BMW M8 Competition Coupe priced

The fastest production BMW M model will land in Aussie showrooms early next year, priced from an eye-watering $352,900 plus on-road costs.

That makes the BMW M8 Competition Coupe the most expensive BMW model available in Australia, eclipsing the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 Roadster by $4000.

BMW’s new flagship performance coupe is also almost $80K pricier than the BMW M850i Coupe ($275,900 plus ORCs) on which it’s based. The latter uses a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 to launch itself to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds.

However, the BMW M8 Competition Coupe eclipses that time, using the same engine but with a 70kW power hike to hit 100km/h in claimed 3.2 seconds and top out at 305km/h, thanks to its 460kW/750Nm outputs.

All that performance is sent exclusively through an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission and an M xDrive all-wheel drive system that offers the choice of 4WD, 4WD Sport or rear-wheel drive modes.

BMW will only offer the top-spec Competition Coupe in Australia, with a ‘base’ model M8 reserved for other markets.

Underneath, the BMW M8 Competition Coupe features a double wishbone front-end and five-link rear suspension set-up which takes inspiration from the car maker’s M8 GTE race car.

M compound brakes are fitted standard, however, carbon ceramic stoppers with matte gold callipers can be optioned for an extra $16,500.

A number of special metallic paintwork options can also be had with prices ranging from $2000, all the way up to $10,400 if you’d like the Pure Metal Silver hue.

You’ll also have to splash out another $10,300 for an M Carbon exterior package, which includes carbon mirror caps, rear diffuser insert, rear spoiler and front apron.

Standard options include an M Driver’s package, M Sport exhaust, carbon engine cover, M Sport differential and 20-inch M light alloy wheels.

A carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof is also standard in a double-bubble design, and the M8 features an on-board camera to capture on-demand recordings of up to 40 seconds.

Other standard tech includes Laserlight headlights, a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond audio system, soft-close doors, electric bootlid, high beam assist and parking assistant plus.

The inclusion of BMW’s Driving Assistant Professional also offers semi-autonomous driving functionality, while the BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes a 12.3-inch instrument display and 10.25-inch touch-screen infotainment unit.

BMW leaves plenty of opportunity to customise the new M8’s interior with the options of leather upholstery colours and dashboard finishes (wood, carbon fibre and more).

When it arrives, the new M8 will also debut an adjustable brake pedal feature which will likely carry over to other M models in the future. Drivers can choose between two brake feel settings -- Comfort or Sport.

The BMW M8 Competition Coupe is the first of 10 new M and M Performance models to be launched over the next two years, including the M8 Competition Gran Coupe sedan and the track-focussed M2 CS Coupe in 2020.