Sporting the exact dimensions as the 8 Series Coupé
BMW has taken the wraps off the drop top version of the 8 Series, suggestively called 8 Series Convertible.
We’ve seen the open-top BMW 8 Series enduring serious heat in Death Valley a couple of months ago but it is finally time to learn its secrets as the camouflage foils are down.
BMW says the model’s market launch is scheduled for March 19, when the 8 Series Convertible will offer “two extremely powerful engines.”
One of them is the 390 kW (530 hp), 750 Nm (553 lb-ft), 4.4-liter petrol V8 that animates the BMW M850i xDrive Convertible, while the other presents itself as a 3-liter inline-six diesel unit making 235 kW (320 hp) and 680 Nm (501 lb-ft).
We’re told that both engine meet the Euro 6d-TEMP standard and sent power to all four wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.
Proportion-wise, the new BMW 8 Series Convertible stretches to 4,843 mm in length, 1,902 mm in width and 1,339 mm in height. With a wheelbase of 2,822 mm, the convertible shares the exact dimensions with the BMW 8 Series Coupé, including track widths (1,619 mm up front, 1,642 mm at the rear).
The car’s nose is flanked by the standard Adaptive LED Headlights, but clients can pick the optional BMW Laserlight lamps.
As for the folding roof, BMW went for the soft-top solution – which is said to minimise weight but also provide “superb acoustic insulation.” The standard roof color is black, with the possibility to opt for Anthracite Silver.
Practicality-wise, BMW tells us lowering or rising the soft-top takes just 15 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31 mph) with just the press of a button. With the roof closed, boot space stands at 350 liters. The backseat is also 50:50 split-foldable.
Inside the cabin, the BMW M850i xDrive Convertible sports multifunction seats (that’s the standard gear), while the wind deflector is standard for both the petrol and the diesel. BMW’s neck warmers, however, are optional, just like the climate seats, Heat Comfort package (this one brings a heated steering wheel) and the BMW Display Key.
READ MORE: Here’s everything there is to know about the 2019 BMW Z4