BMW recently pulled the covers off the first ever 8 Series Convertible. Now, the topless sports car has made its public debut at the 2018 LA Auto Show, allowing us to marvel at it in the metal. It's safe to say the 8 Series Coupe's mix of muscularity and elegance hasn't been compromised. In fact, we'd argue it looks even better without a roof.
Raising or lowering the fabric roof takes just 15 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph. The roof is then stored under a cover with a surface finish and stitching matching the instrument panel and interior door and side panel trim. The subtle "double-bubble" contour of the cover behind the two rear seats apes the design incorporated in the BMW 8 Series Convertible's roofline. When raised, the fully-electric soft-top roof that helps reduce weight from the very top of the car, while also lowering the center of gravity and improving handling and performance.
You can enjoy the car's open-top driving thrills in cooler temperatures too, thanks to optional neck warmers integrated into the front-seat headrests. A rollover protection system also improves the car's safety, activating when data analyzed by the central safety electronics indicate a risk of a roll-over. If this system is activated, two high-strength aluminum rollover bars fitted behind the rear headrests are extended.
Inside, the driver-focused interior includes a leather M Sport steering wheel with multifunction buttons and shift paddles, along with comfortable sport seats finished in premium Merino Individual leather. Behind the steering wheel, you'[ll find a high-resolution instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch screen and a 10.25-inch control display incorporating the automaker's new iDrive system with the new touch-operated BMW Operating System.
In the US, the BMW 8 Series Convertible will only be sold in M850i xDrive trim. Like its Coupe sibling, power is provided by an upgraded 4.4-liter V8 that sends 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels via BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The V8 unit is mated to an updated eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. WIth this setup, 0-62 mph takes 3.8 seconds before the 8 Series Convertible tops out at 155 mph.
Sales for the 2019 BMW 8 Series Convertible kick off next March, with prices starting at $121,400 plus a $995 destination charge. An 8 Series Gran Coupe and the first ever M8 will also go on sale the same year.