BMW is currently working on unveiling the model in both
Cabriolet as well as Gran Coupe form. Here, we have a gorgeous
Barcelona Blue Metallic example, with a few Cerium Grey inserts such as the
kidney grille and the air breathers. It also has some carbon fiber at the rear,
surrounding the exhaust tips, but what’s really interesting is just how little
camouflage there is on the car.
Just like its fixed roof sibling, the 8-Series Convertible is also a
very stylish and very aggressive-looking car. The contoured bonnet, slim
headlights, large kidney grille or the strong character lines running along its
flanks are all a sight to behold, as are the slim LED taillights that extend
into the rear body panels.
We suspect the car is
also wearing the M rear spoiler, which is actually a surprisingly subtle piece
of kit, as demonstrated by the Coupe. Given the exterior trim details such as
the grey mirror caps and double kidney grille, rear diffuser and exhaust
trimmings, we’re most likely looking at the M850i xDrive.
Overall, it’s a very elegant interior (leather and
contrast stitching everywhere), one that naturally has to rise to the standards
of something like an S-Class Coupe/Cabrio, which has one of the most
beautifully-styled interiors in the industry.
There’s also no shortage of tech inside the 8er,
regardless of body style. From its brand new operating system to the 12.3-inch
infotainment screen or the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. As for
safety, there’s Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, a Steering
and Lane control assistant, Parking Assistant and a whole lot more.
While we’re not exactly sure how BMW will shuffle
its engine range when it comes to their three 8-Series variants, it’s likely
that whatever went into the Coupe will also power the Convertible model. This
means getting an 840d xDrive Cabrio and an M850i xDrive Cabrio version, for
starters.
The former would feature a 3.0-liter TwinPower
turbodiesel six-cylinder unit, with 320 PS and 680 Nm of torque,
whereas the latter a new twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with 530 PS and 750
Nm of torque. An eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox will also
be present. BMW will make us wait until 2019 for a full unveiling of their
8-Series Convertible.