BMW unveils updated 8 Series, including tweaked M8 Competition

BMW’s big, bruising 8 Series coupe line-up has been given a mild mid-life update across the board for the 2023 model year, with a more-of-the-same ethos on the horizon for the nameplate. 

As you can tell, not much has changed to the model’s exterior. The same svelte silhouette and proportions remain with few tweaks. The grille has been changed, although not to accommodate a gaping coffin-style look like the 4 Series. Instead it’s now capable of lighting up, for those into that kind of thing. 

Along with new-look perforations in the grille’s detailing, the 8 Series also gets new colours across each trim level, including Skyscraper Grey metallic, Frozen Pure Grey, San Remo Green metallic, BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic, and Portimao Blue metallic.

The M850i xDrive gets a pair of M wing mirrors and the option of a black-out package that changes the colour of the brake calipers, grille, spoiler, and headlight background to black. 

Apart from exterior detailing, one of the other main areas of change is with the 8 Series’ interior screens. The 10.25-inch digital cluster has been replaced with a 12.3-inch ‘Live Cockpit Professional display’. Those opting for any of the M8 Competition models, meanwhile, also get a larger 12.3-inch central touchscreen.

M Carbon bucket seats not unfamiliar to those who’ve seen the equivalent pews in the M3 and M4 join the M8 Competition’s option list. They’re admittedly a little more ‘adult’ in the M8, sporting the same exposed carbon fibre construction, but coming in more grown up colour schemes and adding a light-up M8 badge in the headrest. 

Powertrains are set to carry over across the board, which is no bad thing — perhaps unless you’re waiting for more electrification. 

The M8 still utilises its barnstorming 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8; producing 460kW of power and 750Nm of torque, and paired to an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. It can surpass 100km/h in just three seconds. 

While it’s been unveiled in a multitude of flavours, don’t expect New Zealand to get every available 8 Series designation. 

Currently we get the standard coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe, plus the M850i in four-door trim, and the M8 Competition coupe — subsequently missing out on the M8 convertible.