BMW’s latest generation 8 Series Coupe has been receiving rave reviews, both locally and abroad. Click here to read our M850i xDrive review. A few days ago new BMW M8 info came to light.

New M Mode

Thanks to these official images released by BMW we have a better idea of what the hottest 8 will look like. At the same time BMW has announced a new system for easy access to the car’s drive select program.

The new M Mode button making makes its debut on the BMW M8 Coupe and Convertible. Drivers can quickly choose between Road and Sport modes in the regular M8. For the slightly more driver-focused and more powerful M8 Competition there is Track mode as well.

Each mode comes with its own settings for the screens and it also changes the setup of the driver assistance systems. Activate the Track mode and all of the comfort and safety functions will be deactivated, even the radio.

Quick access

BMW will also be installing a ‘Setup’ button on the centre console, right below the M Mode. Via this button drivers can gain access to a total of five vehicle parameters: engine, steering, suspension, brakes, and the M xDrive.

In a similar vein to the current, all-wheel-drive M5 (click here to read our review), you can opt to enjoy the M8 as in pure rear-wheel-drive mode. On top of the pre-programmed settings created by BMW, the driver can store two individual setups.

Engine specs

Info on the BMW M8 engine has not been confirmed as yet. Good money has the M8 using the same direct-injection, twin-turbocharged V8 engine as the M5. That means the ‘regular’ M8 will boast 441 kW (an even 600 hp) with the M8 competition dishing up over 460 kW. Torque is likely to be close to 800 N.m Power will be delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed torque converter automatic.

BMW works driver Martin Tomczyk explains how the new M Mode works in the video below.