BMW unveils all-new 8 Series Convertible
Luxurious drop-top is due to be launched in March 2019
BMW has revealed its 8 Series Convertible ahead of the car’s market launch next March.
A drop-top version of the company’s 8 Series Coupe, it uses a full soft-top setup that can be opened and closed in 15 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph.
The 8 Series Convertible will initially be available with a choice of two engines. A turbocharged six-cylinder diesel with 316bhp will feature in the 840d, while the second is a turbocharged 4.4-litre petrol V8 with 523bhp, which will sit in the range-topping M850i.
Both cars come with BMW’s all-wheel-drive xDrive technology and share the same eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox.
Performance figures for both cars are brisk, with the sprint from 0-60mph taking 5.0 seconds in the diesel-powered 840d, dropping to 3.7 seconds in the M850i. Both cars have a top speed limited to 155mph.
Each benefits from adaptive M Sport suspension as standard, although the M850i gets an electronically controlled locking differential included from the outset – it’s an optional extra on the 840d, though.
The pair are set to be joined by a halo M8 later next year, which is likely to use an uprated and more powerful version of the M850i’s V8 engine.
Boot space is respectable given the car’s convertible roof, with 350 litres of load area matching that offered by the Mercedes S-Class Convertible – one of the 8 Series Convertible’s key rivals.
A pop-up wind deflector is fitted to the 8 Series Convertible as standard, while those looking for added roof-down comfort can choose to have neck warmers in the front headrests.
No prices for the 8 Series Convertible have been revealed, although more details are likely to be released closer to the car’s launch.
