BMW 8 Series convertible 2019 revealed

Following the recent launch of its 8 Series coupe, BMW has thrown the covers off its 8 Series convertible counterpart.

The convertible will be available in the same two variants as the coupe, being a 4.4-litre V8-powered M850i and a 3.0-litre straight-six diesel 840d.

Both engines are only mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and both have rear-biased all-wheel drive via BMW’s ‘xDrive’ system. Standard on the M850i only is the M Sport rear differential.

M850i variants score the M Sport rear differential as standard.

BMW stresses the convertible has similar rigidity to the coupe, claiming that due to the design and materials used in the car’s initial development “only a small number of convertible-specific measures have been required”. BMW says these are restricted to additional cross-struts and a new shear panel for the underbody.

The convertible roof on either variant can be operated at speeds of up to 50km/h and completes its opening or closing cycle in 15 seconds.

The 840d convertible comes standard with 'Adaptive M Suspension' (with electronically controlled dampers), a 10.25 inch touchscreen multimedia system with built-in sat-nav, a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster, full-leather interior, head-up display, rear-view camera and ‘parking assistant’.

Opting for the M850i convertible adds the aforementioned M Sport rear differential, M Sport braking system, 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, full 'Merino' leather trim, and illuminated door sills.

The roof opens and closes in 15 seconds at up to 50km/h.

Both cars can be optioned with adaptive laser headlights, neck warmers, ‘climate’ seats, heated steering wheel, even more premium Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, and ‘BMW display’ key. 

Only the M850i convertible can be optionally fitted with the ‘M Suspension Professional package’ which includes active roll stabilisation, while the 840d convertible can be optioned with either the ‘M Sport package’, or ‘M Technic Sport package’ which includes 19- or 20-inch alloys respectively as well as exhaust and braking enhancements normally reserved for the M850i.

Matching the coupe, the 840d convertible is powered by a 235kW/680Nm 3.0-litre inline six diesel, whereas the M850i is powered by a 390kW/750Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8.

On the safety front both variants will have ‘City Braking function’ autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with collision warning and pedestrian warning, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) with rear collision warning. 

All 8 Series convertibles come with a 10.25 inch multimedia system and 12.3 inch digital dashboard.

On the options list is active cruise control with stop & go function ‘Driving Assistant Professional’ lane keeping assistance technology (LKAS) and ‘BMW night vision’.

Australian pricing has yet to be confirmed for both the coupe and convertible versions of the 8 Series.

Would you consider the 8 Series over an S-Class Coupe? Tell us what you think in the comments below.