2020 BMW M8 to get adjustable braking modes

More details of the upcoming 2020 BMW M8 (andM8 Competition) coupe and convertible have been revealed as the M Division’s flagship nears completion.

Although BMW hasn’t taken off all of its development mule make-up, and revealed a new M digital gauge display, the headlining development is found under the skin with the inclusion of a new brake-by-wire setup with “M-specific configurability”.

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The new setup features a compact module that integrates the brake activation, brake booster, and braking control functions. This setup not only does away with the traditional vacuum-operated brake booster, but removes 2kg of mass and is said to boost efficiency as well.

According to BMW, the braking system, which is triggered by an electric actuator, will be able to deliver significantly faster braking response and facilitates for more precise stability control interventions.

Similar technical justifications for the adoption of brake-by-wire have been made by Alfa Romeo in the past for the Giulia, though its application has remained a point of contention. However it will remain a keen point of interest to see how M Division adopts the technology when the production version comes out.

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More pertinently the shift to computerised systems allows the M Division to add yet another driving setting with two pedal feel settings, which alters the amount of pressure the driver would need to apply during braking. In ‘Comfort’ mode the pedal is expected to be more “comfort-oriented” where as ‘Sport’ would deliver a “direct, instantaneous response”, make of that what you will.

Aside from the new braking system the M8 will come with a new ‘Setup button’ on the centre console that drivers can access to setup and save the desired individual settings for the engine, chassis, steering, braking, sound, gearshift, and stability systems which then can be accessed from the two M-buttons mounted on the steering wheel.