The new BMW 8 Series Convertible combines open-top, four-seater luxury with sportscar performance and handling, a spacious interior and a superb soundtrack to match.
Two engines will be offered at launch: a V8 petrol engine in the 530hp BMW M850i xDrive version and a 320hp six-cylinder diesel in the BMW 840d xDrive.
Using the new 8 Series platform and distinctive new design language, the new BMW 8 Series Convertible marries elegance with sporting prowess. With an exterior length of 4,843mm, a width of 1,902mm and height of 1,339mm, along with a 2,822mm wheelbase and track widths of 1,619mm (front), its dimensions match those of the BMW 8 Series Coupé almost exactly.
The focus on exceptional body rigidity for the concept underpinning the BMW 8 Series means that only a small number of additional convertible-specific and weight-increasing measures were required.
The BMW 8 Series Convertible cuts an impressive figure with both the roof up or down. Precise character lines trace the path of the airflow between the front and rear wheels while tapered surfaces around the front wheels and doors spread out at the top of the rear wheels. Discreet contouring marks out the surfacing above the rear wheels as the flanks transition into the rear end.
The compartment for the soft-top roof causes the trailing edge of the car’s body to be slightly higher than that of the BMW 8 Series Coupé. With the roof down the rear end appears extremely flat and low to the road. In addition, horizontal lines and light units extending into the flanks accentuate the width of the car. The third brake light embedded in the boot lid adds to the low-slung look.
Other model-specific features include a brace of contour lines on the boot, while the L-shaped rear lights are underscored by the line of the taillight bar that lights up uniformly. Twin exhaust trapezoidal tailpipes round off the lower section of the rear apron.
The BMW 8 Series Convertible is equipped with adaptive LED headlights as standard. BMW Laserlights are available with variable road illumination and Selective Beam, as a cost option. Further scope for individualisation is offered with the Chrome Line Exterior and M Carbon Exterior exterior package.
In addition to the sculpted rear apron and bespoke side skirts, the M Sport base trim includes Air Breathers finished in Pearl-effect Chrome on the inside, exhaust tailpipe embellishers in light chrome and a rear diffuser in Dark Shadow. The fronts of the kidney grille slats come in a neatly coordinated Aluminium matt.
The M Technic Sport Package for the BMW 840d xDrive Convertible features the BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line trim, which encompasses kidney grille slats in Highgloss Black and the grille frame, Air Breather inlays and the exhaust system’s tailpipe embellishers in Black Chrome.
The new BMW M850i xDrive model features many body elements from the M Sport base model, including a front spoiler extension and exclusive design accents in Cerium Grey. The features finished in this colour include the BMW kidney grille surround and slats, the exterior mirror covers, the Air Breather inlays, the tailpipe embellishers, the M logo on the front flanks and the model badge on the rear. Customers can also specify an M Carbon exterior package as an option, which adds air intake bars, exterior mirror covers and a rear apron insert that houses the exhaust tailpipes.
The optional Chrome Line Exterior provides further scope for individualising the outside of the car. Here, the side window graphic and exterior mirror bases come in chrome, while High-gloss Chrome is preferred for the surround and slats of the BMW kidney grille and – on the BMW M850i xDrive Convertible – the exhaust tailpipe embellishers.
Both the driver and passengers are surrounded by the sweeping flow of the instrument panels in the back and in the front of the cabin, as well as the door shoulders and soft-top compartment cover. Design-led from the outset, the side window border sits flush with the soft-top compartment surround, underlining the connection between the front and rear of the car.
A stainless steel mesh design is featured as standard on both M850i xDrive and the BMW 840d xDrive. The Ash Grain Metallic Grey high-gloss fine wood trim is also optionally available. The range of options from BMW Individual includes the Piano Finish Black trim variant.
The colour of the BMW 8 Series Convertible’s ambient lighting be changed via the iDrive menu and, in addition, the Dynamic interior light function emits pulsating light signals in specific situations. These signals appear on the inner panelling of an open door when the engine is running and on the instrument panel in response to an incoming phone call.
Electrically adjustable multifunction seats are fitted as standard in both models and are trimmed in Merino leather with a range of colour choices. The standard M leather steering wheel has multifunction buttons and gearshift paddles to control the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW xDrive.
On sale from April 2019, with OTR prices starting from £83,270.
