Hats off to BMW’S refined cabriolet
FAST FACTS
REFINEMENT and rarity are the driving forces behind the new BMW 8 Series, and its halo has to be the convertible. Relaunching its flagship series last year after nearly two decades out of the market means the premium German brand is better placed to tackle its rivals and raise aspirations among owners.
The 8 Series comprises four-seat coupe or cabriolet body styles with a choice of 320ps six-cylinder 3.0-litre diesel or 530ps eight-cylinder 4.4-litre petrol engines, with all-wheel-drive and costing from £76,300 to £107,100.
Our 840d cabriolet had the slightly more torquey 700Nm
MODEL: BMW 840d Convertible
PRICE: £81,655 MECHANICAL: 320ps, 2,993cc, 6cyl diesel engine driving rear wheels via 8-speed automatic gearbox MAX SPEED: 155mph 0-62MPH: 4.9 seconds COMBINED MPG: 39.4 INSURANCE GROUP: 50 CO2 EMISSIONS: 161g/km BIK RATING: 37% WARRANTY: 3 years / unlimited miles
tuned version of the 3.0d which comes with the soft-top and like all versions in the series it works in conjunction with a sequential eight-speed automatic/ manual transmission and safely putting power down with BMW’s own
XDrive to four wheels.
The powertrain is truly superb. You’d never know it was a diesel under that long bonnet except for the fact it is also highly economical with almost 40mpg recorded on our test.
Not only is the engine and gearbox highly sophisticated but so are the steering and brakes. The massive discs really haul down speed with only very modest firm and increasing pressure on the pedal.
Even the effective electric parking brake button is commendably progressive in application and that’s something I have not encountered before on such a button.
Main secondary controls are on the steering column stalks, wheelspokes or central console with some switches on the fascia, and comfort controls are scattered about the centre of the fascia under the very large infotainment screen with its touch applications as well.
Extras on the test car included a Bowers and Wilkins Diamond surround sound system; technology, visibility and premium packs and an M series steering wheel and bodykit were nocost options.
Any cabriolet poses a challenge in terms of heating and ventilation but the BMW 840d overcomes them all. The huge powered fabric roof folds and closes in seconds under a hard tonneau cover, it’s cosy and wind-tight and the system automatically opens or closes four side windows in the process. The air conditioning and climate control is quick and the front passengers can even have warming air ‘scarves’ to their necks.
With the roof lowered, visibility was excellent all round, with optional laser headlights seeing a long way up the road and rapid big-sweeping wipers keeping the glass clear.
Room is a real compromise in the BMW 840d Cabriolet. Those in front have plenty of space to stretch out and the seats have an extremely wide adjustment range while providing very high levels of support and comfort.
The two rear seats are well padded but not as well shaped or supporting and knee room soon becomes and issue if the front seats are moved back.
Perhaps those who buy the BMW 840d will want no more room than that for a couple of gold credit cards, who knows.
The more you drive the car, the greater your appreciation for it. It’s a refined and rare car, not without its shortcomings in vision and rear seating or practicality, but it really has very few rivals.