Which Current BMW Models Still Have A V8 Engine?

For decades, the signature smooth and powerful BMW V8 engine has powered luxury performance models sought after by driving enthusiasts. But with the auto industry’s shift towards smaller turbocharged engines and electric drivetrains, BMW’s iconic 4.4L TwinPower turbo V8 is now only found in select high-performance M variants.

So which BMW models for 2023 still offer the acclaimed BMW V8 engine option?

After researching the latest BMW lineup, it turns out only a handful of top M models allow buyers to choose the V8 over the standard inline 6-cylinder engine. The BMW M5, M8, X5 M, and X6 M give drivers the option for the pulse-pounding V8 performance BMW is renowned for among luxury brands.

Below we’ll take a closer look at every current BMW model that lets you experience the tremendous thrust of a BMW V8 engine:

BMW M5 Still Offers a Choice of V8 or V6

The recently redesigned BMW M5 sedan brings ultra-high performance to the practical 4-door category. It comes standard with BMW’s 4.4L S63 twin-turbo V8 generating an immense 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft torque. This allows the M5 to hit 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds on the way to a limited top speed of 155 mph.

For 2023 BMW also offers the M5 with the S68 4.4L twin-turbo V8 making a still impressive 591 hp and 557 lb-ft torque. The V6 powered M5 reaches 60 mph in 3.3 seconds.
The V8 Competition model increases output to 627 hp and 553 lb-ft torque, cutting 0-60 mph down to 2.9 seconds.
Power gets sent to all four wheels via the advanced xDrive AWD system. Handling prowess matches the straight line speed.
Front kidney grilles are larger to feed the extra cooling needs of the performance motors. Signature M-style mirrors, spoiler and diffuser make the M5’s intentions clear.
Prices start around $107k for the standard V8, up to $123k for the Competition with every possible performance extra.

The redesigned M5 shows BMW still caters to driving enthusiasts by continuing to offer the signature high-revving V8 as an option over the more fuel-efficient turbo V6. The M5 V8 provides an unmatched adrenaline rush hitting 60 mph in the mid 3-second range.

The Flagship BMW M8 Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe Have a V8

As the pinnacle of BMW performance luxury, the BMW M8 models all come equipped with the 4.4L S63 twin-turbo V8 pumping out 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. This allows the M8 variants to hit 60 mph in less than 3.0 seconds.

The BMW M8 is offered in three body styles – the Coupe, Convertible, and the swooping four-door Gran Coupe. All deliver towering levels of power via the V8.
The Competition version increases output to 625 hp and 553 lb-ft for even quicker acceleration times.
Launch control and AWD keep the M8 models glued to the road during explosive starts. The convertible also gets a retractable hardtop.
Signature M design cues include large front kidney grilles, sculpted sides, quad trapezoidal exhaust tips and available carbon fiber accents.
Price of admission starts around $133k for the Coupe, up to $155k for a fully loaded Convertible Competition.

For drivers seeking unrelenting thrust encased in cutting-edge luxury, the BMW M8 lineup represents the pinnacle of what BMW has to offer, with the silky smooth V8 providing endless power on demand in three stylish packages.

The High-Performance BMW X5 M and X6 M SUVs Offer a V8

Proving high-performance SUVs are here to stay, BMW’s X5 M and X6 M models give buyers the choice between the standard inline 6-cylinder or the acclaimed V8 engine.

The 4.4L twin-turbo S63 V8 generates 600 hp and 553 lb-ft torque in the X5 M and X6 M, rocketing them 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds.
Stepping up to the Competition variant increases V8 output to 617 hp for even quicker acceleration.
xDrive AWD helps the M SUVs put all that power down and handle like sports cars despite their size and height.
Distinctive M styling cues set them apart from regular X5 and X6 models, like large intakes, quad exhausts, M mirrors, and aggressive fascias.
Base prices start around $106k for the standard V8 versions, up to $121k for the Competition with every performance extra.

The X5 M and X6 M let buyers experience the unmatched performance of a BMW V8 engine in a practical SUV package equally at home commuting or attacking back roads.

No Other Current BMW Vehicles Offer a V8

Beyond the M models detailed above, you unfortunately can’t get any brand new 2023 BMW model equipped with their famous V8 engine.

Other BMW sedan and coupe models like the 7 Series, 8 Series, and Z4 have moved to turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engines as the standard powertrain. The option for a V8 has been dropped.
The same story applies to BMW SUV models like the X3, X4, X5, and X7, which only offer turbocharged 6-cylinder and plug-in hybrid drivetrains for 2023. No V8.
BMW’s shift towards electric vehicles in coming years means the V8 engine is being phased out in regular BMW model lines. Only the high-performance M cars continue to offer it.
For now, the select M5, M8, X5 M and X6 M models give BMW V8 enthusiasts a few new options to choose from while you still can.

Unless BMW decides to bring back the V8 to regular models in the future, these high-powered M cars will likely be the last new BMWs available with a V8 engine in the years ahead.

Why the BMW V8 Engine is So Iconic

So what makes the BMW V8 engine so legendary among enthusiasts? A few key reasons:

High-Revving Power – BMW’s V8 engines love to rev, with soaring horsepower and exhilarating sound all the way up to the 7,200+ rpm redline. BMW perfected the high-revving V8 over decades.
Smooth Delivery – BMW V8s are famous for delivering explosive power with silky smoothness. Active engine mounts combat vibration for a refined character unrivaled among V8s.
Performance Pedigree – From the original M1 supercar in the 1970s to today’s M8, the BMW V8 has continually powered some of the brand’s most celebrated performance machines for 50+ years.
Distinct Sound – The unique high-pitched wail of BMW’s V8 boosted by twin-turbos is instantly recognizable to any enthusiast, signaling the promise of immense power.
Motorsport Success – BMW’s V8 engines have powered generations of M3, M5, and M6 race cars to success in everything from DTM touring car racing to the 24 Hours of LeMans.

The heady rush of the BMW V8 at full song ascending to its stratospheric redline has created legions of diehard fans worldwide. It’s an automotive sound that stirs the soul of any driving enthusiast. For these reasons and more, BMW’s iconic V8 rightfully earns its place in the pantheon of great automotive engines.

The Future of the BMW V8 Engine

Given the auto industry’s accelerating shift to electric vehicles, what is the future of BMW’s vaunted V8 engine? Here’s an outlook:

BMW will likely continue restricting the V8 only to select M performance models that target driving enthusiasts specifically seeking the V8 experience.
Stricter emissions regulations will pressure BMW to make the S63 V8 even more efficient in coming years to keep it viable. Mild hybrid tech could help.
Future BMW M models will increasingly move to electrified powertrains too. An all-electric M car seems inevitable at some point.
If BMW eventually discontinues the V8 entirely, it will live on in the used market, sought after by collectors to preserve an iconic BMW engine.
For at least the next 5 years, BMW should continue offering the V8 in the M5, M8, X5 M, and X6 M to meet enthusiast demand.
BMW may develop a spiritual successor to the V8 – An electric motor or advanced inline-6 imbued with the V8’s passion and emotional sound.

While the V8’s days are likely numbered given the emissions challenges ahead, BMW clearly understands the importance of this engine’s heritage. We hope they keep the V8 flame burning as long as possible in select models catering to their most loyal enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The silky smooth and immensely powerful BMW V8 engine has powered luxury performance models for decades. But with the shift towards smaller engines and electric drivetrains, only a handful of BMW M models for 2023 still offer the V8 option that provides an exhilarating adrenaline rush behind the wheel.

Specifically, buyers can choose the thundering BMW V8 in the M5, M8, X5 M, and X6 M, ranging from around 600 up to 627 horsepower. These models demonstrate BMW still caters to driving enthusiasts by continuing the V8 lineage in their top performance variants.

As regulations and electric vehicles threaten the V8’s future, these powerful M machines give enthusiasts a final chance to own a new BMW with their glorious V8 sending cheers through the cabin at full song. BMW’s iconic V8 rightfully earns its place among the great automotive engines of all time.