The recently unveiled M8 and M8 Convertible steal all the attention, but despite being in the opposite camp, the 840d xDrive Convertible that we tested is not without its own charm.
The BMW 8 Series is one of the Bavarian brand's flagships, with the 7 Series and X7 completing the luxury trio, but without a doubt it is the most exciting of the three, being the most focused on the driving chapter — a true one GT according to BMW.
A GT… Diesel
It is surprising that under the bonnet of this GT there appears an engine that runs on the most infamous fuel, ie diesel — were such a combination suggested at the time of the first Series 8 and they would certainly call us crazy…
In the case of the 840d xDrive Convertible it is a combination that generates excellent results, with the generous and easily accessible 680 Nm of the 3.0 l in-line six cylinders to fit perfectly with the car in question. After all, it is a four-seater convertible, with vast dimensions and mass (2030 kg, 125 kg more than the Coupé).
In combination with the excellent eight-speed automatic transmission, the 320 hp Diesel block moves the Series 8 with speed, guaranteeing respectful and effortless performance, as proven by the 4.9s from 0 to 100 km/h.
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It's true that our heart says M850i and V8 POWER — much faster and with a much more interesting sound — as Diogo also mentions in the video, but the more modest numbers of the 840d xDrive don't compromise and even adapt to nature more… relax from a convertible.
Even so, the 840d xDrive does not leave its credits in the hands of others, proving itself adept at a more enthusiastic driving. The xDrive system always guarantees high levels of grip, and the four-wheel directional system makes it much more agile than we would have imagined at first — Diogo couldn't say it better, cornering “on rails”.
When compared to its more direct rival, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Convertible, the 840d xDrive Convertible is sharper and more dynamic, with the S-Class more focused on comfort — not that the 840d xDrive isn't, quite the contrary.
State-of-the-art, whether in the interior or the price
Being a top of the range, we are naturally treated to an interior where excellent materials abound and the build quality is impeccable. There are fine details such as certain optional glass finishes — on the i-Drive's start button and remote, for example — or the neck-directed ventilation that the seats provide.
In an interior where practically everything is covered in leather and almost everything that is adjustable, is electrically adjustable, also highlight the strong technological component, where we find the latest iteration of the i-Drive system, multiple assistants and driving modes , and the instrument panel is now 100% digital.
It only takes 15 seconds to get down or up on the very well soundproofed roof, just press a button, and we can do it on the go.
Despite the vast dimensions of the Series 8 Convertible — even so, slightly more compact than the Series 6 predecessor — the convertible bodywork makes for some compromises. Space for the two rear occupants is very limited, and the luggage compartment capacity is much smaller (350 l), in order to properly stow the roof.
As high-end as it is, the price is also top-notch. Prices for the BMW 840d xDrive Convertible start at 130 thousand euros , with our unit adding more than 20 thousand euros in extras, surpassing the 150 thousand euros — is that too much? Definitely, but don't expect to find lower prices at this level.
Does Diesel make sense?
Does Diesel make sense in a car like the 8 Series Convertible? It doesn't compromise as much as one might think and guarantees moderate consumption — our best record was only 6.4 l/100 km, as a general rule it went between 7 and 8 l/100 km — but considering the high asking value, a €20,000 “jump” to the most exciting M850i without a doubt that should be considered.
Time to give the floor to Diogo:
