The BMW M8 Gran Coupé First Edition is a BMW like no other. Based on the M8 Gran Coupé Concept, an exclusive collection of only 8 First Edition models were produced, along with a further run of limited-edition models available for purchase. Michelle Roberts, Marketing Director of BMW UK, and Graeme Grieve, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group UK share their thoughts on this exclusive ’spiritual successor’ to the original BMW 8 Series.
 

THE ORIGINAL BMW 8 SERIES WAS RELEASED 30 YEARS AGO, HOW HAS THE ESSENCE OF THE ORIGINAL CAR BEEN CARRIED INTO THE NEW M8?

GG: I remember the launch of the original 8 Series really well. It was 1990, my first year at BMW, and I was lucky enough to be at the customer launch event. Back then, as it is now, the car was stylistically stunning, with features like pop-up headlights, Dynamic Stability Control and rear-wheel steering. The on-board display system, chassis dynamics and many other features ensure this level of detail is carried through to the new M8.

Of course, we never had M in the original 8 Series. We had an 840i, an 850i and we had an M Sport, but we never had a full M car. With the current 8 Series, it was only right we introduced it in its true M form and it’s available in three body styles; Coupé, Convertible and, my personal favourite, the Gran Coupé. It’s very much the pinnacle of the BMW range.

MR: Well, I wasn’t old enough to fully experience the original 8 Series when it came out but, the beauty of it was in its striking, yet elegant, design - a distinctive wedge shape with the pop-up headlights Graeme mentioned. It was the original Grand Tourer - a real force of nature. We’ve taken these characteristics and adapted them to create something modern, unique and exhilarating.

WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES AN M CAR TRULY M?

MR: Ever since the first M car was created nearly 40 years ago, M has stood for the flawless combination of dynamics, agility and precision. However, what makes M cars unique is that they do this whilst being perfect for everyday use.

GG: The thing that makes an M car truly M is the way it makes you feel as much as the way it drives. From the moment you get in the car, and even as you approach it, it’s those classic M styling features. The interior feels noticeably different, and then when you press that start button you realise that it’s something quite special.

It’s all in the details. It’s in the powertrain, the suspension, the change in dynamics of the steering rack. Everything about it has just been super-tuned to give you that ultimate driving experience. It’s the feel of the chassis, more than the absolute power of the car, that resonates most with me. The M really takes the BMW experience to another level.

WHAT DOES THIS LIMITED EDITION M8 MEAN TO BMW?

MR: Put simply, the BMW M8 Gran Coupé First Edition is our flagship car. We’re incredibly proud of it, and the fact that it is one of only eight worldwide makes it completely individual. It is based on the M8 Gran Coupé Concept, which was the epitome of design, innovation and craftsmanship when it was unveiled in March 2018. Personally, I love this car. I use it in presentations when I want to demonstrate everything BMW stands for, and really get my team excited. It has everything I adore about cars - classic sports car styling with a modern twist, and absolutely breathtaking performance.

GG: The M8 is the pinnacle of the BMW range, so it is very much a brand leader. It’s the car that, we hope, people are going to really aspire to own - everyone from existing BMW owners to people who haven’t even taken their driving tests yet. The car looks stunning, it’s got a real presence. It’s one of those cars that you look at from every angle and you see something different - you walk around it and you realise just how much thought has gone into creating an incredible driving experience. I think that has a very positive impact on how you view every other BMW in the range.

WHAT IS THE FIRST THING THAT STRIKES YOU ABOUT THIS CAR?

MR: I think that will be different for everyone, but for me it’s the colour - BMW Individual Aurora Diamond Green Metallic, an iridescent finish inspired by the Northern Lights. It’s a great reflection of the bold, striking appearance of the original M8, but with an understated elegance. Then to add to the classic sports car look, the seats are a rich brown, which contrasts beautifully with the green exterior. It is a modern take on the classic sports car.

GG: The first thing that strikes you is the scale, I mean it’s a large car and it has great presence. It looks strong but, but not overly aggressive. So whatever angle you approach it from, it just looks like it’s a car to be driven, a car to be experienced.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE M8 GRAN COUPÉ FIRST EDITION’S UNIQUE FEATURES, SUCH AS THE YELLOW LASERLIGHTS AND INDIVIDUAL EXTERIOR PAINT?

GG: The M8 is such a striking car and the ‘8 of 8’ First Edition just takes that to another level. The unique paint colour and the yellow laserlights are a clear homage to the Grand Touring heritage of the car, and the gills in the front wings are also distinctly M.

The feature I love most is revealed when you open the door - a light effect displays the words ‘1 of 8’ on the ground, along with the M logo. That was a real ‘wow’ moment for me. Plus there's ‘Exclusive Manufaktur’ and ‘1 of 8’ etched onto the kick plates. It’s that fine detailing that makes this exceptional vehicle so exclusive.

MR: This car is really a showcase for what can be done with BMW Individual Manufaktur, our bespoke service that allows total customisation of any BMW. We are seeing customers looking for more and more differentiation, something they feel they’ve had a part in. The paint finishes, upholstery, trims, and wheels can all be chosen to create something completely personal. it’s features like the yellow laserlights, the Aurora Diamond Green Metallic paint finish, hand-stitched logos and engravings that remind you this is an exclusive car, wherever you look.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE STATISTIC RELATED TO THIS MODEL?

MR: I think it would have to be the acceleration. 0 to 62mph in just 3.2 seconds, making it the joint fastest BMW in production, along with the M8 Competition Coupé.

GG: The spread of torque really stands out for me. The car just has instant, continuous thrust. I always think torque is more important than power - it’s about flexibility to adapt to the environment. There are always unpredictable situations on the road, when you need a burst of speed to overtake, for example. That’s where the M8 is just amazing.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE M8 IN ONLY 8 WORDS?

MR: Exclusive. Elegant. Powerful. Striking. Beautiful. Masterful. Luxurious. Sublime.

GG: Powerful. Confident. Exclusive. Controlled. Energising. Charismatic. Muscular. Sophisticated.

HOW DO YOU THINK THIS CAR WILL BE PERCEIVED BY BMW FANS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC?

MR: BMW M products have always had a huge following in the UK, so I know there’ll be a massive buzz about the M8 Gran Coupé First Edition, especially with five of them coming to the UK market. It’s just a stunning car, you can’t help but admire its striking design and unique features. And I’ve no doubt that its modern take on the classic sports car look will inspire real excitement among enthusiasts.

GG: I think everyone is going to love it. It’s not a car that is going to alienate anyone - sometimes cars of this price range can polarise people. But I think because it’s a BMW, it seems accessible, or something very similar is, so it has that unique ability to reach a very broad audience.

THE M8 IS THE HALO FOR THE BMW M RANGE. WHAT IS THE FUTURE FOR BMW M?

MR: We’ve given a tantalising glimpse of the future with the BMW Vision M NEXT - a sports car that would also be suitable for use in city centres, where zero-emissions zones may come into force in the future.

GG: BMW M has a long history, it’s almost 40 years since the first M car. It has really grown from its original motorsport roots through to what it is now. And M, like the rest of BMW, will evolve to take account of changing social, political and environmental factors. I think what we will see is things like electrification and hybridisation coming to M. Maybe in the not distant future you could even see an electric M car.