Just a few days ago BMW concluded the world ride and drive event of the all-new 8 Series Coupe. Since then the German automaker has released images and information on the BMW 8 Series Convertible.

The BMW 8 Series Convertible is the second model to be launched in the series. Following its hard-top and soft-top siblings will be a four-door Gran Coupe and an M8 in 2019.

Click here to read BMW 8 Series Coupe pricing for South Africa.

Sleek

The BMW 8 Series Convertible combines four-seater luxury with open-top motoring. It’s major dimensions match the Coupe almost exactly. It measures 4 843 mm long, 1 902 mm wide and 1 339 mm high. The wheelbase is 2 822 mm.

The new BMW 8 Series Convertible’s roof opens and closes in 15 seconds, at speeds of up to 50 km/h. The roof is finished in black as standard. Apart from the fabric roof, there are a few model-specific design cues. These are a brace of contour lines on the boot, L-shaped taillamps with a taillight bar that lights up uniformly. The BMW 8 Series Convertible is equipped with adaptive LED headlamps as standard.

M Sport as standard

In addition to the aforementioned traits, there is a bespoke rear apron and side skirts. M Sport base trim includes fender vents finished in Pearl-effect chrome on the inside, exhaust tailpipe embellishers in light chrome and a rear diffuser in Dark Shadow. The fronts of the kidney grille slats are matte aluminium.

Electrically adjustable, multifunction leather seats are fitted as standard as is an M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons and gearshift.

Two derivatives to start

Two model derivatives will be offered at launch; a range-topping BMW M850i xDrive and an entry-level BMW 840d xDrive.

The BMW M850i xDrive version is powered by a V8 turbopetrol that delivers 390 kW with peak torque of 750 N.m. BMW claims it can sprint to 100 km/h in 3,9 seconds. The BMW 840d xDrive features a 3,0-litre inline six turbodiesel that offers 235 kW and a 700 N.m of torque. It can do the benchmark sprint in 5,2 seconds.

Both engines channel their power via an eight-speed transmission and all-wheel-drive system. An M Sport differential is fitted as standard on the BMW M850i xDrive. Both variants feature adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers, BMW’s active rear-wheel steer system. 20-inch alloys are standard fitment.

BMW SA will only launch the petrol version of the 8 Series Convertible into the local market.

Expect the BMW 8 Series Convertible to be launched in South African in 2019. You can learn more about the topless 8 Series from the company’s local site.

Price

BMW M850i xDrive Convertible        R2 009 859