Compare the2022 BMW M8VS 2021 Rolls-Royce Dawn

The M8 has standard City Collision Mitigation, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The Dawn has a collision warning system without the crash-mitigating brake feature that could reduce stopping distances.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The M8 offers optional Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The Dawn doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The M8 has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Dawn doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The M8’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the Dawn.

The M8’s optional blind spot warning system uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. The Dawn doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the M8’s optional cross-path warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The Dawn doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

Both the M8 and the Dawn have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, collision warning systems, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The M8’s corrosion warranty is 8 years longer than the Dawn’s (12 vs. 4 years).

There are over 9 times as many BMW dealers as there are Rolls-Royce dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the M8’s warranty.

The M8’s 4.4 turbo V8 produces 54 more horsepower (617 vs. 563) than the Dawn’s standard 6.6 turbo V12. The M8’s 4.4 turbo V8 produces 24 more horsepower (617 vs. 593) than the Dawn Black Label’s standard 6.6 turbo V12.

As tested in Car and Driver the BMW M8 is faster than the Rolls-Royce Dawn (base engine):

On the EPA test cycle the M8 Competition gets better fuel mileage than the Dawn 6.6 turbo V12 (15 city/21 hwy vs. 12 city/18 hwy).

Regenerative brakes improve the M8’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Dawn doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the M8’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Dawn doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The M8’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Dawn doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the M8’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Dawn:

The M8 offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The Dawn doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The M8 stops much shorter than the Dawn:

For better traction, the M8 has larger front tires than the Dawn (F:275/35R20 & R:285/35R20 vs. F:255/45R20 & R:285/40R20).

The M8’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Dawn’s standard 45 series front and 40 series rear tires. The M8’s tires are lower profile than the Dawn’s optional 40 series front tires.

For better maneuverability, the M8 Competition Coupe’s turning circle is 2.7 feet tighter than the Dawn’s (39 feet vs. 41.7 feet).

The BMW M8 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 650 to 900 pounds less than the Rolls-Royce Dawn.

The M8 Coupe/Convertible is 1 foot, 4.3 inches shorter than the Dawn, making the M8 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

For excellent aerodynamics, the M8 has standard flush composite headlights. The Dawn has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The M8 Gran Coupe has standard seating for 5 passengers; the Dawn can only carry 4.

The M8 Convertible has a much larger trunk with its top down than the Dawn with its top down (12.4 vs. 8.6 cubic feet). The M8 Convertible has a much larger trunk than the Dawn with its top up (12.4 vs. 10.4 cubic feet).

The M8’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The Dawn doesn’t offer folding rear seats.

The M8 has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Dawn doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The M8’s front and rear power windows all open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Dawn’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully.

A power rear sunshade and manual rear side window sunshades are standard in the M8 Gran Coupe to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Dawn doesn’t offer a rear sunshade.

On extremely cold winter days, the M8’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The Dawn doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The M8’s optional Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Dawn doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The BMW M8 comes in coupe, convertible and sedan bodystyles; the Rolls-Royce Dawn isn’t available as a coupe or sedan.