Unveiled for the 2019 model year, the modern BMW 8 Series revives the iconic nameplate that the German firm produced from 1990 to 1999. Unlike its predecessor, the new 8 Series also spawned a convertible version to tackle the drop-top variant of the luxurious Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe.

After nearly two decades on the shelf, the BMW 8 Series is back, and it’s once again looking to head the BMW lineup with sporty grand touring luxury as a replacement for the outgoing 6 Series. Revived in both racing and full production form at the 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Bavarians kicked things off with a hardtop coupe iteration, but this new flagship also spawned a convertible ahead of the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. Does it have what it takes to give the S-Class Cabriolet a run for its money?

Continue reading to learn more about the 2020 BMW 8 Series Convertible.

2020 BMW 8 Series Convertible

Specifications
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  • Model: 2020 BMW 8 Series Convertible
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Pros
Cons

2020 BMW 8 Series Convertible Exterior Styling

- Same style as the Coupe model - Electrically retracting fabric soft top - Wide and low stance - Polished metal trim throughout - Redesigned, active kidney grille - Optional laser headlights - 20-inch wheels as standard - M-version convertible added later

From the off, it's pretty obvious that the 8 Series Convertible looks more or less the same as the Coupe version, albeit with an electrically retractable soft top made from fabric added as a replacement for the roof. Once again, the style pulls directly from the concept car that debuted in 2017 at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, and we think it looks pretty good with all that extra headroom.

When viewed head-on, the first thing to grab you about the 8 Series is its low, wide stance. The nose comes adorned by the latest BMW kidney grille design, which is ringed by shiny metal trim. The grille also comes equipped with active air flaps, which help to cool the engine when running hard, or smooth the airflow over the nose section when additional mpg is desired.

Below the kidney intake is a large front splitter, while to the sides, there are angular headlight housings. Inside the housings, you will find geometric lighting signatures, plus high-intensity LED lighting elements as standard. Laser lighting elements are optional, while adaptive lighting components add an extra tech component.

Up top there's a muscular hood design and a long hood line. The profile also reveals a long wheelbase and a set of air vents behind the front wheels. Speaking of the rollers, options include 20- and 21-inch rims.

The rear also comes with a standard diffuser element. And while the majority of the body panels are identical to the coupe model, the trunk lid is a bit different, both to accommodate the retractable top, and to help differentiate the convertible model.

Moving over to the car's unique design element, the soft-top, it has a lightweight design and provides enhanced acoustic insulation. It can be opened and closed automatically at the touch of a button and it takes only 15 seconds to fold or unfold. You can activate this function when the car is travelling at speeds of up to 31 mph.

When the soft-top roof is closed, the Convertible retains the coupe silhouette of its hard-top sibling. The soft-top comes in Black as standard, but you can also order it in Anthracite Silver effect. The cover that hides the folded top is finished in colors that match the dashboard and upper door panels.

It’s also worth noting that BMW will likely introduce a Gran Coupe iteration sometime in the future, as well as an M-branded iteration equipped with performance cues like larger wheels, blue brake calipers, a large-bore exhaust, and sharper body lines.

2020 BMW 8 Series Convertible exterior dimensions

Length inches

191.2

Width inches

74.9

Width including mirrors inches

84.1

Height inches

53.0

Wheelbase inches

111.1

Ground clearance inches

5.0

Turning radius feet

19.5


2020 BMW 8 Series Convertible Interior Design

- Same interior design as the Coupe model - High-end materials like leather and aluminum - Contrast stitching and sports seats - All-digital gauge pod - Huge raft of technology - Very small trunk space

Much like the exterior styling, the 8 Series Convertible’s interior design is more or less identical to that of the standard 8 Series Coupe. That includes Bimmer’s fresh new dash and center console, which is laid out with an emphasis on the horizontal design. High-end materials pervade throughout, such as Merino leather, metal inlays, and aluminum trim. Contrast stitching adds extra visual goodness to the supportive sport seats.

M models will get their own unique touches, such as new pedals and floor mats. High-end audio will come from Harman Kardon as an available option.

Behind the wheel, there's a set of digital gauges, with the screen behind the dash measuring in at 12.3 inches. There's also a 10.25-inch digital infotainment screen mounted high on the center console.

As Bimmer’s flagship model, the 8 Series Convertible also comes with loads and loads of technology, including a bevy of systems and features for both added safety and greater convenience. That means such standards as parking assist, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, steering assist, blind spot monitors, and the like.

Due to the convertible roof, BMW had to make extra changes in order to keeping you warm with the top down. The vehicle includes a wind deflector as standard, which can be set up in the rear-seat area to reduce turbulence. When not required, it can be folded to half its size and stowed in the trunk. BMW also integrated neck warmers in the front-seat head restraints. Other warming optional extras include ventilated seats and a Heat Comfort Package with a heated steering wheel, just like in the coupe.

As you might have already guessed, the cabriolet's trunk capacity is inferior to the coupe's in order to make roof for the soft-top to fold. When the top is closed, the storage capacity is at 350 liters (12.3 cubic feet), a 70-liter (2.5-cubic-foot) decrease compared to the coupe. In order to ensure the load compartment offers as much space and flexibility as possible, the soft-top compartment can be lifted and the area used even when driving with the top down.

2020 BMW 8 Series Convertible interior dimensions

Shoulder width front inches

57.2

Shoulder room rear inches

45.7

Legroom front inches

42.1

Legroom rear inches

29.5

Headroom front inches

38.9

Headroom rear inches

34.7

Trunk volume (SAE) ft³

12.4


2020 BMW 8 Series Convertible Drivetrain And Performance

- Turbo 4.4-liter V-8 - 0 to 60 mph in less than four seconds - Will include the diesel option overseas - M version will make more than 600 horsepower - AWD grip, eight-speed automatic transmission - Adaptive suspension components - Multiple drive modes for handling and comfort

Like the standard 8 Series, the Convertible mounts BMW’s new twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 under the hood. Also known as the N63, output for this boosted ‘eight is rated at 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Properly motivated, the Coupe model can achieve 62 mph in 3.7 seconds. However, the Convertible is a bit slower, needing 3.9 clicks to hit the same speed. Its top speed, on the other hand, is identical at 155 mph.

The Coupe’s less-powerful engine option was also added to the Convertible, which in this case is a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder burning diesel fuel. The mill delivers 316 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, pushing the drop-top to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds, three tenths slower than the coupe. Of course, this engine is only offered in Europe.

An even-fast M8 version might also be introduced sometime later, with output pumped up to more than 600 ponies.

BMW’s xDrive system puts all the power to the ground, fed via a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. The AWD system is rear-biased to help the car achieve the appropriate response in the corners.

Speaking of which, the 8 Series Convertible’s suspension once again features a double wishbone in front and a five-link for the rear. Multiple drive modes are onboard to help tweak the throttle response, transmission settings, steering settings, and suspension settings. Adaptive chassis components keep it feeling lively.

That said, we have to wonder if chopping the top will put a dent in the 8 Series’ cornering performance. The lack of a roof could make it significantly less rigid, not to mention add significant weight to an already relatively hefty vehicle. Luckily, the soft top roof should help shave a few pounds compared to a bulky retractable hardtop, and materials like carbon fiber reinforced plastic are sure to help in that regard as well.

2020 BMW 8 Series Convertible specifications

Engine type

N63B44T3

Cylinders

8

Valves per cylinder

4

Stroke mm

88.3

Bore mm

89.0

Displacement cm³

4,395

Compression rate :1

10.5

Engine power

523 HP @ 5,500 - 6,000 RPM

Engine torque

553 LB-FT @ 1,800-4,600 RPM

Transmission type

8HP76 Sport automatic

0-60 mph seconds

3.8

Top speed mph

155


2020 BMW 8 Series Convertible Prices

U.S. pricing for the 8 Series Convertible is not available at this point, but we know it starts from £83,270 in the United Kingdom. That's a £7,000 premium over the coupe. This sticker is for the 840d version, but you can expect the M850i model to retail from around £108,000. The coupe version of the M850i retails from $111,900 plus $995 for destination and handling in the U.S., which means that the drop-top version is likely to fetch a bit more than $120,000 before options.

Standard equipment for the M850i Convertible is identical to the coupe and includes Full LED headlamps with BMW LaserLight technology, BMW Individual Merino Leather upholstery, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, Sport Automatic Transmission, Adaptive M Suspension with Active-Roll Stabilization, M Sport Brakes, Parking Assistant and BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 12.3 inch and 10.25 inch digital displays.

The options list is identical to the coupe, sans for the carbon-fiber roof. You will be able to order the Driving Assistant Professional, a 1,400-watt Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system, Glass Controls for the gear selector, iDrive controller, start/stop button, and the carbon-fiber exterior trim package.

2020 BMW 8 Series Convertible Competition

Mercedes-AMG S 63 Cabriolet

If you’ve got the funds, the Mercedes-AMG S63 Cabriolet has some very impressive specs going for it. For starters, it’s got a little over 600 horsepower and 660 pound-feet of torque thanks to a turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 under the hood, all of which is routed through a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic AWD system to yield a 0-to-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds. A soft top roof keeps the elements out up top and is offered in a variety of colors for personalization. Inside is space for up to four passengers, with high-end leather and wood trim added front to back. Rounding it off is an adaptive Airmatic suspension system and AMG composite brake system.

Read our full review of the 2018 Mercedes-AMG S 63 Cabriolet.

Lexus LC 500 Convertible

While not yet official, word has it Lexus is gearing up to release a drop top iteration of its gorgeous LC 500 Coupe. If the rumors are indeed true, such a model would make for quite the stout competitor in the segment. Outside, the LC 500 Convertible would rock the same gorgeous lines as its hardtop sibling, while the interior would come draped in leather and other fine materials. The dash will be done in a two-tier configuration, with digital gauges behind the steering wheel and a horizontal infotainment screen above the infotainment controls. Power will once again come from a 5.0-liter V-8, which should dole out as much as 467 naturally aspirated horsepower to the rear wheels. Look for a run to 60 mph in the high-4-second range.

Read our full speculative review of the 2019 Lexus LC Convertible.

Final Thoughts

The 8 Series Convertible was a much-needed version of the grand tourer that replaced the iconic 8 Series. While cabriolets this big aren't very common nowadays, the fact that Mercedes-Benz offers a drop-top version of the S-Class is a good enough reason for BMW to jump in. Fortunately, the 8 Series has the looks, the performance, and the technology it needs to give the S-Class two-door a run for its money.

Further Reading

Read our full review on the 2019 BMW 8 Series.

Read our full speculative review on the 2019 BMW M8 Coupe.

Read our full speculative review on the 2019 BMW M8 Convertible.

Read our full review on the 2018 BMW M8 Gran Coupe Concept.

Read our full review on the BMW 8 Series Concept Coupe.

Read more BMW news.