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2024 McLaren GTS vs BMW M8: What To Choose?
The McLaren GTS, labelled “grand tourer sport,” stands apart from typical cruisers like the Bentley Continental GT, maintaining McLaren’s mid-mounted twin-turbocharged V8 for a comfort-oriented alternative to hardcore supercars. Despite a roomier cabin and extra cargo space, it prioritizes athleticism with a low-slung body, embodying McLaren’s performance DNA through its 4.0L V8 generating 626 hp. On the other hand, the BMW M8, with its perplexing mix of specs, matches the weight of a Ford F-150 but outpaces a Ferrari F8 Tributo to 60 mph and matches a Corvette Z06 in the quarter-mile. Despite its impractical back seat, the M8 offers an unmatched blend of power and AWD traction. It provides a luxurious experience in coupe or convertible form, close to pricier counterparts from Aston Martin or Bentley.
| McLaren GTS | BMW M8 | |
| Dimensions | 184.4 in x 82.5 in x 48.6 in | 191.8 in x 75.1 in x 53.6 in |
| Engine | 4.0L twin-turbo V8 | 4.4L twin-turbo V8 |
| Horsepower | 626 hp | 617 hp |
| Torque | 465 lb-ft | 553 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.1 sec | 2.5 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | NA | 6.3 sec |
| Top-Speed | 203 mph | 189 mph |
McLaren GTS
Engine & Performance
McLaren pairs the GTS with a potent twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8, delivering a strong 626 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. The GT offers a comfortable ride, making it a delightful choice for everyday driving, and it comes with various driving modes, allowing you to tailor the car’s handling to suit your preferences.
Price & Mileage
McLaren has scheduled the commencement of deliveries for the GTS in 2024, but the pricing details are still pending. Given the substantial improvements over the GT model, it is expected to start at a price surpassing $210,000. Customizing it with various desirable options could significantly raise the price. Regarding fuel efficiency, McLaren states that the GTS achieves 15/22 mpg in city/highway conditions.
Acceleration & Features
Staying true to the McLaren brand, the GTS stands out with impressive acceleration as one of its key performance features. McLaren asserts that the new car is 22 pounds lighter than its predecessor, likely contributing to a slight performance boost. The company claims a rapid 60 mph sprint in just 3.1 seconds. In terms of technology, the GTS features a 7.0-inch portrait-style touchscreen, with graphics inspired by private jets. Standard features include SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and a four-speaker sound system. For those seeking an upgraded audio experience, an optional 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system is available.
BMW M8
Engine & Performance
The M8’s long nose hides a twin-turbocharged 4.4L V8 that makes 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. It sends that power through an excellent eight-speed automatic and onto a rear-based AWD system that can disengage power to the front axle. Our only disappointment about the powertrain is the limp exhaust note. Such explosive hustle deserves a hot-blooded song from the quad exhaust pipes. Small weaknesses emerge when pushing the M8, like minimal feedback through the thick steering wheel and a somewhat distant brake pedal feel.
Price & Mileage
Both body styles come standard with all manner of luxuries, so we’d select options that help unlock the M8’s full performance potential. The M8 starts at $140,795 for the Competition Coupe and goes up to $150,795 for the Convertible. The M8 coupe and convertible are expected to be equally fuel-inefficient in the city and on the highway. That is to say, they’re both expected to earn 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
Acceleration & Features
The 4251-pound M8 Competition coupe blows away with its ridiculously quick acceleration, reaching 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. BMW’s feature-packed infotainment system resides on a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The display can also be controlled by a rotary controller and physical buttons on the center console. Users enjoy crisp graphics and quick responses, but there are so many options that some menus require the driver to take their eyes off the road for far too long. The system responds well to voice commands, though, and it can be optioned with gesture controls. Desirable standard features include a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.