BMW 8 Series Convertible Review 2024

As a flagship of the BMW range, the 8 Series Convertible has a lot to live up to. The handsome exterior styling also sets expectations high, but this drop-top model delivers where it matters. It feels like a blend of grand tourer and sports car, with the ability to genuinely reward keen drivers. A range of powerful engines also helps the cause, as does a well-made interior. The only downsides are a ride that feels stiff on rough roads, plus a pair of tiny back seats that are hardly suitable for carrying passengers.

Nobody needs to buy an expensive cabriolet like the BMW 8 Series Convertible, but this range-topping model certainly makes a strong case for its existence. 

Converting the 8 Series from a hard-top Coupe to fabric-roofed Convertible has been a successful exercise. Park next to the fixed-roof version and the cabrio looks identical in profile with the roof up. Electrically folding the soft-top takes just 15 seconds, and endows the 8 Series with even more elegant proportions. It is just a shame going topless has an impact on the car’s practicality. 

A complex folding roof needs space to be stowed away. To do that, and retain sleek exterior styling, the 8 Series has to, er, keep its junk in the trunk. With the roof raised, boot capacity is 350 litres, but retracting the hood reduces this to 280 litres. Given the overall size of the 8 Series Convertible, a boot the same size as that in a city car might come as a shock.

The solution is to make use of the back seats as additional storage space instead. On paper, the 8 Series Convertible is a four-seater, but the rear seats are more for show than actual use.

Headroom and legroom are in short supply, and the standard wind deflector actually covers the space passengers would use. Take the hint, and think of the 8 Series as a two-seater with a leather-clad storage bench behind. 

Those in the front will have no complaints, given the high-quality materials used throughout the cabin of the 8 Series. The actual layout of the interior is familiar from other BMW models, but this should hardly count against the 8 Series Convertible. Standard Merino leather upholstery, dark aluminium trim and stainless steel detailing ensure it feels as expensive as it surely is. 

Technology is also comprehensive in the 8 Series, with a seemingly endless list of standard features. Adaptive LED headlights, internet-connected satellite navigation, a digital dashboard and a Harman Kardon premium audio system are all included. Dive into the pricey options list should you want laser headlights, a crystal gear shifter or Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound audio.

Then you will need to pick from the two petrol engines, or the sole diesel. All offer impressive performance, and are combined with an excellent eight-speed automatic gearbox. While a diesel convertible may seem unappealing, the 840d delivers respectable fuel economy that will be a boon for higher-mileage drivers. 

The 8 Series Convertible is more than just a drag racer, with handling that can challenge dedicated sports cars costing far more. Standard four-wheel drive in the 840d and M850i helps, as does clever technology such as four-wheel steering. Only a stiff ride with the adaptive suspension in Sport mode undoes this good work.

Given that BMW could easily sell the 8 Series Convertible on the strength of its looks alone, this list of qualities only adds to the overall package. Should you be in the market for a big cabriolet, the blend of performance, luxury and tech makes this one hard to ignore. 

The BMW 8 Series Convertible is technically a four-seater, but in reality this big cabrio is better treated as a two-seat car with extra rear storage space. Those in the front will have plenty of room at least. 

It doesn’t help that the standard wind deflector actually straddles the rear seats when deployed, rendering them useless for passengers. Even without the deflector in place, attempting to cram adults into the back is likely to lead to arguments. The rear seats do at least fold flat, allowing larger items to be slotted through from the boot. 

With the folding roof up, boot capacity is a reasonable 350 litres. However, lowering the top sees that reduced to 280 litres. There are storage nets inside the boot for smaller items, while the boot lid can be opened automatically by waving your foot beneath the rear bumper. 

The sweeping dashboard is covered in leather, and stainless steel trim elements add an additional touch of class throughout. 

Sumptuous black Merino leather upholstery is used for the seats, with a range of other colours available from the BMW Individual options list. Grey wood or carbon fibre trim can also be chosen to replace the standard dark mesh aluminium. Oh, and should you have £575 to spare, you can add the ‘CraftedClarity’ crystal gear shifter for an extra degree of opulence.

BMW has not skimped when it comes to multimedia in the 8 Series Convertible. All versions come as standard with the Live Cockpit Professional system. This features a 12.3-inch digital dashboard in place of normal dials, along with a 10.3-inch touchscreen that supports gesture commands. 

BMW also includes the Intelligent Personal Assistant, which responds to questions and voice commands as a smartphone would. Wireless charging for smartphones is included, as is connectivity for Apple CarPlay. BMW has recently committed to incorporating Android Auto on new models. 

The satellite navigation system uses an internet connection to gain live traffic data, and can also update the mapping information remotely. Standard features also include DAB radio and music streaming through Bluetooth or USB. A Harman Kardon sound system is standard, with a pricey Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround-sound on the options list.

Compared to the rest of the BMW 8 Series range, the Convertible version is the most expensive option to purchase. Blame the complexity of the folding roof, and the general desirability of the open-top lifestyle for that. 

Prices begin with the entry-level petrol 840i sDrive petrol, which costs from £80,935 on the road. With a comprehensive standard specification, it is hardly a budget model, but is cheaper than the £85,265 840d xDrive diesel. 

For those who want the fastest 8 Series Convertible, the M850i xDrive is priced from £109,410. It illustrates the premium paid for a folding roof, costing over £7,000 more than the equivalent M850i Coupe. 

Be warned that the options list for the 8 Series Convertible is lengthy, and can turn this BMW into a Bentley-rival on price. Picking the Ultimate Package, which adds features like laser headlights and an impressive Bowers & Wilkins sound system, costs £22,000 alone.

As a relatively expensive cabriolet, there are only a limited number of used 8 Series Convertibles available to buy. BMW dealerships have the majority of second-hand stock, with these models still part of their manufacturer-approved scheme. 

As the cheapest 8 Series Convertible when new, it should be no surprise that the 840i sDrive is the most common used version available. A nearly-new example, with fewer than 5,000 miles, should cost around £60,000 from a BMW dealer. 

Despite being the range-topping version, the M850i xDrive can be found on the second-hand market with relative ease. Opting for a nearly-new car from a BMW forecourt will see prices starting at £70,000.

Finally, the diesel 840d xDrive is harder to find. Should you track one down, expect to pay from £59,000 for a low-mileage car.

For those looking to maximise fuel economy, the diesel 840d xDrive offers a degree of restrained consumption. Based on the latest WLTP testing measures, the diesel can officially return 40.4mpg. If you cover long distances, this is the 8 Series to pick.

The petrol 840i sDrive is capable of up to 33.2mpg, which is relatively impressive for a sports car. However, do not expect the range-topping M850i to be as efficient. Although the official fuel consumption figures show the potential for 24.8mpg, it will drop much lower when you enjoy the performance.

It should also come as no surprise that insurance costs for the 8 Series Convertible are high. In relative terms, the 840i should be the cheapest to insure, being ranked in group 48 out of 50. Both the 840d and M850i find themselves placed in the top group 50.

VED (road tax) costs for the 8 Series will also be pricey. All versions fall within the latest VED regime, which sees cars with a list price over £40,000 having to pay more. This means for five years after the initial first-year of registration, drivers will pay an additional £325 on top of the standard charge of £150.

Turning a car into a convertible typically means a compromise in driving dynamics. BMW is confident the 8 Series Convertible handles just as well as the regular Coupe, and we have no reason to doubt them.

Integral Active Steering on four-wheel drive models adds extra stability at speed, but gives the 8 Series extra maneuverability when parking. On the open road the 8 Series feels genuinely engaging, if not quite to the level of a dedicated sports car.

BMW fits all 8 Series models with Adaptive M suspension, offering a range of stiffness settings. Turned to Sport mode, things can start to feel a little taut on rougher roads. Switching to Comfort, or leaving the 8 Series in Adaptive mode to decide for itself, helps mitigate the problem.

BMW has kept the engine range for the 8 Series Convertible relatively simple. There is the choice of two petrols, or a diesel, and all use a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic gearbox. 

With a 340PS 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine, calling the 840i sDrive ‘entry level’ may seem a little unfair. Like all 8 Series Convertibles, it has a limited top speed of 155mph, but is the only model to feature rear-wheel drive. 

Topping the performance charts is the M850i xDrive. The 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 found beneath the bonnet makes 530PS, pushing the M850i into serious sports car territory. 

The idea of a diesel cabriolet may seem strange to some, but the 840d xDrive’s 320PS twin-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine is impressive. With four-wheel drive, it manages to be quicker than the petrol 840i, and even sounds particularly good for a diesel. There is the benefit of improved fuel economy, too.

With a plethora of airbags throughout the cabin, and roll bars that deploy automatically, there is little reason to doubt the safety of the 8 Series Convertible. BMW has not had this model crash-tested by Euro NCAP, but many of its other cars have performed well when evaluated.

The issue of limited visibility is partly solved by the fitment of standard front and rear parking sensors. There is also a standard rear-view camera, plus a 360-degree surround-view camera on the options list. Isofix child seat anchors are supplied for the small rear seats. 

With limited boot space, there is no spare wheel supplied. Instead, BMW uses either run-flat tyres or a puncture repair kit, depending on the model.

Specification levels for the 8 Series Convertible are surprisingly easy to understand. BMW has no separate trims, with equipment based on engine choice instead.

The 840i sDrive and 840d xDrive are the entry-level models, but still feature a comprehensive specification. LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, parking sensors and a rear-view camera are all standard fitment. Black Merino leather upholstery, heated front seats and BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional multimedia system are also included. 

It means the M850i essentially just brings extra power. However, BMW does fit a different front bumper, Y-Spoke 20-inch alloy wheels, and a special Cerium Grey finish for the front grille and wing mirrors.