The BMW M8: From City Streets to the Countryside, this Car Gives You Everything

I think we can all agree that there were very few travel highlights in 2020. Driving around in the new BMW M8 was definitely one of my favourites. Aside from the fact that my childhood dream car was the BMW M3 (back then they didn’t have other M models), this thing was an absolute beast. I really don’t know any other way to describe it. They did such a phenomenal job with this one.

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The very first of its generation, the M8 is the latest addition to their BMW M family. I was lucky enough to test out the M8 Cabriolet Convertible Competition model as well as the M8 Gran Coupe Competition (in British Racing Green, for all you car buffs out there). Here are some highlights of each. I’ll tell you right now, I don’t have a lot of negative things to say about either. And if you’re already a fan of BMW cars, then do yourself a favour and test drive one as soon as possible! 

All About that BMWVIBE

Full disclosure – I’m no car expert nor is my goal here to give you the specs and performance details of the M8 cars. My goal is to share the vibe of each car. Those exciting, cool and vibe-worthy features. Along with that rush you get when you’re coasting endless countryside roads, sun on your face and summer winds flowing through your hair. 

Notable BMW M8 Features

BMW has really stepped up their game in recent years with some very neat features. Not usually known for their extravagant cockpits or technology, BMW always focused on being a “driver’s car” versus a luxury ride.

Intelligent Personal Assistant

Similar to Siri, just say “Hey BMW” and prompt it’s machine learning technology. This bad boy will even learn your most used routines and habits!

Extended Traffic Jam Assistance

This is a unique driver assistance function that takes pressure off of the driver during heavy traffic situations. When engaged, the Level 3 autonomous system will take over driving and steering operation of the vehicle up to speeds of 60km/h.

Gesture Control

Selected functions can be operated by nine defined hand movements such as pointing, rotating, dragging, two-finger pointing and swiping. Simple gestures are detected in the recognition area above the front centre console and trigger functions such as accepting or rejecting a call, adjusting the music volume and navigation route guidance.

Parking Assistant

Parking assistant with lateral and parallel parking. These connectivity features make it easier and safer than ever to park your vehicle while also giving you the option of automatic parking for those difficult-to-park situations.

Hot & Cold Cup Holders

Keep your coffee warm and your water cold. I just thought this was super cool and convenient. 

The BMW M8 Cabriolet Convertible 

When I first heard that it came in the BMW custom “Verde Mantis” colour (which is just a fancy way of saying bright lime green), I was like, “ok great, I’m going to look like a total show-off in this”. I have to admit though, it really grew on me. And the attention was all positive to my delight. More so than the colour, car enthusiasts were shocked to see an M8 on the road. This is a dream car for road trips and especially great for couples. Or, you know… for picking up ;).

Head nods and “nice car” compliments came to me at every stop. VIP treatment was waiting for us at every destination. It was surreal, but I wasn’t complaining. Embrace and enjoy it, I thought to myself. 

The BMW M8 Gran Coupe

I keep mentioning this unique colour because, although I didn’t realize it at the time, car lovers have a cult-like love for this shade. I got approached everywhere I went (literally) with guys asking me “did they bring the British Racing Green back” or “Is that British Racing Green?”. Surprisingly, I got approached in this one more than I did in the Verde Mantis. Shocking, to say the least. Much more practical for the Canadian scene, the four door version makes for a great family car where the parents have a little “need for speed” in them. With a 617 horsepower engine, the M8 literally flies off the line. The interior is sophisticated and super comfy with beautiful detailed accents and stitching.

The Overall Vibe of the 2020 M8 

Despite my passion for eco-friendly rides, I can’t help but love the roar of an engine. But not that annoying crackly sound you hear when a “souped” up civic rolls by. I like a natural, deep bass-filled engine roar. BMW did a phenomenal job with this on the M8 models. The exhaust purrs to perfection and gets you that welcomed attention while you approach any scene. And at a price of $189,000 for the Cabriolet and $175,000 for the Gran Coupe, I should frikkin’ hope so!