2017 BMW M8 Gran Coupe (Concept) Dimensions, Size & Specs

Fitting the 2017 BMW M8 Gran Coupe Concept into a standard residential garage is generally feasible, but with considerations due to its size. A typical single car garage door width is about 2400 mm (94.5 inches), which accommodates the car's width of 2046 mm (80.5 inches) easily when mirrors are folded. However, with mirrors opened, the width stretches to 2224 mm (87.6 inches), still under the standard width but leaving less maneuvering room. The length of 4980 mm (196.1 inches) is also within the range of standard garage lengths, usually starting at about 5400 mm (213 inches) or more. The low height of 1212 mm (47.7 inches) poses no issue for garages with typical clearance heights well above 2000 mm (78.7 inches). Still, due to the car’s width and length, extra care must be taken during parking to avoid any scratches or bumps, especially if the garage space is on the smaller side.

The 2017 BMW M8 Gran Coupe Concept has a width of 2046 mm (80.5 inches) measured without the mirrors extended, which reflects the physical body width of the car. This dimension is useful for understanding the actual vehicle size for storage or transport. When the side mirrors are opened, the total width increases significantly to 2224 mm (87.6 inches). This added width is important when driving in narrow spaces, parking, or navigating tight garage entrances. The nearly 18 cm (7 inches) increase due to the mirrors is fairly typical for high-performance vehicles aimed at balancing aerodynamic efficiency and driver visibility. BMW designed the mirrors to fold or retract, mitigating parking and garage fit concerns while maintaining optimal visibility during driving.

With a height of just 1212 mm (47.7 inches), the 2017 BMW M8 Gran Coupe Concept stands out for its remarkably low and sporty profile. This low height contributes to an aerodynamic efficiency that enhances high-speed stability and reduces air resistance, which is essential for a high-performance prototype like the M8 Gran Coupe. From a design perspective, the low roofline enhances the vehicle's aggressive and sleek coupe aesthetic, setting it apart from taller luxury sedans or SUVs. However, the low height can slightly reduce practicality in terms of ease of entry and exit, as well as interior headroom for taller passengers. Despite being a concept, the dimensions emphasize the car’s focus on performance and style over maximum practicality.

The 2017 BMW M8 Gran Coupe Concept is equipped with wide and specially sized rims and tires, which are central to achieving its dynamic handling goals. Specifically, it features 12.5J x 18 (front) and 13J x 18 (rear) rims, paired with tires sized 30/68 R18 (front) and 31/71 R18 (rear). These dimensions indicate a tire profile that provides a large contact patch with the road, essential for grip during aggressive driving and cornering. Larger rims and wider tires not only improve traction but also support the suspension system in delivering precise feedback and stability. Such specifications are typical for BMW’s M models, reflecting a balance between sporty driving dynamics and road comfort. The setup underscores the concept car’s ambition to offer thrilling performance and sharp handling characteristics.

The 2017 BMW M8 Gran Coupe Concept was introduced as a forward-looking model to preview what would become the actual M8 range but as a concept vehicle, it doesn't have a direct predecessor called 'M8 Gran Coupe' to compare against. However, it can be compared to the earlier BMW M6 Gran Coupe, which served as a predecessor in the high-performance Gran Coupe segment for BMW. Compared to the M6 Gran Coupe, which measured around 4989 mm in length and 1902 mm in width (without mirrors), the M8 Gran Coupe Concept is slightly shorter in length (4980 mm) but notably wider (2046 mm including mirrors), suggesting a more aggressive and broader stance. The lower height of 1212 mm compared to the M6 also contributes to a sportier, more aerodynamic profile. These adjustments symbolize BMW’s evolution toward more dynamic proportions and enhanced road presence in their flagship M Gran Coupe models.

In terms of size, the 2017 BMW M8 Gran Coupe Concept competes closely with other top-tier luxury performance coupes like the Audi RS7 and Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe. With a length of 4980 mm (196.1 inches) and a width of 2046 mm (80.5 inches, excluding mirrors), the BMW M8 Gran Coupe Concept is slightly longer and wider than many competitors, which typically range between 4900 mm and 4950 mm in length and widths around 1900-2000 mm. Its low height of 1212 mm (47.7 inches) is among the lowest in the segment, emphasizing sportiness and aerodynamic efficiency compared to slightly taller rivals. The wide body and large tires/rims underline its performance focus, making it stand out in terms of road presence and handling capability. Overall, the M8 Gran Coupe Concept is positioned as a sleek, aggressive competitor that balances roomy proportions with a striking, low profile.

The 2017 BMW M8 Gran Coupe Concept is a prototype coupe, which means it was designed primarily to showcase BMW’s vision for future luxury performance coupes rather than being a mass-produced vehicle. As a concept, it features cutting-edge design elements, advanced technology, and a focus on performance and aesthetics. The coupe body style implies a two-door design with a sporty, streamlined silhouette aimed at delivering agility and style. Although it is classified as a 'Gran Coupe,' suggesting a blend of coupe sportiness with some practical rear passenger space, the concept places strong emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency, luxury, and dynamic driving performance. Such a vehicle typically features high-end materials, innovative engineering, and powertrain technologies intended to preview or influence future production models in BMW’s M lineup.

The 2017 BMW M8 Gran Coupe Concept’s status as a prototype or concept car is highly significant for several reasons. As a concept, it represents BMW’s experimental and visionary approach to future vehicle design and engineering, enabling the brand to explore new aesthetics, technologies, and performance benchmarks without the constraints of immediate production feasibility. Prototypes like this allow BMW to gauge public and media reaction, test advanced technologies like new suspension or hybrid systems, and refine design language that might appear in future production models. Because it was not produced for sale, the concept car’s features—such as dimensions, materials, and interior technology—may be more avant-garde and less practical than production vehicles. Nonetheless, it provides valuable insights into BMW's engineering direction and helps set the stage for the eventual production version of the M8 Gran Coupe.

The dimensions of the 2017 BMW M8 Gran Coupe Concept—particularly its length of 4980 mm (196.1 inches), width of 2046 mm (80.5 inches), and height of 1212 mm (47.7 inches)—play a crucial role in its weight distribution and driving dynamics. The long wheelbase implied by the overall length supports stability at high speeds and improved ride comfort by spreading mass across a greater distance. The wide track, reflected by the broad width and sizable rims, enhances lateral stability during cornering and allows for wider tires that improve grip. The exceptionally low height contributes to a lower center of gravity, which minimizes body roll and improves agility. These characteristics collectively suggest a car designed with performance driving in mind, offering sharp handling, confident cornering, and solid road feel. The dimensions complement the high-performance engine and chassis tuning expected from a BMW M model, culminating in a sports coupe capable of dynamic driving experiences.