BMW Drops The Top On The All-New 8-Series Convertible

Following a leak earlier this week, BMW has unveiled the all-new 8-Series Convertible.

Set to go on sale in the United States in March, the M850i xDrive Convertible follows in the footsteps of the 8-Series Coupe but adopts a retractable soft top which can be raised or lowered in 15 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph (48 km/h). The roof isn’t the only thing new as the convertible has a unique rear end and automatic rollover protection system which can deploy two high-strength aluminum roll bars within a fraction of a second.

The rest of the design largely carries over from the M850i xDrive Coupe as drivers will find an aggressive front fascia with a wide grille that is flanked by adaptive LED headlights with laserlight technology. The convertible also has trapezoidal exhaust tips, LED taillights and 20-inch M lightweight alloy wheels.

Customers looking for a sportier appearance can order the optional M Carbon Exterior Package. It adds an assortment of carbon fiber goodies including new mirror caps, a rear diffuser insert and “air intake bars.”

The cabin also echoes the coupe, but there are new controls for the soft top and the optional neck warmers. The latter option adds air vents to the front seat headrests and the air flow can be automatically controlled to adjust for vehicle speed.

Another feature that is unique to the convertible is the standard wind deflector. It can be positioned behind the front seats or folded up and stored in the trunk.

Other interior highlights include a M Sport steering wheel, heated sports seats and illuminated door sill plates. The model also comes standard with Merino Individual leather upholstery, an ambient lighting system and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Rounding out the highlights are a head-up display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display.

A number of different options will be available including heated / ventilated front seats, glass accents and a Bowers & Wilkins diamond surround sound system.

Power is provided by a 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 engine that produces 523 hp (390 kW / 530 PS) and 553 lb-ft (748 Nm) of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel drive system. This setup enables the convertible to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.8 seconds before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

Since the M850i has been designed to slot underneath the M8 Convertible, the car has been equipped with an assortment of performance features. These include an Adaptive M suspension and an Integral Active Steering system which enables the rear wheels to turn in up to 2.5 degrees to improve agility. Other highlights include an optional active roll stabilization system and a standard M Sport braking system with blue calipers.

As with most modern cars, the 8-Series Convertible comes with an assortment of driver assistance systems. Standard features include park distance control as well as collision and pedestrian warning systems with a city braking function.

The optional driving assistant professional package goes even further as it adds Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Keeping Assistant with Active Side Collision Protection, Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection and Crossing Traffic Warning.

When the M850i xDrive Convertible arrives at dealerships this spring, the model will carry a base price of $121,400 (excluding a $995 destination fee). That means the drop top will cost $9,500 more than the M850i xDrive Coupe which arrives in the United States on December 8th.