Currently reading: New BMW 8 Series convertible debuts at LA

Range-topping cabriolet appears in Los Angeles following last month's reveal

BMW is set to crown its new 8 Series convertible line-up with a new M8 version with more than 600bhp.

The M8 will go on sale in 2019 following the launch of the standard model, seen here during its official debut at the Los Angeles motor show.

Conceived to rival a number of existing upmarket convertibles, including the forthcoming Bentley Continental GTC and Mercedes-Benz S-Class cabriolet, the new BMW open-top forms part of a three-model-strong resurrected 8 Series line-up that also includes the 8 Series coupé and the upcoming four-door 8 Series Gran Coupé set to be unveiled next year.

The BMW indirect replacement for the 6 Series convertible is planned to go on sale in the UK in December with deliveries due in March 2019.

Bmwb 8 series convertible la 1

The 8 Series convertible will be initially sold with the choice of just two engines. They are a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel engine with 316bhp and 502lb ft at 1750rpm in the 840d xDrive convertible, and a turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 petrol unit that delivers 523bhp and 552lb ft at 1800rpm in the initial range-topping M850i xDrive.

Both engines come mated to a standard eight-speed torque converter-equipped, ZF-produced automatic gearbox and BMW’s four-wheel-drive xDrive system. The M850i xDrive convertible also receives an electronically controlled rear differential lock – a feature available as an option on the 840d xDrive convertible.

The 1955kg 840d xDrive can crack 0-62mph in 5.2sec, the 2055kg M850i xDrive in 3.9sec, and both have a limited top speed of 155mph. Next year, the M8 will join the range using an even more potent twin-turbocharged version of the M850i’s 4.4-litre V8. An 840i is also set to be introduced as an entry-level version.

93 Bmw 8 series cabrio official reveal cabin

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Predictably, the new 8 Series convertible mirrors the look of the new 8 Series coupé, with a bold front end and muscular lines. Its multi-layer fabric roof, which comes in a choice of either a standard black or optional anthracite colour, opens in 15sec at the touch of a button at speeds up to 31mph, automatically stowing beneath a tonneau cover trimmed with the same slush moulded plastic as the dashboard and door trims at the rear of the 2+2 cabin. BMW claims 350 litres of boot capacity with the roof in place, which is reduced when it is stowed. To accommodate lengthy items, the rear seats split and fold in 50:50 form to free up greater load space.

A plastic wind deflector similar to that already seen on 6 Series convertibles can be erected to reduce wind buffeting when the roof is down, although it requires the rear seats of the 8 Series convertible to be unoccupied.

89 Bmw 8 series cabrio official reveal air diffuser

Despite its higher positioning, the new 8 Series convertible is 54mm shorter than the old 6 Series convertible at 4843mm in length, while its width and height is put at 1902mm and 1339mm respectively. It also uses the same wheelbase as the recently introduced 8 Series coupé at 2822mm.

By comparison, the latest Mercedes-Benz S-Class cabriolet measures 5027mm in length, 1899mm in width and 1417mm in height while touting a 2945mm wheelbase.

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GZ 1 November 2018

Ah.

Looks ghastly!

Peter Cavellini 1 November 2018

It’s big......?

 Personally I can never see the point of a big Cabriolet,there’s a lot of wasted space just to seat four.

xxxx 1 November 2018

Big Coupe?

Peter Cavellini wrote:

 Personally I can never see the point of a big Cabriolet,there’s a lot of wasted space just to seat four.

Not sure why a 4 seater 8 series Convertible wastes any more space than the 4 seat Coupe.

Peter Cavellini 1 November 2018

Odd......?,

xxxx wrote:

Peter Cavellini wrote:

 Personally I can never see the point of a big Cabriolet,there’s a lot of wasted space just to seat four.

Not sure why a 4 seater 8 series Convertible wastes any more space than the 4 seat Coupe.

Just the fact that the Roof down the interior space looks so small, most will never, in this Country at least, have the Roof down....

Luap 1 November 2018

Peter Cavellini wrote:

Peter Cavellini wrote:

xxxx wrote:

Peter Cavellini wrote:

 Personally I can never see the point of a big Cabriolet,there’s a lot of wasted space just to seat four.

Not sure why a 4 seater 8 series Convertible wastes any more space than the 4 seat Coupe.

Just the fact that the Roof down the interior space looks so small, most will never, in this Country at least, have the Roof down....

 

They are not only selling it in this country though, are they Peter Captain Obvious Spam Your Name Everywhere Cavellini.

Peter Cavellini 1 November 2018

Guess what?!

Luap wrote:

Peter Cavellini wrote:

xxxx wrote:

Peter Cavellini wrote:

 Personally I can never see the point of a big Cabriolet,there’s a lot of wasted space just to seat four.

Not sure why a 4 seater 8 series Convertible wastes any more space than the 4 seat Coupe.

Just the fact that the Roof down the interior space looks so small, most will never, in this Country at least, have the Roof down....

 

They are not only selling it in this country though, are they Peter Captain Obvious Spam Your Name Everywhere Cavellini.

Can you smell Bull manure....?

johne-bike 2 November 2018

Please take a holiday, and don't rush back

I think the Bull manure is mainly coming from Peter Captain Obvious Spam Cavellini,to poorly quote Luap.
My heart sinks every time I read a Report from Autocar and see the name Peter Cavellini as usually the first comment.
I wish you could find something better to do with your life, instead of being so incredibly annoying with your self opinionated and usually inane comments on articles in this excellent magazine.
Perhaps you get off on Trolling and seeing your mainly irrelevant comments driving sensible readers to distraction?
As a long standing driver of many BMW and other manufacturer's Convertibles I can assure you that I along with the majority of convertible owners I know drive with the top down at every possible opportunity in the UK.
Using the excellent Wind Deflectors, heating turned up, top down driving is enjoyable year round, as long as it isn't raining.
In fact I've just realised what we Autocar readers really need for you is just that..A Wind Deflector..
FMS is a Knob 30 November 2018

Luap wrote:

Luap wrote:

Peter Cavellini wrote:

xxxx wrote:

Peter Cavellini wrote:

 Personally I can never see the point of a big Cabriolet,there’s a lot of wasted space just to seat four.

Not sure why a 4 seater 8 series Convertible wastes any more space than the 4 seat Coupe.

Just the fact that the Roof down the interior space looks so small, most will never, in this Country at least, have the Roof down....

 

They are not only selling it in this country though, are they Peter Captain Obvious Spam Your Name Everywhere Cavellini.

 

Says the dickhead who spams the same comment ad nauseum