The new BMW M8 competition accelerates as fast as a McLaren 570S

With the BMW M850i ​​good for 523 hp and a slightly silly 3.7 seconds, we knew the M8 would be a monster. And of course, it's quite the beast.

In the UK you will have to buy it as a competition – the standard M8 will not be available. Anyway, the Comp is the one you want: it develops 616 hp from a 4.4-liter V8 bi-turbo and launches the car from 0 to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds. Which is as fast as a McLaren 570S. Not bad for a hulk of about two tons, and the convertible version is only one-tenth behind.

The maximum power arrives at 6000 rpm, although you can continue up to 7200 rpm if you wish. 553 lb-ft of torque, meanwhile, is available from 1800 to 5600 rpm. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, unless you opt for the M Driver Pack, in which case it goes to 189 km / h.

The fast pace is achieved thanks to the M8's smart all-wheel drive system, which is shared with the M5. As in the super sedan, it is strongly rearward polarized, transmitting power to the front wheels only when traction is lost to the rear if it is set to 4WD mode.

Switch to 4WD Sport mode and the system sends even more power to the rear wheels while turning off the DSC. Or if you feel brave and you can stand the inevitable tire bill, there is the 2WD mode, which does what is written.

All models feature M8-specific adaptive dampers and a revised suspension geometry, racing variants getting – along with the extra 25 hp – their own set of chassis settings. These include increased negative camber on the front axle, stiffer engine mounts, and toe joints with ball joints that take the place of traditional rubber mounts.

In markets where both versions of the M8 are sold, it will be easy to differentiate them. The Comps receive a different set of wheels, as well as various pieces of shiny black trim, including kidney grilles, crests and escapements. In this regard, you also have a standard M Sport exhaust system, an optional option available on the "ordinary" M8 model.

Braking is ensured by 395 mm discs in front gripped by six-caliper calipers and 380 mm discs at the rear tightened by single-piston floating calipers. Opt for the optional carbon ceramic brakes and the front discs reach 400 mm.

As it was revealed a few weeks ago, the M8 will have selectable braking modes. You can adjust the caps on Comfort or Sport, by changing the pressure exerted on the pedal to slow down the car. It's an electric braking system, but BMW boldly promises to provide "a sublime pedal feel in all situations."

Inside, you'll find a leather steering wheel with red "M" driving mode buttons seen for the first time on the M5, as well as M Sport seats with "perforated 3D quilting" and M8 light insignia. Because who cares about subtlety, anyway?

As in the rest of the 8 range, a 12.3-inch screen constitutes the group of instruments. It is paired with a 10.25-inch infotainment display and the BMW Head-Up Display is standard.

Do you like the sound of all this? You must separate at least £ 123,435 for the M8 Competition coupe, which is about £ 23,000 more than for the M850i ​​- and £ 130,435 for the Con Comp. Both are available for order now and the first cars will be in the hands of customers in October 2019.