The grand new BMW 8 Series Convertible

BMW HAS revealed its new 8 Series in drop-top guise and it’s the second member of the new family that replaces the previous 6 Series range. The 8 Series range will also eventually include a four-door ‘Gran Turismo’ model.

The 8 Series Convertible seats four occupants and has a traditional soft top, available in black or in an Anthracite Silver finish. The roof is capable of doing its opening or closing trick in 15 seconds, at the touch of a button, and up to speeds of 50km/h.

You will have to pay extra for winter-proofing in the form of BMW’s headrest-mounted neck warming system, though.

The drop top comes in two flavours abroad - 840d xDrive and M850i xDrive - but only the latter is destined for South Africa’s sunny shores.

That M850i gets a 4.4-litre V8 turbopetrol, tuned to 390kW and 750Nm, and it’s good for a 3.9 second zero to 100km/h sprint, according to BMW. Power goes to all four wheels through an eight-speed Steptronic autobox and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

Mechanical goodies include an M Sport differential with electronically controlled lock, Integral variable-ratio Active Steering and 20-inch M style alloy wheels with high performance tyres. On the inside, BMW’s latest Live Cockpit Professional with satnav and digital instrument cluster is standard, along with Head-up Display. Options include Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Driving Assistant Professional with steering and lane control assistant, BMW Display key, Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System and BMW Laserlights with Selective Beam.

Local pricing will be released closer to its launch here next year.