BMW Loans Extremely Rare M8 Gran Coupe to YouTuber ‘Shmee’
Youtuber previews the BMW M8 Gran Coupe before his arrives later this year while lending support to a worthy cause.
The prestigious BMW 8 Series represents a high watermark for the company. The lineup officially revives the name of a legendary grand tourer from BMW’s past. And the company seems to have created a diverse roster of vehicles that live up to the heritage of that model. Fortunately, they also worked hard to make sure the M8 Competition offered a superlative driving experience as well. But what is it like to own one?
That’s a question that will be answered by Tim Burton, aka “Shmee,” in the next several months. While he waits for his personal M8 Competition to arrive, BMW offered him the opportunity to sample one of the most exclusive models in its entire history. His “rental” M8 Competition is just one of 8 produced, and the only right-hand drive example in the bunch, making it one-of-a-kind. His first video covered a lot of ground and featured his initial impressions of the Gran Coupe’s driving dynamics.
Burton’s M8 Competition Sneak Preview
BMW constructed a very unique model for Burton to sample. It’s officially called the BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe First Edition 1 of 8. BMW equipped all 8 models with exclusive badges, floor mats, and puddle lamps. However, there is one feature on the 1 of 8 that stands above the rest. In a nod to the past, BMW installed yellow headlights on them. They end up matching the color of headlights from decades past and it seems like BMW painted the models a specific shade of green to complement the lights as well. “I can not get over how good it looks when those yellow lights are illuminated,” says Burton. The pairing of the yellow laser lights and the special green paint, which was modeled after the Northern Lights, is absolutely spectacular.
Behind the wheel of the M8
Burton earned the distinction of being one of the first civilians in the world to sample the M8 Competition. He immediately liked the way BMW designed the digital cockpit displays once he got underway. Interior quality impressed Burton as well, especially the exclusive gear shifter. “The sound system is fantastic. The materials and everything are really nice,” says Burton. He also liked the cabin space and didn’t feel like it was a liability.
As a grand tourer, the M8 Competition earned accolades from Burton as well. “Everything about it. It just feels comfortable. It just feels like a really nice place to be sat, and to drive, and I could just imagine eating up the miles in the M8 that I’m eventually going to have myself in the garage,” says Burton. Overall, he expressed deep admiration for how the M8 Competition behaves in everyday driving.
Not Your Everyday Media Loan
BMW’s desire to lend Burton the M8 Competition was in part made possible by a special promotion. The company partnered with Omaze and Donut Media for a giveaway, with the proceeds going to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Donut Media creates automotive content for YouTube, just like Burton. The promotion is being held because James Pumphrey, founder of Donut Media, had his life saved at the hospital, and he wanted to express his thanks for their efforts. The Omaze business model is designed for exactly that. This specific promotion gives people the chance to win a Competition Coupe and an additional $20,000. Sounds pretty good to us!
When BMW, Burton, and worthy causes collide, great things happen. We get to witness Burton’s experience with a very special M8 Competition and support a great hospital in the process. Stay tuned to Burton’s Shmee150 channel for future developments on the M8. And definitely watch the video to see BMW’s spectacular yellow laser lights in all their glory.
Head here if you’d like to enter the giveaway.