Before it even reaches dealer showrooms, BMW is expanding the 8 Series lineup. The automaker is chopping the top to make an 8 Series convertible.
The four-seat convertible gets a fully-electric soft top. One that can close in 15 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h. Letting you bring in the sun or keep out the rain without needing to stop.
Unsurprisingly, the styling is the same as the coupe, with the major difference of that trimmed roof. With the roof open, the roof storage cover shows off stitching to match the look of the instrument panel and doors. It also has a slight double-bubble appearance to mimic the roofline of the coupe. Roof up, the 8 Series 'vert still has a sleek-looking roofline and longer trunk. That trunk only looks longer, though, thanks to the shorter roofline. The actual cargo space is down from 420L to 350L.
To help keep things smooth in the cabin, even with the roof down, there is a standard wind deflector that calms things for the front seats and blocks off the rears. Available neck warmers in the front headrests allow for more open-air motoring on cooler days.
As the coupe is coming to Canada only in M850i form, we expect the convertible to do the same. That means a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 that makes 530 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic.
BMW's Adaptive M suspension will come as standard along with active steering and an M Sport limited-slip rear differential. That suspension allows the driver to pick between soft and firm for cruising or carving. Active roll stabilization will be optional. The active steering system turns the rear wheels up to 2.5-degrees to tighten the turning circle or increase stability as needed.
BMW Individual features will be available, including an M Carbon Exterior Package that will add carbon-fibre to the air intake bars, mirror caps, and rear diffuser.
Expect it to arrive at dealers here in spring 2019.
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