BMW's improved 8 Series Convertible is desirable in its own right, thinks Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review

BMW's usefully updated 8 Series Convertible is a properly desirable luxury GT cabrio that's more affordable both to buy and to run than its closest rivals, cabriolet versions of the Bentley Continental GT and Porsche's 911. It may not be an out-and-out sports car, but it's the finest open-topped car of this kind that the Munich marque has yet made.

Background

If every BMW is still to be the 'Ultimate Driving Machine' promised by the advertising, then that slogan must mean many things. Sharp, rewarding handling for most is what this brand is all about but in some market segments, other virtues are just as important. Take up-market large luxury convertibles. Cars like Bentley's Continental GT Convertible and the Porsche 911 Cabriolet are all about Grand Touring - fast, stylish cruising, something BMW has more experience in providing than you might expect, with a product heritage in such cars stretching all the way back to the 327 Sports Convertible of the late Thirties. And all the way forward to this car, the 8 Series Convertible, here usefully improved. This model's predecessor, the 6 Series Convertible, was a relatively rare sight on British roads. Despite a hefty price tag, it offered performance, rear seat room and boot space all little better than a BMW 4 Series Convertible costing half as much. It was a car that sold on cachet - and that wasn't enough to tempt significant numbers of wealthy buyers from their Mercedes, Jaguar and Porsche models. This 8 Series model though, has proved to be a different proposition.

Driving Experience

At the end of a day spent in pursuit of the kind of business that makes possible the purchase of a car like this, you want to be rewarded on your route home by a gloriously emotive soundtrack when you fire the engine and nose out into the traffic. That's certainly delivered by the M850i V8 version, along with an alfresco driving experience free, as you would expect, from all the roof-down buffeting and bodyshake that you'd get in a cheaper convertible. Which means that you'll be tempted to lower the roof more of the time, especially as it can be done in just 15s at speeds of up to 31mph. Raising it again cocoons you in a cabin almost as refined as you'd find in the alternative Coupe and four-door Gran Coupe models that BMW also offers in the 8 Series range. Unfortunately, the ride is somewhat firmer than some will want. And of course, it's fast. Even in the base rear-driven 840i variant, you've a 340hp in-line six cylinder petrol unit capable of sixty from rest in just 5.5s on the way to a top speed that would be well into the lock-you-up-and-throw-away-the-key area of licence confiscation were it not for a limiter that cuts in a 155mph. Otherwise, this car comes with a 4.4-litre twin turbo petrol V8, developing either 530hp in the M850i or a stonking 625hp in the top M8 Competition variant. All the powerplants on offer are torquey, with more than enough pulling power to make unnecessary as many as eight ratios in the ZF automatic gearbox. Use them and you can access performance that in the case of the M850i will catapult you to 62mph from rest in a Porsche-worrying 3.9s. The M8 Competition trims that to 3.3s. Toupees will need to be very firmly tied down.

Design and Build

This updated 8 Series Convertible now gets BMW's M Sport styling pack as standard, which gives the car a meaner look, with a more heavily structured front bumper and rear diffuser, as well as revised 19-inch wheels and upgraded brakes with blue calipers. Across the range, it's also now possible to order an illuminated front grille. V8 models get a unique front splitter and M8-style for the exterior mirrors, the rear spoiler and the diffuser. The M8 itself has redesigned 20-inch wheels. As you'd expect, the dimensions of this 8 Series Convertible body style match those of the 8 Series Coupe almost exactly. More of a surprise is that the weight of this open-topped variant isn't very much different either. A focus on body rigidity in the development of the 8 Series platform meant that only a small number of additional cabrio-specific and weight-increasing measures were required for this Convertible design. The roof is lightweight and provides superb acoustic insulation. When closed, it sits taut over the interior, thus retaining its coupe-like silhouette without compromising on design. A wind defector is standard. This can be set up in the rear-seat area to reduce turbulence when the roof is down. When not required it can be folded to half its size and stowed in the boot. Neck warmers integrated in the front-seat head restraints are also standard. There's very little back seat space but the rear-seat backrest can be split 50:50 and, thanks to this through-loading facility, the capacity of the luggage compartment can be extended as required. With the soft-top closed, the stowage capacity is 350-litres. When the roof is open though, your luggage space falls to only 280-litres. At the wheel, the key change with this facelifted model is an upgrade in the size of the central infotainment screen - from 10.25 to 12.3-inches. And the six cylinder model gets multi-contour seats as standard. Otherwise, things are the same as before.

Market and Model

Pricing starts at around £82,000 for the 840i, rising to around £111,000 for the 530hp M850i xDrive and around £133,000 for the 625hp M8 Competition version. Expect all the usual executive luxuries of course - leather upholstery and the BMW Live Cockpit Professional package, which gives you a 12.3-inch instrument binnacle dial display and a 12.3-inch centre-dash infotainment screen. All 8 Series Convertible models get xDrive 4WD, Adaptive M suspension and 'Integral Active Steering', which turns the rear wheels in either the same direction as the front wheels or the opposite direction (depending on vehicle speed). This allows for effortless lane changes, helps you dart through city traffic and facilitates a tighter turning circle with easier parking. Plus there's an M Sport braking system and you get the 'Sport' version of BMW's smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic paddleshift transmission, which means that Launch Control is standard.

Cost of Ownership

If you're spending £85,000-£135,000 on your luxury convertible, you won't be worrying too much about frugality. But with BiK taxation in mind, the CO2 stats might be of interest. The M850i with its turbocharged petrol V8 is capable of combined CO2 emissions of 246g/km. The 840i improves that to 188g/km. The M8 Competition manages 255g/km. You'll pay handsomely at the pumps to keep this car on the road of course. The worst offender is of course the M8 Competition, which is WLTP-rated at a best of 25.2mpg on the combined cycle. Routine maintenance is dictated by 'Condition Based Servicing' that monitors oil level and engine wear, taking into account how long it's been and how far the car has travelled since its previous garage visit. To help plan ahead for the cost of regular work, at point of purchase you'll be offered a 'BMW Service Inclusive' package that lasts for three years and 36,000 miles. With this, after a one-off payment, you'll have the peace of mind of knowing that all normal work on the car has been paid for during this period, including items such as oil, spark plugs and filters. On to the warranty package. BMW offers a warranty that lasts for three years, no matter how many miles you complete. You can also insure your car through BMW, though as most 8s will be funded with company money through a lease deal, this brokerage fees are likely to be bundled into that.

Summary

There are only two ways I could really imagine anyone being disappointed by this BMW. If you expect it to be an out-and-out sports car. Or if you can't afford it. The first is unrealistic. Buy a car of this kind and you're buying a Grand Tourer. That's what the target market wants. And this 8 Series is very good indeed at GT motoring. Yet at the same time, significantly more dynamically able than its 6 Series predecessor if you should want to start throwing it about. As for the prices, yes they're high but realistically you can't really have any complaints about that either, given that rival brands are asking similar sums. Bigger, faster and sleeker than before, for me it's the most desirable convertible the Bavarian brand has ever made. A car you could comfortably choose over a comparable Porsche, Bentley or Maserati? You'd better believe it.

Body Glass

Heated windscreen washer jets

Climate comfort windscreen

Thermally insulated windscreen

Heat protection, sun protection glazing

Front electric windows

Automatic windscreen wipers and automatic headlight

Rain sensor and automatic driving lights control

Heated rear window, glass

Brakes

Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Dynamic brake control

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Hill start assist

Integrated brake system

Electromechanical parking brake with automatic drive away release and auto hold function

Brake assist

Brake discs, compound structure

Chassis/Suspension

Adaptive M suspension professional

Double wishbone front axle

Dynamic Damper Control

Communication

Wi-Fi hotspot

Bluetooth hands free facility with USB audio interface, voice control and enhanced bluetooth + Wireless charging

Driver Aids

Servotronic system

Speed limiter

Parking Assistant Plus with 360 degree surround view camera

Integral active steering

Remote view 3D

Drive experience control with Sport, Comfort, Eco Pro and Adaptive modes

Driver Convenience

Electric bootlid

Automatic tailgate operation, remote opening with key, closing by tailgate button or remote control including tailgate in LED technology

Driver Information

Check control system

On board computer

Service interval indicator

Head up Display

Outside temperature display

Run flat indicator

BMW Teleservices

Oil sensor for level and grade

BMW legal emergency call

Condition based service

Brake pad wear indicator

Instrument and upper door panel in walknappa leather

BMW Drive recorder

Integrated owners handbook

BMW ConnectedDrive online services

iDrive controller with shortcut buttons

Light on warning

Driving Mirrors

Frameless interior mirror

Exterior mirrors - Floating design mirror,exterior mirror housing upper in vehicle colour,electric adjust/heated,aspherical,electric fold in function

Engine

Sport exhaust system

Petrol Particulate Filter

BMW xDrive system

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Favourite buttons

TV Receiver function including reception of digital TV station

Bowers and Wilkins diamond surround sound system

Exterior Body Features

Wind deflector

Illuminated door handles

Front and rear bumper system with replaceable deformation elements

xDrive designation on left tailgate

High gloss shadowline exterior

Carbon core

Rear boot

Front ornamental grille with kidney grille bars

M emblem on front side panel in light chrome

Window frame and mirror base in black high gloss

M lights shadow line

Exhaust tailpipes with chrome finishers,radiator grille frame,air breather inlay,black chrome tailpipe trims,radiator grille struts in black highgloss

Illuminated radiator grille iconic glow

Model logo on right tailgate in chrome

Exterior Lights

High beam assistant

Dynamic brake lights

LED rear lights

BMW Laserlights

Welcome lights in interior and door handle area

Follow me home headlight function

Third LED technology brake light in tailgate

Daytime driving lights front and rear active

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Microfilter and active carbon filter

Automatic air conditioning with 2-zone control

Warm air collar

Hoods

Fully automatic and lined softtop

Interior Features

Front door pockets

Soft close doors

CraftedClarity glass application for interior elements

Lockable glove compartment with light

2 cup holders in front

Steering column with adjustable height and length and activation via control on the steering column

BMW ID

Lashing eyelets

Through loading function

3 spoke M sport leather multifunction steering wheel with shift paddle

1 x 12V power socket in front centre console

Storage compartment under front centre armrest with light, 1 x 12V power socket and USB

Interior Lights

Front reading lights

Front entry lights doors

Interior lighting - Interior light front centre above interior mirror,luggage compartment light,automatic interior light system soft on/soft off

Ambient light with dynamic interior light

Packs

M Carbon exterior package without carbon blade - 8 Series

Connected professional pack - 8 Series

Front heat comfort pack - 8 Series

M sport exterior styling aerodynamics pack - 8 Series

BMW Live cockpit professional pack - 8 Series

M Performance pack - 8 Series

Exterior items pack - 8 Series/xDrive/Ultimate

Safety

Side impact protection

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

Active protection

Roll over protection system

Crash sensor activating central locking release, hazard warning lights, fuel cut off, interior lighting, safety battery terminal clamp and airbags

Front three point with pyrotechnical belt latch tensioner seat belts, belt force limiter and belt stopper

Rear three point with pyrotechnical belt latch tensioner seat belts and belt force limiter

Airbags - Driver and front passenger airbag with seat occupancy detection, knee, side and front passenger seat airbag deactivation

ISOFIX child seat mounting for the two outer rear seats

Seats

50/50 split folding rear seat

2 rear head restraints

Front seat ventilation

Front seat heating

4 seats

Security

Locking wheel bolts

Centre lock switch

Comfort access system

Keyless entry with start/stop button

Closing system with central locking

Alarm system (Thatcham 1) with electronic engine immobiliser

Vehicle key with exclusive M designation

Transmission

M Sport differential

Eight speed sport automatic transmission

Vanity Mirrors

Front sun visors with ticket holder and illuminated mirror

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 210

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 71

HC+NOx: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 411

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 255

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 218

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 249

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 249

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 244

Engine and Drive Train

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Catalytic Convertor: No

Cylinders: 8

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 32

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Cylinder Layout: V8

Engine Code: N63B44T3

CC: 4395

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 88.3

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 89

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 25.9

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 26.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 25.9

WLTP - MPG - Low: 15.7

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 25.2

WLTP - MPG - High: 30.7

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 29.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 10.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 10.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 10.9

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 9.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 9.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 11.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 18

General

Special Edition: 0

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Coin Series: M850 [Ultimate Pack]

Coin Description: i xDrive

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Badge Engine CC: 4.4

Badge Power: 530

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

Based On ID: N

Special Order: 0

Generation Mark: 2

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Performance

Top Speed: 155

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 390

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Torque - MKG: 76.5

0 to 62 mph (secs): 4.1

Engine Torque - RPM: 1800

Engine Torque - NM: 750

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 553

Engine Power - BHP: 530

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Tyre Size Front: 245/35 R20

Wheel Style: M DOUBLE SPOKE STYLE 895M

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Tyre Size Rear: 275/30 R20

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4851

Height (including roof rails): N

Height: 1345

Width (including mirrors): 2137

Wheelbase: 2822

Width: 1902

Weight and Capacities

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.9

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Max. Roof Load: N

No. of Seats: 4

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 350

Max. Loading Weight: 465

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 68

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2515

Minimum Kerbweight: 2050

Carpets/Rugs

Oyster velour floormats

Embellishment Trims

Fineline copper interior trim

Carbon fibre interior trim finishers

Individual piano black trim

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

BMW Individual Frozen paint

BMW Individual paintwork

Hoods

Soft top - Anthracite silver fleck

Individual soft top - Bordeaux red

Individual soft top - Marine blue

Individual soft top - Brown

Soft top - Black

Interior Features

BMW Individual extended merino leather upholstery - I

BMW Individual extended merino leather upholstery - II

BMW Individual full merino leather upholstery - I

BMW Individual full merino leather upholstery - II

Packs

Driving assistant professional pack - 8 Series

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Portimao blue

Metallic - Carbon black

Metallic - Skyscraper grey

Metallic - Sanremo green

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Mineral white

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

BMW Individual paint special - Custom

BMW Individual paint - Special request

BMW Individual metallic paint - Aventurine red

BMW Individual frozen metallic paint - Frozen tanzanite blue

BMW Individual frozen metallic paint - Frozen pure grey

BMW Individual metallic paint - Tanzanite blue

BMW Individual metallic paint - Dravit grey

Seats

Front M Sport seats with electric memory function for driver/passenger seat + Lumbar support + Electric adjust comfort front headrests

Trim - Leather

BMW Individual extended Merino leather I - Cognac/Black world

BMW Individual full Merino leather II - Tartufo/black world

BMW Individual full Merino leather I - Cognac/black world

BMW Individual full Merino leather I - Black/Black world

BMW Individual full Merino leather I - Ivory white/Ivory white world

BMW Individual full Merino leather II - Fiona red/Black with Black world

Extended merino leather - Black M piping/Black world

BMW Individual extended Merino leather II - Fiona red/Black with Black world

BMW Individual extended Merino leather II - Tartufo/Black with Black world

BMW Individual extended Merino leather I - Black/Black world

BMW Individual extended Merino leather I - Ivory white/Ivory white world

Wheels

Run flat tyres

Wheels - Alloy

20" Y spoke M light alloy wheels with mixed tyres in jet black with run flat tyres - style 728M

20" Individual V spoke light alloy wheels with run flat mixed tyres - style 730

20" Double spoke bi colour alloy wheels with RFT - style 894M

20" Y spoke M light alloy wheels with run flat mixed tyres in bicolour - style 728M