DRIVEN: BMW M850i xDrive Convertible Steptronic
Fitted with a rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system as standard, it’s once again credit to the 8 Series’ aforementioned underpinnings, including CFRP (carbon-fibre reinforced plastic) around its centre tunnel, that the open-top 8 displayed no side-effects of its missing roof when it came to fast changes of direction, both flowing and slow-speed, over the course of my twisty Algarve test route. With an M Sport differential, Integral Active (rear-wheel) Steering and an adaptive M suspension included in the package, I’d find it difficult to believe the coupé offers discernibly superior levels of handling prowess compared with the convertible.
It’s the reason, in this rare case, I think my first experience of the modern 8 Series package may well have been in the best derivative to date...
FAST FACTS
Model: BMW M850i xDrive Convertible Steptronic
Price: R2 009 860
Engine: Twin turbocharged, 4,4-litre V8
Power: 390 kW @ 5 500 - 6 000 r/min
Torque: 750 N.m @ 1 800 - 4 600 r/min
0-100 km/h: 3,9 secs
Top Speed: 250 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 10,6 L/100 km
CO2: 243 g/km
Transmission: 8-spd automatic
Maintenance Plan: 5 year/100 000 km
https://www.carmag.co.za/car-review...iven-bmw-m850i-xdrive-convertible-steptronic/