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This is the new BMW 8 Series Convertible

This is the new BMW 8 Series Convertible

Like for like, here is a twin-turbo, convertible V8 BMW that’s over 100kg heavier and two-tenths slower to 62mph than its equivalent twin-turbo, coupe V8 BMW.

So, welcome everyone, to the inevitable: the new BMW 8 Series Convertible, the second variant in the all-new 8er line-up before the Gran Coupe arrives to complete the range.

This is the new BMW 8 Series Convertible

We’ve had the Coupe – and come away impressed by its technical ability but unsure of its specialness – and seen the M8 GTE racer. This Convertible features a folding cloth roof, said to offer superb sound insulation and one that “pulls taut over the interior when closed”. Well, you’d certainly hope so.

This is the new BMW 8 Series Convertible

In any case, said roof can be opened or closed in 15 seconds, at speeds of up to 31mph. In a “hush”. There’s a clean line to the profile with the roof down, culminating in that rear roof cover’s domes just behind the rear seats. There’s a wind deflector and the option of neck warmers; like Mercedes-Benz’s ‘air scarf’, this handy feature blows warm out through vents in the front-seat head restraints onto your neck. Winter is coming, after all.

This is the new BMW 8 Series Convertible

Changes over the 8 Series Coupe are few: there are new cross struts and a new shear panel for the underbody. And of course, rollover protection – two aluminium bars behind the rear-seat head restraints. Pray you will never need them.

This is the new BMW 8 Series Convertible

There are two engines being offered on launch: a straight-six 3.0-litre diesel that produces as much power as a Honda Civic Type R (316bhp) but considerably more torque, at 501lb ft. This car – which you probably don’t want in a big, fat, luxury convertible – will go from 0-62mph in 5.2secs. Typical overtaking should be relatively brutal, mind.

This is the new BMW 8 Series Convertible

No, it’s the 4.4-litre, twin-turbo V8 with 526bhp and 553lb ft of torque that you really want, because this car will do 0-62mph in 3.9secs – just two tenths down on the M850i Coupe. You can lay much of that on the additional weight – 2,090kg for the Convertible vs 1,965kg for the Coupe.

Both cars come with an eight-speed auto and four-wheel drive, adaptive M dampers, active steering, roll stabilisation and many, assorted driver aids. Prices start from £83,270 for the diesel, and £107,045 for the V8.

This is the new BMW 8 Series Convertible

Will it be special enough to impress more than the Coupe did? Only time will tell. For now, tell us what you make of this twin-turbo, convertible V8 BMW via the comments below.

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