BMW 8 Series Convertible

The BMW 8 Series Convertible is uncompromised on the cabin comfort. It has a huge 10.25-inch touch screen infotainment system with navigation and Apple CarPlay connectivity. It also gets the ConnectedDrive system with BMW Connected plus. The driver’s display is a 12.3-inch digital display makes for the BMW Live Cockpit. A 12-speaker surround sound setup from Harman Kardon completes the entertainment package.

The seats are wrapped in premium quality Merino leather upholstery. The front seats get electric lumbar support, active seat ventilation and the electrically adjustable feature. The presence of dual-zone automatic climate control takes care of the cooling and additional comfort.

The BMW 8 Series Convertible borrows its design elements from the coupe form. It has a flat and stretched-out silhouette that continues to hold the signature styling upfront. It comprises unforgettable signature grille, sleek headlamps with BMW Laserlight technology and selective beam technology. It also gets the high beam assistant.

The soft-top convertible rides on 20-inch alloy wheels, which differs in design and tyre specification depending on the trim the buyer chooses. The rear end is flanked by an LED taillight cluster that splits at the tailgate. The soft-top roof is another visual aspect to love about this convertible.

The BMW 8 Series Convertible is a great handler, be it from the responsive steering or the powerful throttle. However, the presence of the soft top and the fold-unfold mechanism makes it slightly slower than the coupe model. The 840i model is capable of hitting the 0-100 kmph acceleration in 5.3 seconds, while the 850i can do so in 3.9 seconds, which is 3 seconds and 2 seconds slower respectively than the same engine on the coupe.

The suspension setup is apt for a very comfortable drive in all conditions, be it the open highway or busy city. Plus, the gearbox is slick and does not lag at all.

The BMW 8 Series Convertible shares its engine with the coupe variant. The base model, 840i uses a 3.0-litre (2,998cc), 6-cylinder engine that is capable of producing a peak power of 250 kW while churning out the highest torque figure of 500 Nm.

On the other hand, the bigger engine is a 4,395cc (4.4-litre), an 8-cylinder mill that is capable of producing 390 kW of power and a peak torque of 750 Nm. The transmission duties in both variants are handled by an 8-speed sport automatic gearbox.

The BMW 8 Series Convertible is uncompromised on the safety parameter. However, the number of features is slightly sedated compared to the coupe, thanks to the open top. The cabin has six airbags in total and has active protection. However, there are disc brakes with an anti-lock braking system, cornering brake assist and braking assistant.

Other driver’s assistance features include driving assistant professional, active cruise control, cross-traffic alert, steering & lane control, lane keep assist and side collision warning. There is also an active parking distance assist with parking assistant, reverse assistant and a surround-view camera with panorama view.

The BMW 8 Series Convertible defines designing and styling with every aspect it holds, be it the features or the powerful engine. However, given the difference in aerodynamics and the soft top mechanism, this open-top version is not as punchy and quick as the coupe model, despite sharing the same engine specifications.

Yet, it is still one of the best convertibles to be considered at the given price range and continues to give a very tough competition to its peers.