Home Car Brands BMW Malaysia Boosts Portfolio With M8 Coupe And M8 Gran Coupe Launch

BMW Malaysia Boosts Portfolio With M8 Coupe And M8 Gran Coupe Launch

by Zachary Ho - Aug 15, 2020

BMW Malaysia just launched the high-powered BMW M8 Coupé and the M8 Gran Coupé to boost the premium automaker’s portfolio of luxury vehicles. The BMW M8 Coupé brings the 8 Series model range to another level in terms of performance, with the most powerful engine ever developed by the BMW M performance division. Similarly, the M8 Gran Coupé features the 4.4L V8 engine with BMW M TwinPower Technology and boasts the most spacious interior of all BMW M coupés, providing both comfort and performance.

The launch event was held at The Secret Garage @ M Town, an homage to the infamous BMW M Secret Garage hidden within the BMW M facility in Munich, Germany. A range of iconic BMW M vehicles are displayed at the Secret Garage @ M Town, including the BMW M850i, BMW M5 and BMW M4.

“At the BMW Group, M is the Most Powerful Letter in the World, as it represents the high-performance vehicles born out of pure passion for motorsports. This fascination for power, speed and dynamics has put M on the map since 1972. Today, we are pleased to bring together superior aesthetics and unimaginable power via the First-Ever BMW M8 Coupé and the First-Ever BMW M8 Gran Coupé – right here in the Secret Garage @ M Town,” said Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

“The high-performance sporting segment of the world rests on the benchmark that has been set by BMW M automobiles, and with these two new additions, we witness that benchmark raised higher – as they carry the M legacy to greater heights,” Hoelzl added.

Notably, the launch event also gives support to local entrepreneurs like Halo Doughnut – an artisanal sourdough doughnut business started by a passionate team of two just 10 days after the MCO began; as well as Monsterchef – experts in food styling and catering who innovated their business to fit the times by providing free cooking lessons online, and also selling home-cooked food in residential areas. This is part of BMW Malaysia’s initiative to support local entrepreneurs during this trying period.

Powertrain

The BMW M8 Coupé and BMW M8 Gran Coupé are powered by a completely redesigned high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. The 4.4L engine delivers 600 hp and 750 Nm between 1,800 and 5,600 rpm. That makes this unit, also known as the S63, the most powerful BMW M engine ever built for a production model. It can propel the M8 from 0 – 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 250 km/h (limited).

The M8 Coupé has an average fuel consumption (combined cycle) of 10.4l/100km, while the M8 Gran Coupé is 10.7l/100km. Combined CO2 output is 239g/km and 243g/km respectively.

The V8 engine has a choice of three different set-ups, from the default EFFICIENT setting to SPORT and SPORT PLUS. Depending on the mode selected, the system will change the V8 engine’s response to accelerator pedal pressure as well as the sound characteristics of the flap-controlled exhaust system. Further, the Sound Control button next to the gear selector lever allows drivers to adjust the sound of the vehicle according to their personal preferences.

Power is transmitted via a new 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, operated sequentially via an M8-specific gear selector in S mode, or manually via shift paddles. The D button enables the driver to choose between three different Drivelogic modes, which are activated through an integrated rocker switch in the vehicles’ new gear selector.

Dynamics

Driving dynamics are provided by the M xDrive all-wheel drive system that contributes to the vehicles’ directional stability and superior traction. Its rear-wheel bias makes it suitable for extremely dynamic driving. Moreover, the fully variable torque split of the all-wheel drive system makes the vehicle easy to control at all times. Drivers can also adapt the M xDrive’s power distribution according to personal preferences i.e. from the default 4WD setting to 4WD Sport mode and, with the DSC switched off, a rear-wheel-drive-only 2WD mode for use on the track.

In addition, the Active M differential in both models handles situation-dependent power distribution between the rear wheels to ensure optimal traction and directional stability. Drivers can also configure their own dynamic set-up, using the “COMFORT”, “SPORT” and “SPORT+” buttons to influence the engine as well as the M-specific Variable Damper Control and M Servotronic steering.

These coupés are also fitted with M-specific integrated brake system. This innovative technology combines brake activation, brake booster and braking control functions in one compact module. The required brake pressure is established by an electric actuator. This optimises braking dynamics and pedal feel as well as the precision and speed of DSC stability control interventions. Both models also feature lighter M Compound brakes with blue calipers as standard.

Looks

The two coupés feature the new M-specific front apron, along with the BMW kidney grille featuring M-specific decorative mesh, double slats and M8 designation. The slender BMW Laserlights with high-beam assistant are positioned slightly higher than the kidney grille and widens towards the road, thus emphasising the models’ low-slung stance and low centre of gravity.

Exterior mirrors with the characteristic M twin-stalk design are also fitted on both cars. Typical to BMW premium coupés, frameless side windows and BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line adorn either side of the vehicles, while flared aluminium wings with M gills and M8 designation emphasise track width and wheel size. Towards the rear, both models sport the M rear spoiler, as well as M-specific M8 rear diffuser and M-specific exhaust system with twin tailpipes and chrome trims.

Other highlights of the two-door M8 Coupé and four-door M8 Gran Coupé include the soft-close function for doors and carbon roof made of self-coloured carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) that saves weight and lowers the vehicles’ centre of gravity. Also available are 20″ M light alloy wheels in Double-spoke style 810 M Bicolour with mixed tyres and automatic tailgate operation.

Interior

The cockpit of the M8 Coupé and M8 Gran Coupé features a sporty, low seating position. The M Sport seats have electric adjustment options including a Memory function. Seat position, backrest angle, backrest width and thigh support can be individually adjusted. The M Sport seats with their integrated, illuminated M logo, and the full leather dashboard and door trim panels create a sporty and sophisticated appearance. The controls are grouped into clusters according to their function for easy convenience. The models also come with the M8 wordmark on the door entry sills.

The rear seats, upholstered in Merino leather as standard, are comfortable, with a moulded shape that provides maximum lateral support even during dynamic driving. The M8 Coupé has 420 litres of luggage space, and its 50/50-split rear seat backrest folds down to increase it. The M8 Gran Coupé offers 440 litres of space with a 40/20/40-split backrest. Other highlights include the M-specific gearshift lever knob, M seat belts and the 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system with 464-watt amplifier power.

Infotainment And Connectivity

Both models come with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional running on the BMW Operating System 7.0. It consists of a 12.3″ digital instrument cluster, a high-resolution 10.25″ Control Display and a full-colour Head-Up Display with additional M-specific displays. Both vehicles can be operated via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant’s latest voice control system, direct menu control buttons, the intuitive iDrive Touch Controller with its rotary/push button, the touchscreen Control Display or the Gesture Control system.

The new M Mode selector on the centre console can be used to control the driver assistance systems as well as the content of the instrument cluster displays and the Head-Up Display. M Mode can be used to activate the ROAD and SPORT settings. In addition to the M Mode selector, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant elevates controlling the vehicle’s functions to a new level, enabling drivers to use their normal, natural voice and speech pattern to interact with the vehicle.

The familiar BMW ConnectedDrive provides high-quality, innovative services. Among them are the functions included in the Connected Package Professional such as Remote Services, Teleservices, Intelligent Emergency Call, Apple CarPlay and Concierge Service. Other highlights include the Digital Key to unlock, start and lock the car using a compatible Samsung smartphone, available as part of the Comfort Access, BMW Drive Recorder, and Remote Software Upgrade for over-the-air updates of the vehicle software.

Further, owners of the M8 Coupé and M8 Gran Coupé have a myriad of advanced assistance systems that provide comfort and safety in their 600 hp high-performance machine. Apart from Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, the BMW Personal CoPilot driver assistance systems includes the Driving Assistant Professional, and Parking Assistant Plus. These options contain functions such as Lane Keeping Assistant with side collision protection, Lane Change Assistant, Crossing-traffic Warning and the Reversing Assistant and many more.

Colours And Prices

The BMW M8 Coupé and BMW M8 Gran Coupé are offered in seven colour options i.e. Alpine White, Brands Hatch Grey, Marina Bay Blue, Motegi Red, Black Sapphire, Donington Grey and Barcelona Blue. Both interiors will be furnished with Merino Leather in either Black or Silverstone.

Optionally, BMW Individual is available for owners to personalise their car. For those who cannot wait, an exclusive BMW M8 Coupe in BMW Individual Frozen Bluestone exterior is now available for purchase at an additional RM30,000. There is currently only one such unit in Malaysia.

The M8 Coupé and M8 Gran Coupé are available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide. Alternatively, you can also book the new BMW M models on http://www.shop.bmw.com.my/ at RM5,000 each and be in the running to also bring home a new BMW i8 Coupé.

The retail pricing (on the road, without insurance, and with BMW Group Malaysia’s latest 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, and Free Scheduled Service Programme) are:
BMW M8 Coupé – RM1,452,960.88
BMW M8 Gran Coupé – RM1,455,145.25

Complete Premium Ownership Experience

Owners of the M8 Coupé and M8 Gran Coupé will experience the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:

BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme
BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card
BMW Service Online

Dynamic Financial Programme

With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the M8 Coupé and M8 Gran Coupé can be owned with monthly instalment plans starting from RM16,578 and RM16,598 respectively (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).

Special Programmes in Conjunction with Secret Garage @ M Town.

For a limited time, BMW Group Malaysia is offering special programmes and campaigns for a range of BMW M models from 15 August to 30 September 2020. The Limited-Time M Town Special Support offers new owners of the BMW M2 Competition, BMW M4 Coupé, BMW M5 Sedan, BMW M850i xDrive Coupé an attractive price reduction of RM25,000, RM45,000, RM70,000 and RM75,000 respectively.