PressClub United Kingdom · Article.
The all-new BMW 8 Series Convertible.
14.05.2019 Press Release
• New BMW 8 Series Convertible offers open-top luxury for up to four people. • Two versions available from launch: V8 petrol engine and six-cylinder diesel. • Roof opens and closes in 15 seconds at the touch of a button and when travelling at up to 31mph. • BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant included as standard. • On sale now with OTR prices starting from £83,295.
Press Contact.
Chris Overall
BMW Group
Tel: +44-1252-92-1809
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Author.
Chris Overall
BMW Group
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The new BMW 8 Series Convertible combines open-top, four-seater luxury with sportscar performance and handling, a spacious interior and a superb soundtrack to match.
Two engines will be offered at launch: a V8 petrol engine in the
530hp BMW M850i xDrive and a 320hp six-cylinder diesel in the BMW 840d xDrive.
Exterior design
Using the new 8 Series platform and distinctive new design
language, the new BMW 8 Series Convertible marries elegance with
sporting prowess. With an exterior length of 4,843mm, a width of
1,902mm and height of 1,339mm, along with a 2,822mm wheelbase and
track widths of 1,619mm (front), its dimensions match those of the BMW
8 Series Coupé almost exactly.
The focus on exceptional body rigidity for the concept
underpinning the BMW 8 Series means that only a small number of
additional convertible-specific and weight-increasing measures were required.
The BMW 8 Series Convertible cuts an impressive figure with both
the roof up or down. Precise character lines trace the path of the
airflow between the front and rear wheels while tapered surfaces
around the front wheels and doors spread out at the top of the rear
wheels. Discreet contouring marks out the surfacing above the rear
wheels as the flanks transition into the rear end.
The compartment for the soft-top roof causes the trailing edge
of the car’s body to be slightly higher than that of the BMW 8 Series
Coupé. With the roof down the rear end appears extremely flat and low
to the road. In addition, horizontal lines and light units extending
into the flanks accentuate the width of the car. The third brake light
embedded in the boot lid adds to the low-slung look.
Other model-specific features include a brace of contour lines
on the boot, while the L-shaped rear lights are underscored by the
line of the taillight bar that lights up uniformly. Twin exhaust
trapezoidal tailpipes round off the lower section of the rear apron.
The BMW 8 Series Convertible is equipped with adaptive LED
headlights as standard. BMW Laserlights are available with variable
road illumination and Selective Beam, as a cost option. Further scope
for individualisation is offered with the Chrome Line Exterior and M
Carbon Exterior package.
Aerodynamics and weight carefully optimised
An almost fully-sealed underbody, active air flap control with
adjustable kidney grille slats and Air Curtains in the front apron
optimise the new BMW 8 Series Convertible’s aerodynamics. Additionally
narrow exterior mirror bases reduce the car’s drag coefficient. The
front spoiler extension on the BMW M850i xDrive Convertible underlines
its aerodynamics-focused design.
High-impact design features with BMW M Sport as standard
In addition to the sculpted rear apron and bespoke side skirts,
the M Sport trim includes Air Breathers finished in Pearl-effect
Chrome on the inside, exhaust tailpipe embellishers in light chrome
and a rear diffuser in Dark Shadow. The fronts of the kidney grille
slats come in a neatly coordinated Aluminium matt.
The M Technic Sport Package for the BMW 840d xDrive Convertible
features the BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line trim, which
encompasses kidney grille slats and the grille frame in High gloss
Black, Air Breather inlays and the exhaust system’s tailpipe
embellishers in Black Chrome.
The new BMW M850i xDrive model features many body elements from
the M Sport base model, including a front spoiler extension and
exclusive design accents in Cerium Grey. The features finished in this
colour include the BMW kidney grille surround and slats, the exterior
mirror covers, the Air Breather inlays, the tailpipe embellishers, the
M logo on the front flanks and the model badge on the rear. Customers
can also specify an M Carbon exterior package as an option, which adds
air intake bars, exterior mirror covers and a rear apron insert that
houses the exhaust tailpipes.
The optional Chrome Line Exterior provides further scope for
individualising the outside of the car. Here, the side window graphic
and exterior mirror bases come in chrome, while High-gloss Chrome is
preferred for the surround and slats of the BMW kidney grille and – on
the BMW M850i xDrive Convertible – the exhaust tailpipe embellishers.
Exclusive paint finishes from BMW Individual
The new BMW 8 Series Convertible will be launched with a choice
of one non-metallic and seven metallic exterior paint finishes. BMW
Individual offers a wider choice of paint finishes including matt
paint finishes with a satin surface and the Frozen Bluestone metallic shade.
Fully-electric soft-top roof
The new BMW 8 Series Convertible’s roof is lightweight and
provides superb acoustic insulation. Opening and closing automatically
at the touch of a button in 18 seconds, the insulated roof can be
activated when the car is travelling at speeds of up to 31mph.
When the soft-top roof is closed, it sits taut over the interior,
thus retaining its coupé-like silhouette without compromising on
design. Finished in Black as standard or in Anthracite Silver effect
as a cost option, the soft-top stows away neatly under a cover. In
keeping with the rest of the car, the cover is finished in colours
that complement and match the instrument panel and interior door/side
panel trim and features eye-catching domes at the level of the rear seats.
Interior
Both the driver and passengers are surrounded by the sweeping
flow of the instrument panels in the back and in the front of the
cabin, as well as the door shoulders and soft-top compartment cover.
Design-led from the outset, the side window border sits flush with the
soft-top compartment surround, underlining the connection between the
front and rear of the car.
A stainless steel mesh design is featured as standard on all
variants. The Ash Grain Metallic Grey high-gloss fine wood trim is
also optionally available. The range of options from BMW Individual
includes the Piano Finish Black trim variant.
The colour of the BMW 8 Series Convertible’s ambient lighting be
changed via the iDrive menu and, in addition, the Dynamic interior
light function emits pulsating light signals in specific situations.
These signals appear on the inner panelling of an open door when the
engine is running and on the instrument panel in response to an
incoming phone call.
Electrically adjustable multifunction seats are fitted as
standard in both models and are trimmed in Merino leather with a range
of colour choices. The standard M leather steering wheel has
multifunction buttons and gearshift paddles to control the eight-speed
Steptronic Sport transmission.
BMW M Performance model and M Sport model with exclusive
interior features
Standard specification for the 8 Series Convertible include the
BMW Individual Merino leather trim in an exclusive Black with piping
in BMW M GmbH colours. There is also an anthracite BMW Individual
headliner, M pedals and floor mats with special M surrounds.
The illuminated door sills and the display in the instrument
cluster bear the BMW M Performance model badge and M logo
respectively. In conjunction with the M Technic Sport Package, the
exclusive interior design of the BMW 840d xDrive Convertible is
supplemented by black seat belts with accent stripes in M GmbH colours.
High-end entertainment equipment and technology
The BMW 8 Series Convertible offers a standard Harman Kardon
Surround Sound System featuring 12 speakers while the Bowers &
Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System is optional.
Thanks to the standard telephony with wireless charging, it is
possible to charge compatible mobile phones without the need for a
cable. The BMW Display Key lets drivers stay in touch with their BMW 8
Series Convertible at all times - besides indicating the fuel level
and service-related information, the colour display is also able to
show whether the doors and windows of the car are closed or locked.
Folding rear-seat backrests and through-loading facility as standard
The rear-seat backrest of the new BMW 8 Series Convertible can
be split 50:50 and, thanks to the through-loading facility, the
capacity of the luggage compartment can be extended as required. With
the soft-top closed, the stowage capacity is 350 litres. In order to
ensure the load compartment offers as much space and flexibility as
possible, the soft-top compartment can be lifted and the
through-loading facility used even when driving with the top down.
Automatic boot lid operation is also standard, while the standard
Comfort Access feature permits hands-free opening and closing of the
boot lid.
Keeping warm with the top down
The new BMW 8 Series Convertible includes a wind defector as
standard. This can be set up in the rear-seat area to reduce
turbulence when the roof is down. When not required it can be folded
to half its size and stowed in the boot. Air collars are also
integrated in the front seat head restraints as standard, which
provide a variable (speed dependent) stream of heated air for warming
the neck when driving with the convertible roof down at low outside
temperatures. The level of heating is adjusted by a three-stage switch
integrated into the switch for the convertible roof.
Other warming optional extras include ventilated seats and a
Heat Comfort Package with a heated steering wheel.
Safety and connectivity as standard
A new convertible-only rollover protection system has been
engineered for the car. It consists of two protective aluminium bars
fitted within the head restraints and they will be deployed if the car
is likely to roll over to protect up to four occupants.
Standard driver assistance systems on the BMW 8 Series
Convertible includes the Head-Up Display and Active Guard, which
comprises the Collision Warning and Pedestrian Warning system with
City Braking function. In addition to Parking Assistant, which
includes a rear-view camera and the Reversing Assistant.
Among the items on the options list is Driving Assistant
Professional (extra features include the Steering and lane control assistant).
Engines
Two engines are used in the BMW 8 Series Convertible and they
are accompanied by a model-specific sports exhaust system.
The BMW M850i xDrive version is powered by a 530hp V8 petrol
delivering a peak torque of 750Nm and a zero and 62mph time of 3.9
seconds, while the BMW 840d xDrive features a 3.0-litre straight-six
diesel. This unit offers 320hp, a peak torque of 700Nm and will
accelerate from zero to 62mph in 5.2 seconds.
Both engines meet the Euro 6d-TEMP standard. They channel their
power through to the road via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport gearbox
and the BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The M Sport differential is
fitted as standard on the BMW M850i xDrive and, as well as improving
traction, improves agility particularly when the car is exiting corners.
Model | Power Output (hp) | Peak Torque (Nm) | Acceleration (0-62mph) | Top Speed (mph) | Fuel consumption combined (mpg) | CO2 emissions (g/km) | OTR Price from |
BMW 840d xDrive Convertible | 320 | 700 | 5.2 | 155 | 39.8-38.7 | 161 | £83,295
|
BMW M850i xDrive Convertible | 530 | 750 | 3.9 | 155 | 26.6-26.6 | 225 | £107,100 |
Chassis
The racing know-how of BMW M GmbH Racing
was used for detailed modifications and enhancements as well as the
overall set-up to optimise torsional rigidity and ensure the car
delivers driving pleasure while having the ability to transport up to
four occupants in luxury.
Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers is
standard, as is BMW’s Integral Active Steering (on the 840d xDrive and
M850i only) – a system that turns the rear wheels (at speeds of up to
45mph) to improve agility as well as reducing the turning circle.
Damping characteristics can be adjusted via the Driving
Experience Control switch. SPORT and SPORT+ modes activate optimal
responses for dynamic handling. This is noticeably different from the
comfort-oriented damper setting in ECO Pro and COMFORT modes.
Active roll stabilisation, which improves ride quality, is
available for the new BMW M850i xDrive Convertible as part of the
optional Adaptive M suspension Professional package.
Model-specific M Sport braking systems, light-alloy wheels
with mixed-size high-performance tyres
All versions combine four-piston, fixed-calliper brakes at the
front and single-piston, floating-calliper brakes at the rear. The
electronic parking brake – operated by means of a button located on
the centre console – is integrated into the rear brake callipers.
The new BMW 840d xDrive Convertible includes an M Sport braking
system with 374mm discs. When specified with the optional M Technic
Sport Package, the BMW 840d xDrive comes with 395mm brake discs
(fitted on the BMW M850i xDrive as standard). Both versions of the M
Sport braking system are recognisable by their blue callipers bearing
the M logo.
The new BMW M850i xDrive Convertible gets 20-inch M light-alloy
wheels. These standard cast aluminium wheels in a Frozen Cerium Grey
metallic finish have 245/35 R20 high-performance tyres at the front
and 275/30 R20 high-performance tyres at the rear. The tyres have been
specially developed for the BMW 8 Series models. The new BMW 840d
xDrive Convertible is fitted with 20-inch M light-alloy wheels with
245/35 R20 tyres at the front and 275/30 R20 tyres at the rear. If
customers opt for the M Technic Sport Package instead, the BMW 840d
xDrive Convertible get high-performance tyres.
Intuitive operation and flawless connectivity: BMW Operating
System 7.0 and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
The new BMW 8 Series Convertible comes as standard with the BMW
Live Cockpit Professional. This includes a navigation and multimedia
system, a fully digital, high-resolution instrument cluster behind the
steering wheel with a screen diagonal of 12.3-inches and a Control
Display measuring 10.25-inches across. The new BMW Operating System
7.0 stands out with its cutting-edge, digital functions tailored
precisely to the driver’s requirements. When it comes to intuitive
operation options, drivers can choose from touchscreen functionality
via the Control Display, the iDrive Controller, buttons on the
steering wheel and voice control.
As part of BMW Live Cockpit Professional the new BMW 8 Series
Convertible includes a host of connected Services as standard,
Emergency Call, Teleservices, Over the air and USB map updates, BMW
App connectivity and Intelligent Voice assistants. In addition to this
we see the introduction of the BMW Connected Package Professional as
standard. This features elements drivers are accustomed to, such as
Remote Services, Real Time Traffic Information, but with the addition
of Concierge Services and Apple CarPlay Preparation.
Apple CarPlay Preparation will now be standard on all new BMW 8
Series Convertible models. This service will be included for 1 year
from build and is then renewable via the BMW ConnectedDrive portal
thereafter, at either 1 year, 3 years or lifetime subscriptions.
Another element of the operating system is the BMW Intelligent
Personal Assistant. Activated by the voice prompt “Hey BMW”, this
digital companion assists the driver in operating the car’s functions
and gains more skills all the time thanks to seamless updates via the
Remote Software Upgrade facility.
Additional digital functionality featured as standard, includes
On-Street Parking Information, Connected Navigation and Intelligent
Vehicle Functionality, which learns drivers habits and learns rules as
part of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
The all-new BMW 8 Series Convertible is on sale now, with OTR
prices starting from £83,295.
Ends
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW
Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and
motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services.
The BMW Group production network comprises 30 production and assembly
facilities in 14 countries; the company has a global sales network in
more than 140 countries.
In 2018, the BMW Group sold over 2,490,000 passenger vehicles
and more than 165,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in
the financial year 2018 was € 9.815 billion on revenues amounting to €
97.480 billion. As of 31 December 2018, the BMW Group had a workforce
of 134,682 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term
thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established
ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain,
comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to
conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
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For further information please contact:
Chris Overall BMW
Media Relations Manager
Tel: 07815 370 990
Email: Chris.Overall@bmw.co.uk
Lauren Prema BMW Media Relations Executive
Tel: 07815
370746
Email: Lauren.Prema@bmw.co.uk
Piers Scott General Manager, Product and Internal
Communications
Tel: 01252 921265
Email: Piers.Scott@bmw.co.uk
Graham Biggs Corporate Communications Director
Tel: 01252
921256
Email: Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk
Article Offline Attachments.
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Press release PDF, EN, 154.47 KB
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Standard equipment PDF, EN, 60.25 KB
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Optional equipment PDF, EN, 354.61 KB
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Technical data PDF, EN, 39.63 KB