Appreciate Nature Better In The BMW 8 Series Convertible

While customers were still taking in the looks and the features of the all-new 8 Series, BMW has gone ahead and brought in even more excitement by unveiling the convertible version. And just like the coupe, the convertible too is a handsome lad. Priced at Rs 88.5 lakh (approx, direct conversion from USD), the convertible is about Rs 7 lakh more expensive than the coupe. It will be launched in March next year, after the December launch of the coupe. In India, we expect to get the 8 Series towards the end of 2019.

The 8 Series convertible features a soft top which can open or close in 15 seconds at speeds up to 50kmph. The soft-top cloth is black as standard but you can switch to an Anthracite Silver if you wish to by paying a ‘slight’ premium. To lose the roof, there have been structural changes to the chassis, and for occupant safety, BMW has strengthened the windscreen frame and have added rollover bars behind the rear seats.

Powering the M850i xDrive convertible is a 4.4-litre V8 which produces 530PS of power and 750Nm of peak torque. Mated to an 8-speed Steptronic transmission, the convertible sprints from zero to 100kmph in 3.9 seconds and onto a top speed of 250kmph. There is a diesel option as well, an inline 6-cylinder, 3-litre unit badged the 840d xDrive Convertible. This unit makes 320PS of power and 680Nm of peak torque. Acceleration from 0–100kmph takes 5.2 seconds and top speed is limited to 250kmph.

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For better handling, BMW has not only kept a low centre of gravity but have also used aluminium, magnesium and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the construction to keep the weight as low as possible. Helping it further is the Adaptive M suspension with COMFORT, ECO Pro, SPORT and SPORT+ modes to choose from.

Outside, you still get the 8 Series’ sharp kidney grille which lends the car an aggressive character. You also get adaptive LED headlights and LED rear lights as standard, with BMW Laser light, which gets a high beam range of 600 metres, as an option. The diesel BMW 840d xDrive Convertible gets larger air intakes, distinctive side skirt and rear apron design, 19-inch M light-alloy wheels, M Sport braking system, multifunction seats, M leather steering wheel and illuminated door sills with M logo and more. Furthermore, the V8 BMW M850i xDrive Convertible gets a front spoiler extension, 20-inch M light-alloy wheels, high-performance tyres, specific M Sport braking system, exclusive exterior elements in Cerium Grey, interior trim strips in stainless steel mesh design and illuminated door sills with model badge.

Inside, apart from an uber-luxurious cabin, you also get wireless charging, BMW Display Key, Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, active seat ventilation and soft close function for the doors. In terms of practicality, the 8 Series convertible gets 50:50 split-folding rear seat, a 350 litres boot with automatic boot lid operation and hands-free opening and closing of the boot lid as standard.

In India, the 8 Series could be priced close to Rs 1.5 crores when launched. Which one would you rather pick, the coupe or the convertible? Do let us know in the comments below.