- First 8 Series Convertible ever
- M850i xDrive boasts 523 horsepower
- 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds
- Priced from $122,395 including destination
As part of its reintroduction of its first 8 Series model in 20 years, BMW will also offer a convertible version of the flagship coupe for the first time. The 2019 BMW 8 Series makes its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show and boasts impressive performance as well as the sleek silhouette of a drop top. It is slated to go on sale next March.
Introduced at the M850 xDrive, the all-wheel drive convertible is powered by a 4.4-liter twin turbo V8 producing 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with an 8-speed Steptronic sequential shift automatic, the 8 Series convertible will be able to accelerate to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and will have an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
The 4-passenger convertible shares the sleek lines of the new 2019 BMW 8 Series Coupe, but replaces that fixed top with a cloth powered top that stows neatly beneath a double-bubble tonneau cover. The top can be raised and lowered in 15 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph.
Luxurious interior
While the car promises blistering performance, inside the cabin is outfitted with high quality materials befitting a flagship model. The 8 Series Convertible has all new sport seats clad in Merino leather upholstery with decorative continuous stitching. The rear 50-50 split folding rear seatbacks, which can be dropped to increase cargo capacity, are contoured as individual seats to boost comfort.
Also: Get your first look at the new and redesigned cars of 2019
Among the standard features are heated seats, LED ambient lighting, premium Hardon Kardon audio system with 12 speakers and a full suite of driver assists. The BMW 8 Series Convertible has collision and pedestrian warning with city braking function, and the optional Driving Assistant Professional includes stop-and-go adaptive cruise, lane departure warning and active blind spot detection, the former works from 44 mph to 130, while the latter works from 12 mph to the vehicle’s top speed.
Performance suspension
Riding on a 111.1-inch wheelbase, the BMW 8 Series Convertible measures 191.2 inches overall and 74.9 inches wide. It’s equipped with the Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers that can control compression and rebound continuously and independently each corner. The taut suspension also reduces roll and active rear-wheel steering helps maneuverability both low speed situations and high-speed operation. The variable assist power steering also becomes more direct with speed, while keeping a light touch while parking.
The 2019 BMW 8 Series M850i xDrive is scheduled to go on sale in March with prices starting at $122,395 including $995 delivery.
Oh, and now there’s a 2020 BMW M8 Convertible, too. Check it out!
