This site has been carrying stories on the BMW 8 Series for a few months now, we even drove the M850i version when it was launched in South Africa. Earlier today the all-new BMW M8 was unveiled to the world in two different body styles: Coupe and Convertible. Good news for local BMW performance fans is that the M8 will go on sale in South Africa before the year is out.

Four options

The two bodystyles will be available in regular or Competition versions, making for a four-car line-up initially. At a later stage two versions of the M8 Gran Coupe will round out the M8 family.

As we expected the all-new BMW M8 is powered a twin-turbocharged 4,4-litre V8 engine. In ‘regular’ guise the motor is good for 441 kW allied with 750 N.m of peak torque. If you tick the box marked ‘Competition’, when ordering your M8, then you can expect 460 kW with a similar torque output.

Power is directed to all four wheels via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. The torque converter auto can be controlled by steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. There are also three pre-selected modes efficiency, sporty or dynamic if you prefer to let the car’s ECU decide on such things.

All-wheel-drive traction and launch control help the large coupe to sprint to a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 3,3 seconds and 3,2 for the Competition version. The same test is reeled off in 3,4- and 3,3 seconds for the two convertible versions.

Sporty drive

The rear-biased Drive all-wheel-drive system is variable in its operation depending on prevailing grip conditions. There’s a default 4WD setting for everyday driving, a 4WD Sport setting that favours the rear axle with its Active M Differential for more dynamic situations. Talented helmsmen can deactivate the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) completely to enable activation of a full rear-wheel-drive mode.

The range-topping all-new BMW M8 models ride on 20-inch M-light-alloy wheels connected to M-specific adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers. M compound brakes are standard and M carbon ceramic brakes will be offered as an option.

Fully-kitted

The all-new BMW M8 models will feature all the latest technology available from the BMW Group. On top of the Connected Drive services, real-time traffic and full-colour touchscreen infotainment interface, the cabin will be covered in luxurious materials as befitting a range-topper.

Watch both cars in action below: