BMW 8 Series Convertible Debuts as an M850i

The worst kept secret in the automotive world is that BMW wants to have three variants to the 8 Series lineup. We’ve already seen the coupe with two doors, a gran coupe with four doors is on the way, and the convertible version has just debuted.

The 8 Series Convertible launches in two trims: the M850i xDrive Convertible and the 840d xDrive Convertible, which is a diesel, so don’t hold your breath waiting for that one to show up in your local U.S. dealership.

The M850i xDrive Convertible, as the name suggests, comes with all-wheel-drive and the same drivetrain as the M850i xDrive non-convertible. That means a 4.4-liter V8 churning out 530 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque that will get to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds (just a little more than the coupe’s 3.6 seconds).

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The diesel? Really? Oh, fine. It comes with a 3.0-liter straight-six making 320 hp and 501 lb-ft of torque and gets to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds (and nearly 48 mpg on the highway, if that’s what you’re into).

The car’s top is made out of fabric and goes up (or down) in just 15 seconds. BMW has, apparently, worked to make it as light and as quiet as possible, so as not to ruin the car’s dynamics nor its quiescence.

Like the coupe, the 8 Series convertible has been designed with all the latest fancy technologies, like carbon fiber-reinforced plastics, magnesium, and aluminum (the holy trinity!), though the convertible has special underbody bracing to deal with the lack of a top. It has also had its windshield reinforced and had roll bars (they launch automatically in the event of an accident) to protect you and your three best friends.

With seating for four and rear seats that fold down flat 50:50 despite being made of Merino leather contrasted against Vernasca leather trim, that’s two whole varieties of leather!

Outside, the M850i xDrive Convertible gets an extended front spoiler, 20-inch M light-alloy wheels, M Sport brakes, illuminated door sills, and exclusive Cerium Grey ornamentation all over the exterior.

The 850i and 840d Convertible will both hit dealers in March 2019, with more models likely to follow.

A version of this article first appeared on Bimmerfest.com