The adaptive suspension in Comfort mode is genuinely compliant for a 617 hp car — the air suspension of the standard 8 Series means the M8's underpinnings have a comfortable baseline. M xDrive provides all-weather confidence. Fuel cost at Baku pump prices is the most significant daily constraint. Many M8 Competition owners in comparable markets use them regularly with minimal drama. It is demanding but entirely usable.
The M8 is a fundamentally different car to the M850i despite superficial similarities. The M8 uses the S63M engine (versus the N63 in the M850i) — an M GmbH-developed unit with a higher redline, more aggressive tune, and stronger S-designation. The chassis is developed by M GmbH with specific geometry, spring rates, and damper calibration not shared with the M850i. The active M rear differential is M GmbH-spec. The M8 also has M Carbon Ceramic brake availability. It is an M car; the M850i is an M Performance car — a meaningful distinction in hardware and character.
The BMW M8 Competition is the apex of BMW's grand touring lineup — a car that combines 617 hp S63 V8 performance with the 8 Series' genuine GT comfort credentials. It is expensive to buy, expensive to run, and demands attentive ownership. In return it delivers an experience that very few four-seat cars anywhere can match. For the Azerbaijan buyer who wants the absolute best BMW M GT car and has the budget and commitment to own it properly, the M8 Competition Gran Coupe is the most complete answer.
BakuWheels uses cookies to improve your experience, analyse site traffic, and personalise content. By clicking Accept All, you consent to our use of cookies. Learn more in our Cookie Policy.