The Gentleman Magazine Issue 15 | June 2019 | Page 38

THE ALL-NEW BMW 8 SERIES CONVERTIBLE
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.
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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.
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