The recently unveiled M8 and M8 Cabrio may be taking all the limelight, but the 840d xDrive Cabrio we tested has plenty of appeal of its own, even if it occupies the opposite end of the range.
The BMW 8 Series sits among the Bavarian brand’s flagships, alongside the 7 Series and X7, completing its luxury trio. Yet it is undoubtedly the most exciting of the three, with the strongest focus on driving - a genuine GT in BMW’s view.
A Diesel GT
It is still surprising to find an engine running on what is often regarded as the least glamorous fuel - diesel - beneath the bonnet of this GT. Had such a pairing been suggested in the days of the first 8 Series, we would surely have been called mad…
In the 840d xDrive Cabrio, however, it is a formula that works extremely well. The ample and readily available 680 Nm produced by the 3.0-litre straight-six is particularly well suited to this car. After all, this is a large, heavy four-seat convertible, weighing 2030 kg - 125 kg more than the Coupé.
Paired with the excellent eight-speed automatic gearbox, the 320 hp diesel engine propels the 8 Series briskly, delivering assured, effortless performance, as demonstrated by its 4.9-second 0–100 km/h time.
Of course, our hearts say M850i and V8 POWER - it is considerably quicker and has a far more interesting soundtrack - as Diogo also points out in the video. Still, the 840d xDrive’s less spectacular figures are no drawback and actually suit the more relaxed character of a convertible.
Even so, the 840d xDrive is far from out of its depth when driven with more enthusiasm. The xDrive system consistently provides high levels of grip, while the four-wheel steering system makes it much more agile than expected - Diogo put it perfectly: “on rails”.
Against its closest rival, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet, the 840d xDrive Cabrio feels sharper and more dynamic, whereas the S-Class is more comfort-focused - although the 840d xDrive is certainly not lacking in comfort.
Flagship luxury inside and in the price
As befits a flagship model, the cabin is filled with excellent materials and impeccably assembled. There are refined touches, including optional glass detailing on the starter button and iDrive controller, for instance, as well as the neck-level ventilation provided by the seats.
In an interior where almost every surface is leather-trimmed and nearly every adjustable feature is electrically operated, the extensive technology also deserves a mention. It includes the latest version of the iDrive system, numerous driving assistants and driving modes, while the instrument panel is now fully digital.
Raising or lowering the very well-insulated roof takes just 15 seconds at the press of a button, and it can be operated while the car is moving.
Despite the 8 Series Cabrio’s considerable size - although it is slightly more compact than the 6 Series it replaced - the convertible body brings certain compromises. Space for the two rear passengers is very limited, and the boot capacity is significantly reduced to 350 litres in order to accommodate the roof properly.
Being a flagship, it carries a flagship price too. Prices for the BMW 840d xDrive Cabrio start at €130,000, while our test car had more than €20,000 of optional extras, taking its price beyond €150,000. Is that expensive? Undoubtedly, but lower prices are not to be expected at this level.
Does diesel make sense in the BMW 8 Series Cabrio?
Does diesel make sense in a car such as the 8 Series Cabrio? It compromises less than might initially be expected and delivers restrained fuel consumption - our best result was just 6.4 l/100 km, while it generally returned between 7 and 8 l/100 km. However, given the high asking price, the €20,000 step up to the more thrilling M850i should certainly be considered.
Time to hand over to Diogo:
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