BMW

BMW 8 SERIES CONVERTIBLE M850i xDrive 2dr Auto [Ultimate Pack]

Fuel

FuelPetrol

Transmission

TransmissionAutomatic

Acceleration

0 - 62 mph4.1s

WLTP - CO2 (g/km)

WLTP - CO2244 g/km

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.

AN 8 THAT'S GREAT

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.

  • Heated windscreen washer jets
  • Climate comfort windscreen
  • Thermally insulated windscreen
  • Front electric windows
  • Automatic windscreen wipers and automatic headlight
  • Rain sensor and automatic driving lights control
  • Heated rear window, glass

  • Brake discs, compound structure
  • Integrated brake system
  • Electromechanical parking brake with automatic drive away release and auto hold function
  • DSC - Dynamic Stability Control
  • CBC - (Cornering brake control)
  • Dynamic brake control
  • Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
  • Dynamic Traction Control - DTC
  • Hill start assist

  • Double wishbone front axle
  • Dynamic Damper Control
  • Adaptive M suspension professional

  • Wi-Fi hotspot
  • Bluetooth hands free facility with USB audio interface, voice control and enhanced bluetooth + Wireless charging

  • Integral active steering
  • Remote view 3D
  • Drive experience control with Sport, Comfort, Eco Pro and Adaptive modes
  • Speed limiter
  • Parking Assistant Plus with 360 degree surround view camera
  • Servotronic system

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

  • BMW ConnectedDrive online services
  • iDrive controller with shortcut buttons
  • BMW Drive recorder
  • Integrated owners handbook
  • Check control system
  • On board computer
  • Service interval indicator
  • Outside temperature display
  • Head up Display
  • BMW Teleservices
  • Run flat indicator
  • Instrument and upper door panel in walknappa leather
  • Condition based service
  • Brake pad wear indicator
  • BMW legal emergency call
  • Oil sensor for level and grade

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

  • BMW xDrive system
  • Petrol Particulate Filter
  • Sport exhaust system

  • DAB Digital radio
  • Favourite buttons
  • TV Receiver function including reception of digital TV station
  • Bowers and Wilkins diamond surround sound system

  • xDrive designation on left tailgate
  • Model logo on right tailgate
  • Front and rear bumper system with replaceable deformation elements
  • Illuminated door handles
  • Wind deflector
  • Rear boot
  • Front ornamental grille with kidney grille bars
  • High gloss shadowline exterior
  • Carbon core
  • 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

  • Daytime driving lights front and rear active
  • Third LED technology brake light in tailgate
  • High beam assistant
  • Dynamic brake lights
  • LED rear lights
  • BMW Laserlights
  • Follow me home headlight function
  • Welcome lights in interior and door handle area

  • Microfilter and active carbon filter
  • Automatic air conditioning with 2-zone control
  • Warm air collar

  • Fully automatic and lined softtop

  • BMW ID
  • Steering column with adjustable height and length and activation via control on the steering column
  • Lashing eyelets
  • Front centre armrest with light, 12V socket and USB and storage compartment
  • 3 spoke M sport leather multifunction steering wheel with shift paddle
  • Through loading function
  • Frameless interior mirror
  • 2 cup holders in front
  • Lockable glove compartment with light
  • Soft close doors
  • 2 X front 12v power sockets
  • CraftedClarity glass application for interior elements

  • Front reading lights
  • 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
  • Front entry lights doors

  • Driving assistant professional pack - 8 Series
  • Front heat comfort pack - 8 Series
  • M sport exterier styling aerodynamics pack - 8 Series
  • Connected professional pack - 8 Series
  • BMW Live cockpit professional pack - 8 Series
  • M Performance pack - 8 Series
  • Exterior items pack - 8 Series/xDrive/Ultimate
  • M Carbon exterior package without carbon blade - 8 Series

  • Active protection
  • Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
  • Warning triangle and first aid kit
  • Side impact protection
  • ISOFIX child seat mounting for the two outer rear seats
  • Head airbags for 1st and 2nd seat row
  • 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

  • 4 seats
  • Front seat ventilation
  • 50/50 split folding rear seat
  • 2 rear head restraints
  • Front seat heating

  • Closing system with central locking
  • Keyless entry with start/stop button
  • Alarm system (Thatcham 1) with electronic engine immobiliser
  • Locking wheel bolts
  • Comfort access system
  • Centre lock switch
  • Vehicle key with exclusive M designation

  • Eight speed sport automatic transmission
  • M Sport differential

  • Front sun visors with ticket holder and illuminated mirror

  • Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 249
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 244
  • HC+NOx: N

  • Engine Code: N63B44T3
  • Cylinders - Bore (mm): 89
  • Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 88.3
  • CC: 4395
  • Cylinders: 8
  • Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE
  • Number of Valves: 32
  • Camshaft: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO
  • Catalytic Convertor: True
  • Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH
  • Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
  • Transmission: SEMI-AUTO
  • Gears: 8 SPEED

  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: False
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 26.4
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 25.9
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 10.7
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 10.9

  • Generation Mark: 2
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: False
  • NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N
  • NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N
  • NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N
  • NCAP Safety Assist %: N
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N
  • Badge Power: 530
  • Badge Engine CC: 4.4
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Based On ID: N
  • Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E
  • Coin Series: M850 [Ultimate Pack]
  • Coin Description: i xDrive
  • Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: False

  • Engine Power - BHP: 530
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • 0 to 60 mph (secs): False
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 4.1
  • Top Speed: 155
  • Engine Power - KW: 390
  • Engine Power - RPM: 5500
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 553
  • Engine Torque - NM: 750
  • Engine Torque - RPM: 1800
  • Engine Torque - MKG: 76.5

  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP
  • RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

  • Tyre Size Front: 245/35 R20
  • Wheel Style: M DOUBLE SPOKE STYLE 895M
  • Tyre Size Rear: 275/30 R20
  • Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT
  • Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY
  • Alloys?: True
  • Space Saver?: False

  • Length: 4851
  • Width: 1902
  • Wheelbase: 2822
  • Width (including mirrors): 2137
  • Height: 1345
  • Height (including roof rails): N

  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 350
  • No. of Seats: 4
  • Max. Roof Load: N
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.9
  • Max. Loading Weight: 465
  • Minimum Kerbweight: 2050
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 2515
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 68

  • Anthracite velour floormats: Included
  • Oyster velour floormats: £0

  • Individual piano black trim: £250
  • Fineline copper interior trim: £250
  • Aluminium trace dark interior trim: Included
  • Carbon fibre interior trim finishers: £450

  • Metallic paint: Included
  • Solid paint: £0
  • BMW Individual paintwork: £1,065
  • BMW Individual Frozen paint: £2,450
  • BMW M 50 Years badges on bonnet, tailgate and wheel hubs: £300

  • Soft top - Black: £0
  • Soft top - Anthracite silver fleck: £350

  • Extended Merino leather upholstery: Included
  • BMW Individual extended merino leather upholstery - I: £0
  • BMW Individual extended merino leather upholstery - II: £500
  • BMW Individual full merino leather upholstery - I: £3,250
  • BMW Individual full merino leather upholstery - II: £3,750

  • Metallic - Mineral white: £0
  • Metallic - Sunset orange: £0
  • Metallic - Portimao blue: £0
  • Metallic - Black sapphire: £0
  • Metallic - Carbon black: £0
  • Metallic - Sanremo green: £0
  • Metallic - Skyscraper grey: £0

  • Solid - Alpine white: £0

  • BMW Individual metallic paint - Aventurine red: £1,065
  • BMW Individual metallic paint - Tanzanite blue: £1,065
  • BMW Individual metallic paint - Dravit grey: £1,065
  • BMW Individual frozen metallic paint - Frozen pure grey: £2,450
  • BMW Individual frozen metallic paint - Frozen tanzanite blue: £2,450

  • Active front seat headrests: Included

  • Electric front seats with memory function: Included
  • Front electric sports seats: Included
  • Front M Sport seats with electric memory function for driver/passenger seat + Lumbar support + Electric adjust comfort front headrests: £1,295

  • BMW Individual full Merino leather I - Cognac/black world: £3,250
  • BMW Individual full Merino leather II - Tartufo/black world: £3,750
  • BMW Individual full Merino leather I - Black/Black world: £3,250
  • BMW Individual full Merino leather I - Ivory white/Ivory white world: £3,250
  • BMW Individual full Merino leather II - Fiona red/Black with Black world: £3,750
  • Extended merino leather - Black M piping/Black world: £0
  • BMW Individual extended Merino leather I - Ivory white/Ivory white world: £0
  • BMW Individual extended Merino leather I - Cognac/Black world: £0
  • BMW Individual extended Merino leather I - Black/Black world: £0
  • BMW Individual extended Merino leather II - Tartufo/Black with Black world: £500
  • BMW Individual extended Merino leather II - Fiona red/Black with Black world: £500

  • Run flat tyres: £0

  • 20" Y spoke M light alloy wheels with run flat mixed tyres in bicolour - style 728M: £0
  • 20" Y spoke M light alloy wheels with mixed tyres in jet black with run flat tyres - style 728M: £0
  • 20" Individual V spoke light alloy wheels with run flat mixed tyres - style 730l: £0
  • 20" Double spoke Bi colour alloy wheels with performance tyres - style 895M: Included
  • 20" Double spoke bi colour alloy wheels with RFT - style 894M: £0

  • Tyre repair kit: Included

Whilst every effort is made to verify and ensure the accuracy of the data, the information should only be used as a guide and no purchasing decision should be made without verification of the data from either the manufacturer or franchised dealer. Our offers may be on a different model year to that represented by this data and so specification may differ accordingly.

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