BMW M5 Competition vs BMW M8 Competition Performance Showdown

When comparing the BMW M5 Competition vs BMW M8 Competition, you’ll notice they share a powerful 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. However, their purposes differ significantly. The M5 Competition delivers 661 ps and 863 Nm of torque, making it a practical yet thrilling performance sedan. On the other hand, the M8 Competition, with 627 ps and 786 Nm of torque, combines luxury and performance in a grand tourer design. Both models achieve impressive speeds of 190 mph, but the M5 edges out slightly in acceleration with a maximum of 0.98 g compared to the M8’s 0.96 g. Whether you prioritize practicality or luxury, the BMW M5 Competition vs BMW M8 Competition presents a compelling choice.

Key Takeaways

• The BMW M5 Competition is a fast and useful sedan. The M8 Competition is more about luxury and long trips.

• Both cars have a strong 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. This engine makes 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque.

• The M8 Competition is quicker, going 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds. The M5 takes 2.7 seconds to reach the same speed.

• The M5 is better for families or everyday driving. It has more space inside and gets 26 mpg fuel efficiency.

• The M8 feels fancier with high-end materials and cool tech features.

Performance Comparison

Engine and Power

Both the BMW M5 Competition and BMW M8 Competition share the same 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, delivering identical figures for horsepower and torque. This engine produces 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, ensuring thrilling performance in both models. The M5 Competition, as a performance sedan, balances power with practicality, making it an excellent choice for daily driving. Meanwhile, the M8 Competition, designed as a luxury grand tourer, emphasizes a refined driving experience while maintaining dynamic performance.

The engine in both models delivers max power and max torque seamlessly, ensuring you experience exhilarating acceleration and top-tier general performance. Whether you choose the M5 or M8, BMW ensures that power delivery remains smooth and responsive.

Acceleration and Speed

When it comes to acceleration, the BMW M8 Competition edges out the M5 Competition. The M8 achieves a 0-60 mph time of just 2.5 seconds, compared to the M5’s 2.7 seconds. Both models, however, reach an electronically limited top speed of 190 mph when equipped with the optional M Driver’s Package. This remarkable speed and acceleration make both vehicles standout performers in BMW’s lineup.

The M8 Competition’s slightly faster acceleration reflects its focus on delivering a sportier driving experience. However, the M5 Competition’s acceleration still impresses, especially considering its more practical design.

Track Performance

On the track, the BMW M8 Competition demonstrates its prowess as a luxury grand tourer with a sporty edge. It outperforms the M5 Competition on several circuits, including the Nürburgring Nordschleife, where it clocks a lap time of 7:32.79 compared to the M5’s 7:35.90. However, the M5 Competition holds its own, showcasing its capability as a high-performance sedan.

The M8 Competition’s superior lap times on most tracks highlight its dynamic performance and agility. However, the M5 Competition’s track performance remains commendable, especially for a sedan that prioritizes practicality alongside speed.

Braking and Safety

When it comes to braking and safety, both the BMW M5 Competition and BMW M8 Competition deliver exceptional performance. These vehicles are equipped with advanced braking systems that ensure precise stopping power, even at high speeds. The braking distances for both models are nearly identical, showcasing their engineering excellence.

The BMW M5 Competition features a robust safety package, including nine airbags and active safety systems like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. These features provide peace of mind during daily commutes or spirited drives. The M8 Competition, while not assessed by ANCAP, includes the Driving Assistant Professional suite. This system offers advanced technologies such as active cruise control and pedestrian recognition, enhancing your confidence on the road.

Both models excel in safety and braking performance, but their focus differs slightly. The M5 prioritizes practicality and comprehensive safety features, making it ideal for families or daily use. The M8, on the other hand, emphasizes luxury and cutting-edge technology, catering to those who value a premium driving experience. Regardless of your choice, you can trust BMW’s commitment to safety and performance.

Features and Design

Interior and Exterior Design

The BMW M5 Competition and BMW M8 Coupe showcase distinct approaches to design, each catering to different preferences. The M5 offers a spacious cabin with high-quality materials and a minimalist layout. Its design emphasizes functionality and technology, making it ideal for those who value practicality without compromising on style. The exterior features bold lines and a commanding presence, reflecting its performance-oriented nature.

In contrast, the BMW M8 Coupe exudes luxury and sophistication. Its interior boasts premium materials, including leather upholstery and carbon-fiber accents. The driver-focused cockpit enhances the grand touring experience, while the exterior design captivates with its sleek silhouette and confident character lines. The M8’s striking appearance makes it a head-turner on any road.

Both models deliver exceptional craftsmanship, but the M8 Coupe leans heavily into luxury and elegance. If you prioritize a balance of practicality and performance, the M5 might suit you better. However, if you seek a more luxurious and visually stunning ride, the M8 Coupe stands out.

Technology and Infotainment

BMW equips both the M5 Competition and M8 Coupe with cutting-edge technology and infotainment systems. The iDrive 7.0 system powers both models, offering a user-friendly interface with a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system come standard, ensuring an immersive driving experience.

The M8 Coupe takes technology a step further with additional luxury-focused features. It includes a head-up display, wireless charging, and gesture controls for added convenience. The M5, while equally advanced, focuses more on practicality, offering intuitive controls and seamless connectivity.

Both models excel in technology, but the M8 Coupe’s added luxury features make it a more premium choice. Whether you choose the M5 or M8, BMW ensures you stay connected and entertained on every journey.

Practicality and Usability

Space and Comfort

When it comes to space and comfort, the BMW M5 Competition and BMW M8 Competition cater to different needs. The M5 offers a larger interior volume, making it ideal for families or those who prioritize practicality. Its spacious cabin ensures that passengers in both the front and rear seats enjoy ample legroom and headroom. The M5’s trunk also provides generous storage capacity, making it a versatile choice for daily use or long road trips.

The BMW M8 Competition, on the other hand, focuses on luxury and refinement. While its interior space is slightly smaller, it compensates with premium materials and a more opulent feel. The front seats are exceptionally comfortable, with plenty of room and thoughtful storage options like a large lidded box and twin cupholders. The rear seats, designed for two passengers, offer decent legroom but limited headroom due to the car’s sleek profile. The M8’s trunk, with a capacity of 440 liters, is long and wide, though not very tall, making it suitable for luggage or smaller items.

If you value practicality and space, the M5 stands out as the better option. However, if luxury and a more intimate cabin experience appeal to you, the M8 delivers on those fronts.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is another area where these two BMW models differ slightly. The BMW M5 Competition achieves a fuel consumption rate of 9.0 L/100km (26 mpg US or 31 mpg UK), making it relatively efficient for a high-performance sedan. In comparison, the BMW M8 Competition consumes 9.5 L/100km (25 mpg US or 30 mpg UK). While the difference is minimal, the M5 edges out slightly in terms of fuel economy.

Both models deliver impressive efficiency for vehicles in their class, but the M5’s slightly better fuel economy adds to its practicality. Whether you choose the M5 or M8, you’ll enjoy a balance of performance and efficiency that reflects BMW’s engineering excellence.

Pricing and Value

Base Pricing and Options

When comparing the BMW M5 Competition and BMW M8 Competition, pricing plays a significant role in determining which model suits your needs. The BMW M5 starts at $120,080 for new models, while used options range from $96,169 to $120,129. In contrast, the BMW M8 begins at $141,680 for new models, with used prices ranging from $98,944 to $133,944. These figures highlight the M8’s premium positioning within BMW’s lineup.

In India, the ex-showroom price for the BMW M5 is ₹1.99 crore, while the BMW M8 Coupe costs ₹2.44 crore. These prices reflect the M8’s focus on luxury and exclusivity. Both models offer a range of customization options, including premium paint finishes, upgraded wheels, and advanced driver-assistance packages. The M8 also includes additional luxury features, such as Merino leather upholstery and carbon-fiber trim, which justify its higher price tag.

Value for Money

Evaluating value for money involves considering not just the initial cost but also long-term factors like depreciation and value retention. The BMW M5 Competition retains 1.7% more value over five years compared to the BMW M8 Competition. The M5’s five-year depreciation rate stands at 54.1%, while the M8 depreciates slightly faster at 55.8%. This makes the M5 a more practical choice for those prioritizing long-term value.

The M5 offers a balance of performance, practicality, and affordability, making it ideal for daily drivers who want a high-performance sedan. The M8, with its luxurious features and grand touring capabilities, caters to those seeking a more exclusive experience. While the M8’s higher price reflects its premium positioning, the M5 delivers exceptional value for its cost, especially for buyers who prioritize practicality without compromising on power.

The BMW M5 Competition and BMW M8 Competition cater to distinct priorities, offering unique advantages for different types of drivers. The M5 excels in practicality, providing more interior space and slightly better value retention. Its spacious cabin and balanced performance make it ideal for daily use. In contrast, the M8 focuses on luxury and exclusivity, delivering a refined grand touring experience with superior legroom and premium features.

For performance enthusiasts seeking a versatile sedan, the BMW M5 offers a practical yet thrilling option. If you prioritize luxury and a sportier aesthetic, the M8 justifies its premium price. Ultimately, your choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both models showcase BMW’s commitment to engineering excellence, ensuring satisfaction regardless of your decision.