WORLD PREMIERE: BMW 8 Series Convertible — First Drop-Top 8 Ever

Back in 1989, when the BMW 8 Series first debuted, it was only developed as a coupe. At the time, it was BMW’s most technologically-advanced car it had ever made, yet there was never a convertible model. Even though BMW sold the 8 Series for almost ten years, as it ended production in 1999, a drop-top model was never produced. So this new, second-generation BMW 8 Series Convertible is truly the first of its kind.

Not only is the new 8 Series Convertible the first of its kind but it’s also the best looking drop-top BMW since the Z8. It looks great, like a proper grand touring convertible. Even in M850i-guise, as seen in these photos, it looks more elegant than it does sporty, which is how a GT convertible is supposed to look. Being that convertibles are, by nature, less engaging to drive than their coupe siblings — due to the inherent lack of structural rigidity and added weight from losing a fixed roof in favor of a folding one — GT convertibles should be more about fast, elegant cruising than anything else. And this new 8er ‘Vert seems to look the part.

Without the roof, it’s low, sleek and muscular looking. Though, it’s not overly sport and that’s a good thing. With the roof up, it looks calm and sophisticated.

A lot of this elegance-over-sport look of the 8 Series Convertible has to do with the way it’s spec’d. Rather than having really aggressive wheels and sporty packages, BMW chose to give this 8 Series ‘Vert some classier wheels and a less aggressive spec. Which was a smart move by the Bavarians, as it makes this look like a proper GT convertible, something to contend with the Aston Martin DB11 Volante and Bentley Continental GT Convertible, even though the 8’er is significantly cheaper than both.

The soft top roof itself is insulated with multiple layers of fabric that are designed to keep noise and temperature out while its up. But when the elements change, that roof can be stowed or risen in just 15 seconds, at speeds up to 30 mph. With the roof down, a wind deflector can be placed behind the front seats (although its presence prevents rear passengers) and stowed in the trunk when not in use.

If you like to embrace the elements regardless of temperature as I do (who doesn’t love a convertible in the winter?), optional neck warmers — air vents integrated into the head rests — can keep passengers warm even in cold weather. And, if you happen to roll the 8 Series Convertible, high-strength aluminum roll bars deploy behind the passengers’ heads, via pyrotechnic charge.

Aside from the convertible top and the features that come with it, the 8 Series Convertible is essentially the same as the coupe version. So it still makes 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque from its 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8, still uses an eight-speed auto and still has xDrive all-wheel drive. So, mechanically, it’s basically the same car. Though, its slight extra weight gain does slow its 0-60 mph time to 3.8 seconds, rather than the Coupe’s 3.6 seconds. Still, that’s plenty quick.

This new BMW 8 Series Convertible is the first of its kind and it’s already making a good first impression. Not only is it a fast, luxurious convertible but it’s possibly the best looking convertible BMW has made in a very, very long time.

The market launch is scheduled for March 2019 with the M850i xDrive Convertible starting at an MSRP of $121,400 plus $995 Destination.

Specifications 2019 BMW M850i xDrive Convertible