8-Series continues to impress, but not excite
Something for the winter, Sir? How about a 526bhp, £107k über convertible?
Welcome, everyone, to the inevitable: the new BMW 8-Series Convertible: a twin-turbo, convertible V8 BMW that’s over 100kg heavier and twotenths slower to 62mph than its equivalent twinturbo, coupe V8 BMW – a car where we’ve come away impressed by its ability but unsure of its specialness. Can a folding top tip the balance?
It’s a folding-cloth roof said to offer superb sound insulation and one that “pulls taut over the interior when closed”. Well, you’d hope so.
In any case, said roof can be opened or closed in 15 seconds, at speeds of up to 31mph. There’s a wind deflector and the option of neck warmers; like Mercedes-Benz’s ‘air scarf’, this handy feature blows warm out through vents in the front-seat head restraints onto your neck. Winter is upon us, after all. Changes over the Coupe are few: there are new cross struts and rollover protection – two aluminium bars behind the rear-seat head restraints. Pray you will never need them.
There are two engines being offered on launch: a straight-six 3.0-litre diesel that produces as much power as a Honda Civic Type R (316bhp) but considerably more torque. Then there’s the 4.4-litre, twin-turbo V8 with 526bhp. Both cars come with an 8spd auto and 4WD, adaptive M dampers, active steering, roll stabilisation and many assorted driver aids. Prices start from £83,270 for the diesel, and £107,045 for the V8.