It really comes down to how driver-focused you want to be. If you want the most driver-orientated super sportscar you can buy for less than £200,000, BMW's M8 Competition Gran Coupe isn't it. If though, you want one that can combine Nurburgring Nordschiefe dynamics with GT luxury, then this M8 makes a very strong case for itself, particularly in this Gran Coupe form.
It's certainly fast enough - and there's a competition-bred feel to the handling that rivals from Jaguar, Lexus and Audi can't quite match. A tougher question to answer lies in whether this car is worth nearly 25% more than BMW's mechanically rather similar M850i Gran Coupe model. That's a question of personal preference of course. What's not up for debate is the way this M8 can make you feel, for its buyers delivering a perfect symbiosis of performance and exclusivity, dynamism and prestige. Or, to put it another way, a super car they could tail-out slide on a track day, then cruise across Europe in afterwards. These people will love this M8, despite its high running costs and even higher price. There's a need, after all, to pay for the most consummate of pleasures. If you can afford to do that though, you'll find much to admire here. Powerful elegance - that's pitch-perfect.

Head airbags for first and second row seats

Child seat ISOFIX attachment rear outer seats

Front centre armrest with light, 12V socket and USB and storage compartment

DAB Tuner enables digital radio reception

Centre console and cupholder storage incl. USB

Split folding rear seat with 50:50 configuration

4 zone control automatic air conditioning

Rain sensor with automatic headlight activation

Parking assistant plus with 360 degree surround view camera system and remote 3D view

Electromechanical parking brake with automatic drive away release and auto hold function

Bluetooth Hands free facility with USB audio interface and Voice Control

Electric adjustable/heated/folding door mirrors

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage

M8 Gran Coupe

M8 Competition 4dr Step Auto