BMW M8 Competition Coupé

Editorial

The BMW M8 is the flagship of the M coupé lineup, built on the same technical foundation as the previous-generation M5 but wrapped in the low, wide, and status-laden body of the 8 Series. The point of the model is to fuse full-blooded M mechanics with the luxury of a large grand tourer: an adaptive M chassis, a sport exhaust, carbon-fiber trim elements, and a cabin with electrically adjustable M seats. Within the BMW hierarchy, the M8 sits at the top of the coupé range, above the M4 — it's not about compact sharpness, but about going fast and looking the part at the same time.

Reviewers describe the M8 first and foremost as a grand tourer rather than a pure sports car: most of its pulling power sits in the mid-range, so acceleration feels strong and effortless without needing to wring the engine out to the redline. The V8's voice is more restrained than you'd expect from six hundred horsepower — modern filtering systems have muted it, and around town the M8 sounds more solid than loud. The surprise comes in the corners: for a car weighing close to two tons, the chassis is remarkably agile, the steering builds weight in a predictable way, and the mass only makes itself felt during the sharpest direction changes. In relaxed modes it's a comfortable executive car for everyday use; in its more aggressive settings it's a very fast coupé that forgives more than its looks would suggest.

The unit in the VertexRent fleet is specifically the base M8, not the Competition: the Competition version produces 625 hp, but the two behave very similarly, and the base car is actually tuned to be a touch friendlier on imperfect roads.

In Detail

The unit in the VertexRent fleet is a 2020 model year, F92 generation, four-seat coupé. The powertrain is a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from the S63 family producing 600 hp (441 kW) and 750 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (M xDrive) with a 2WD mode. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 3.3 seconds, and the top speed confirmed by the vehicle's documentation is 250 km/h; whether this particular unit has the M Driver's Package is not documented, so the limiter is assumed to be the factory setting.

In practical terms, this means the M8 is equally suited to test-driving a flagship coupé before buying one on the hot secondary market, to an executive trip to a business meeting, or to a big V8 weekend for two. Current rental rates by rental period, the deposit amount, and the mileage limit are listed in the "Sazby" block and in the facts card on this same page.

The cabin is tailored to the large-GT format: a modern infotainment system with smartphone support, comfortable sport seats with power adjustment, and driver-assistance and parking systems — particularly useful when maneuvering the nearly five-meter body through the narrow streets of central Prague. The rear seats on the coupé are formal in nature: this is a car for a couple with luggage, not a full four-seat everyday vehicle.

BMW M8 Coupé vs BMW M5 M Hybrid — two BMW peaks in one fleet

It's rare to be able to park two flagships of the M lineup side by side in the same fleet. The M8 represents the classic formula: a pure gasoline V8 with 600 hp, two doors instead of four, style prioritized over capacity. The M5 M Hybrid represents a new era: a hybrid powertrain with 727 hp, five full seats, and an electric mode for the city, at a higher rental rate than the M8. In terms of purpose the two cars barely overlap: people choose the M8 when they're driving as a pair and want to make an impression, and the M5 when they need all the seats and all the power at once.

What to check behind the wheel if you're considering buying an M8

A flagship GT should be checked for compatibility with your life, not with a racetrack. Start with the dimensions: nearly five meters of length and a wide body make Prague parking garages a discipline of their own, and it's worth getting used to that before signing anything. Assess the ride quality in comfort modes on roads you know well — the F92 is softer than outright sports cars, but it's still an M. Listen to the V8 on a cold start and in a tunnel, and decide whether its restrained voice is enough for you. Check the seating position over a long distance: the seats, sound insulation, and how the automatic behaves in relaxed mode are exactly what this class is loved for. And take a sober look at the back row: nominally there are four seats, but in practice it's where bags live.

Suggested Route

The M8 was made for fast, dignified routes, and the area southeast of Prague suits it perfectly. The classic direction is Český Šternberk above the Sázava: an hour's drive, a Gothic castle on a cliff, and scenic stretches along the river on the approach. A natural continuation is Vlašim with its English-style park and the quiet back roads of the Posázaví region on the way back. It's worth budgeting the standard daily mileage limit around the compact part of the route, with some margin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pick up the BMW M8 right at the airport?

Yes, the car can be delivered anywhere in Prague, including Václav Havel Airport. The exact time and place of handover are agreed upon when the booking is confirmed.

Is this the M8 Competition?

No — the fleet has the base BMW M8 Coupé with 600 hp. The Competition version produces 625 hp; the site's listing card sometimes shows the name "Competition," but this unit's documented specifications correspond to the base version — please confirm at the time of booking.

How does the BMW M8 differ from the BMW M5 M Hybrid in the same fleet?

The M8 is a two-door GT with a pure gasoline V8 producing 600 hp, with an emphasis on style and long-distance driving. The M5 M Hybrid is a hybrid super-sedan with 727 hp and five seats. Both cars are in the VertexRent fleet, and trying them back to back is the best way to choose between them.

Is the M8 a coupé or a convertible?

A coupé. The M8 lineup does include a four-door Gran Coupé and a soft-top convertible, but the specific unit in the VertexRent fleet is a classic two-door fixed-roof coupé.

Can this car be driven outside the Czech Republic?

Yes, subject to arrangement with the manager — this rule applies to the entire VertexRent fleet with no model-specific exceptions. For a cross-border trip the deposit is doubled from the standard amount (the current figure is in the facts block on this same page). On unrestricted sections of the German Autobahn, the 600-hp V8 turns the highway into a backdrop rather than a workout — but the direction and dates need to be agreed in advance at the time of booking.