2021 BMW 8 Series Convertible Review: All-Purpose Enjoyment
There's nothing quite like cruising through scenic winding roads or moseying down a bustling city street in a $100,000 sports car, especially if that car is the 2021 BMW 8 Series Convertible. With its suave aesthetic and heavyset design, the 8 Series Convertible exudes a commanding presence on the road and is bound to turn heads. Both the 335-horsepower 6-cylinder engine and the 523-hp V8 will make sure of it. The 8 Series soft-top isn't all about the attention it demands though; it's first and foremost a driver's car - offering fun, engaging, and proficient performance and handling characteristics, oodles of driver-focused tech, and impressive safety and reliability standards. With the iconic Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, the pragmatic Mercedes-AMG E53 Convertible, and the eccentric Lexus LC Convertible also vying for attention alongside a multitude of others, does the 8 Series Convertible have what it takes to stand out and stay memorable?
8 Series Convertible Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
191.1 in | 111.1 in | 52.7 in | 74.9 in | 64.1 in | 64.6 in | 4,211.0 lbs |
8 Series Convertible Performance
Engine and Transmission
Servicing the 840i 8 Series Convertible trims is a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 unit dialed for 335 hp and 368 lb-ft, all of which is forwarded to either a rear- or all-wheel drivetrain. Exclusively generating power for the M450i's AWD is a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged gas V8 clocked for 523 hp and 553 lb-ft. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard-fit across the board. As is expected from any BMW, power delivery is more than ample in the 8 Series Convertible and throttle responses are quick and serene, no matter which powertrain is in play. Furthermore, BMW has garnered a reputation for higher fuel economy figures than its premium rivals.
8 Series Convertible Interior
8 Series Convertible Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
---|---|---|---|---|
4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2021 BMW 8 Series Convertible A Good car?
All three of the 8 Series Convertibles in the 2021 model year lineup are phenomenal vehicles. Both the inline-6 and V8 are superb in the power and responses they deliver and the 8-speed auto complements them intuitively with precise and smooth shifts. It's one of the sportier and more attractive 2-door drop-tops out there and, despite its relatively bulky dimensions, it's still an easy vehicle to drive and impressively agile. Any driving enthusiast or leisure seeker will have an excellent experience behind the wheel of an 8 Series cabrio. As a luxury, high-end convertible, the 8 Series's cabin is, of course, oozing with extravagance, contemporary features, and high-grade accouterments. In the USA, the 2021 BMW 8 Series Convertible carries a sticker price of $97,400, which is actually pretty attractive in relation to the competition. As with most vehicles at the price point, there is no crashworthiness review or official safety rating for the second-gen 8 Series, but with how many advanced driver assists and safety systems it comes with as standard, we can confidently assume its aegis. All in all, the 8 Series Convertible is a car guaranteed to impress.
What BMW 8 Series Convertible Model Should I Buy?
Choosing which 2021 8 Series Convertible to go for will come down to how much power you want and whether or not you'll be able to make use of it all. In this case, if you're not going to be making use of all the M850i's potential, then the 840i is the one to choose, in either RWD or AWD. We also recommend a quick review of the 2021 BMW 8 Series Convertible's options list, from which we'd suggest the Driver Assistance Package for the driving improvements and crash mitigation systems it adds.