The Newest BMW 8 Series Convertible is Coming Soon

The BMW 8 Series is back after almost twenty years. Introduced in 1990 and reintroduced once again in 2018, this convertible will be available in March 2019.

Ditching its hardtop roof for a softer, retractable fabric, the newest member of the 8 series is designed for a better contour and noise suppressing abilities.

The newest BMW 8 convertible will use the CLAR modular platform. Also known as BMW's Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform, its "low center of gravity, even weight distribution, lightweight construction using aluminum, magnesium and carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), aerodynamically optimized, almost lift-free body" is designed to accommodate a plug-in hybrid and electric drive train effortlessly.

The two convertible variants will be powered by the same twin-turbo engines as the hard-top 8 Series, with the M850i xDrive Convertible getting the 530 hp, 4.4-liter V8 mill, and the840d xDrive Convertible with the 320 hp, 3.0-liter inline-six diesel.

Interior and Exterior Features

BMW designed the BMW 8's exterior and interior to work together, using subtle lines that show a "harmonious flow of movement". The soft-top compartment has subtle domes, and take its cues from the instrument panel and door shoulders.  The result is a sophisticated silhouette that looks elegant when viewed from all angles.

What's In Store Advanced Car Features

Its Driver Assistance System is like a Who's Who in Vehicle Technology: High Beam Assistant, Driving Assistant including Collision Warning and Pedestrian Warning system with City Braking function, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Change Warning systems, Speed Limit Info, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Collision warning, and Parking Assistant including Reversing Assistant. And it's just getting started.

So far, the company hasn't revealed its price tag, so let's wait and see. Production of BMW 8 Series convertible has started at the carmaker's main factory in Dingolfing, Germany where it is being assembled alongside the 8 Series, 7 Series, and 5 Series.

Model variants at launch

BMW M850i xDrive Convertible

• V8 petrol engine, eight-speed Steptronic transmission.
• Capacity: 4,395cc, output: 390 kW/530 hp at 5,500 – 6,000 rpm, max. torque: 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) at 1,800 – 4,600 rpm.
• Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)>: 3.9 seconds,
• top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph).
• Fuel consumption combined: 10.0 – 9.9 l/100 km [28.3 – 28.5 mpg imp>
• (28.2 – 28.5 mpg imp),
• CO₂ emissions combined: 229 – 225 g/km, exhaust standard: EU6d- TEMP.

BMW 840d xDrive Convertible

• Six-cylinder in-line diesel engine, eight-speed Steptronic transmission. Capacity: 2,993cc, output: 235 kW/320 hp at 4,400 rpm,
• max. torque: 680 Nm (501 lb-ft) at 1,750 – 2,250 rpm.
• Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)>: 5.2 seconds,
• top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph).
• Fuel consumption combined: 6.3 – 5.9 l/100 km [44.8 – 47.9 mpg imp>
• (44.8 – 47.9 mpg imp),
• CO₂ emissions combined: 165 – 155 g/km, exhaust standard: EU6d- TEMP.