DRIVEN: BMW M Series 8 Series M850i xDrive Convertible

We take the new 850i Convertible for a spin through some of the most scenic routes along Victoria’s wine country for some lovely Australian B-road driving, to catch some fresh air with the top down.

We did a roadtest with the M850i Coupe a while back, and loved how well-sorted its styling is (and that V8 is fab too)

Instead of just producing a coupe and a “droptop”, like the 6 Series Gran Coupe, BMW has gone on to slapping another pair of doors onto the 8 Series, which we’d dare say, is a very wise decision… and we will give you the lowdown on the German “Quattroporte” once we are given some rubber-on-tarmac time.

The original 8 Series was launched during a time when it was still seen as quite a large car. In today’s context, it really isn’t imposing at all. And while it is rather close in dimensions to the 6 Series, which it spiritually replaces. Designers have done a wonderful job in filling visual voids with a good degree of detailing.

Taking a nod from current ‘Beemer’ design cues, the 8 Series also gets some functional-yet stylistic blisters behind the front wheels. BMW opted to go with a soft roof instead of a hardtop when developing the convertible version of the same car. In doing this, it allows for greater flexibility in styling, and considerable weight savings.

One way to know if a manufacturer is serious about their cars, is to look at their interiors. With the 8 Series being the flagship coupe/convertible, the German manufacturer plys on the leather, with double stitched hide even gracing the dashboard. Electric leather front seats are ventilated (a must for our climate), and yes, 2+2 seating, like on the original car means that you can carry your family.

While most of the dash elements are from common BMW parts bins, we like that the German manufacturer had gone ahead with their BMW CraftedClarity glass application into the 8 Series, which can also be found on the X7. Handmade glass elements, which includes buttons, iDrive controller, volume control switch, and topped off with a diamond-cut gear knob adds a touch of elegance to the interior.

BMW’s operating system 7.0, also makes its way into the 8 Series. The system powers a 12.3” high-resolution instrument cluster and 10.25” Control Display, and features gesture control. One of our favourite bits of tech, which truly is a game changer, is its Reversing Assistant, which allows you to back your car for a distance of up to 50 meters. The system is able to memorise the path taken, allowing you to back out of tight spaces.

Driving top down with the seasonal cold air entering the cabin is truly an energising experience. We turn out to the road from the Mitchelton Winery, and into some picturesque laidback Australian countryside.

Time is a double-edged sword to the automotive world, where we will likely see the demise of the V12 from all mainstream brands within the decade, so that means that the buttery-progressive pull if you truly like it, will be no more.

That said, BMW’s 4.4 litre V8 engine, a tuned-down version of what is found in their mental M5, is truly a gem of an engine. Delivery of the drive is smooth, in-part thanks to an integral twin-damper system which buffers the twisting effects of the V8 and cog swops from the 8-speed transmission sourced from ZF. the twin-turbocharged V8 is good for 523bhp and 750Nm, lets off a satisfying rumble, when your right foot calls for it.

Unlike the M5 which is now AWD, where if you have enough courage and ability to return the car from going sideways, you could opt to shut off drive to the front wheels off; the xDrive on the 850 is permanent, after all, the car is intended for a safer and more relaxed driving experience.

Driving with the top down adds to the aural satisfaction their flagship GT-style sports car can deliver. Like the Coupe, the Convertible is well-balanced, and the steering well-weighted. The Integral Active Steering adds to the dynamic driving experience. The rear wheels steer slightly in the direction of the turn during higher speeds. This, according to BMW, delivers similar safety and comfort to cars which have longer wheelbases. In slower, tighter situations, the Active Steering turns slightly in the opposite direction, to reduce the turn circle, making it simply more maneuverable.

The rustic Australian roads we are driving on commonly comes with a good scatter of dead plant matter, and the adaptive suspension does a good job in buffering out the bumps nature has provided, without the 850i feeling unsettled.

What makes a convertible special (even in our tropical climate), is how intimate the driving experience is. If the weather turns however, the fabric roof goes back up in only 15 seconds, and you can do this on the run, up to speeds of 50Km/h. We also like that the process is silent, almost as quiet as the Rolls-Royce Dawn.

While it does provide quite a relaxing drive, the V8 even in its state of tune does an impressive job of hitting 100km/h in all of 3.9 seconds, which is blisteringly quick; especially if you feel that you still need it to be a serious sports car.

Engine: 4,395 cc, 8-Cylinder Twin-turbo
Transmission: 8-speed Steptronic Sport
Power: 523 Bhp
Torque: 750 Nm
Consumption: 9.4km/l
0-100km/h: 3.9 seconds

Photos: BMW Australia

Credits: Text: Clifford Chow - Photos: BMW Australia