BMW has just unveiled one of its sexiest models to date with the 8 Series Convertible making a grand sexy, svelte entrance into the world. The “G String” name will definitely make a comeback in Mzansi and this time it will be come with the “Millennium Vosho”.
Have you ever seen a more sexy looking BMW? The 8 Series “slahla” retains the svelte, long wheelbase, curvy new design language first seen on the Coupe. The front gets the new kidney grille design with slim LED headlights (Laserlight optional) with large lower side air intakes more pronounced in the M850i or if you opt for the M Design package on lesser models.
The 8 Series convertible uses a soft top and it looks stunning with it up and with the roof down its just mesmerising to the eye……..you better be ready to get those winks from the opposite sex when driving this thing cause it just looks stunning with the roof down.
Just to ensure they weak on the knees…… the driver can open and close the soft top whilst driving (speeds of up to 50km/h) and it takes 15 seconds.
The soft top comes standard in a black finish but if you need a bit more “Vosho”, you can add an Anthracite Silver effect variant as an option. The “entry” model comes with 18inch wheels as standard but if you opt for the M Sport package, these are upgraded to 19inch. The M850i comes standard with 20inch “bid daddy” alloys. The side has some beautiful lines running from the front fender to the rear whilst the fender mounted air blades come in chrome finish.
The rear retains that sexy, curvaceous “booty” with L-shaped LED lights and twin exhausts (trapezoidal on the M850i). The view from the rear with the soft top down, those wheel arches curves peeking “just right” is stuff that Zodwa Wabantu would kill to “shake” on stage. Iyababa le nonsense yesssessss……not Zodwa, I mean the 8 Series. Optional packages include the M Sport package (M850i comes standard with this), Carbon package, Chrome Line Exterior and M Technic Sport Package and they all come with striking design features.
The interior retains the layout as seen in the Coupe meaning a large iDrive controlled Infotainment touchscreen dominates the dash. The digital instrument screen can also be linked to the optional Heads up Display for added peace of mind when driving as it projects driving and navigation info onto the windscreen. The 8 Convertible is a 4 seater with the rear seats able to fold for added convenience when loading long items.
M Sport models come with extra side padding on the seats with M leather steering wheel complete with multifunction controls. LED ambient lighting will get “The mood just right” with multiple color selection whilst the standard Harman Kardon Surround Sound System with 12 speakers dishes out symphony to the occupants (Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System optional).
Electric this and that is par the class of the 8 Series with seats, steering and what what operated electrically. Rear seat space looks adequate for adults.
The one motor enthusiasts will want to be behind is the 390kW/750Nm 4.4-litre Twin turbo V8 found in the M850i xDrive that drives all wheels (xDrive remember) via an 8 speed Steptronic Sport automatic. 0-100km/h sprints by 3.9 seconds topping at an electronically limited 250km/h top speed. Fuel efficiency is claimed at 10l/100km. This engine comes with an M Sport exhaust as standard just to give that “Barry White” V8 bubble…….kuyafiwa makunje. There is also an option of a 235kW/680Nm 3.0-litre Turbo diesel 6-cylinder engine in the 840d xDrive thats also linked to an 8 Speed Steptronic Sport automatic driving all wheels. This model sprints form 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds and excels with a claimed fuel efficiency figure of 6.3l/100km. BMW notes a sports exhaust system for this model and one better hope is not “gibberish”.
The new BMW 8 Series Convertible is fitted as standard with Adaptive M suspension including electronically controlled dampers. Drive modes are Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ operated via switch next to the gear lever. The xDrive system has been designed to ensure maximum fun with safety. The M Sport differential fitted as standard in the M850i further enhances the car’s dynamic driving. The standard Integral Active Steering reduces the car’s turning circle when manoeuvring, increases agility at moderate speeds and optimises poise and assurance when changing lanes and cornering at high speeds. With this system, the rear wheels are steered in the opposite direction to the front wheels at speeds up to 72 km/h whilst at higher speeds, the steering angle of the rear wheels matches that of the front wheels for added stability.
Safety and Connected technology is top drawer stuff from the Bavarian maker and the 8 Series Convertible will certainly please the “Tech savvy” buyers. The BMW 8 Series Convertible is confirmed for Mzansi in 2019 with the Coupe also coming as well. Only the M850i xDrive Convertible is coming to Mzansi.