2020 BMW M850i Convertible

The 8-series has replaced the ongoing BMW 6-series, which has now been discontinued. The 8-series is the bigger and badder version of the 6-series. The mammoth like dimensions of the M850i is paired with a performance engine, it’s a GT that isn’t shy of power under the hood. The 4.4 Litre engine gives it ample Horses to run at high speeds effortlessly. The huge size of the M850i doesn’t compromise on the maneuverability of the vehicle and it does part a sense of reliability. 

The M850i stands heavy at a curb weight of almost 4,736 pounds but doesn’t feel as heavy when you push the throttle down. The acceleration is quick to respond and doesn’t feel laggy at any point. The X-drive is extremely useful as it makes the car fun to drive and attack corners or straights all the same.

The M850i is paired with a soft-top convertible that can be opened and closed by long-pressing the lock button on the key. If you wish to drop-top while cruising it’s possible till the speeds of 30MPH. The transition would take about 15-seconds. Personally, I’d never pull the top up, except during rains, obviously.

The Convertible is available in a single trim with majority standard features except a few which are available as add-ons. 

Trim	BMW M850i Convertible
MSRP (AWD)	$121,400
Key Features	Active Kidney Grille
	Sport Exhaust System
	M-Sport Differential & Brakes
	Double-wishbone multi-link aluminum front suspension
	xDrive all-wheel-drive system
	BMW Laserlight technology
	Instrument panel with Nappa Leather finish
	Harman Kardon Surround Sound Audio System, 408-watt amplifier, 12-speaker system (5 tweeters, 5 midrange speakers and 2 bass speakers)
	Ground-illuminating lights in the exterior door handle

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There are a few additional features like the Drivers Assistance Package, Neck Warmer, and Individual Black Piano Finish would make the car even better. The Harman-Kardon Speakers can be upgraded to Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System would be a good addition as well. The Convertible is a really impressive vehicle with a lot to offer. The vehicle is sure to be an eye-catcher. The drive and performance are exceptionally brilliant.

The M850i is placed between the 840i and the M8 and the performance is also on similar middle ground. Under the hood is the beautiful and powerful 4.4 Litre Twin-Turbocharged V8 which is quick on its feet. The Engine is loud, crisp with sounds that might drown out well-known muscle cars.

On a side note; Hey Mustang Eco-boost, what’s up? The 8-speed auto transmission feels smooth and performs well in all the drive modes. Even in Sports Plus mode, the keeps up with the power and performance delivery of this outstanding V8.

Model	BMW M850i Convertible	Mercedes AMG GT Convertible	Jaguar F-Type SVR Convertible	Audi R8 Spyder	Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Convertible
MSRP	$121,400	$127,900	$126,845	$184,650	$117,500
Engine	4.4-L Premium V8	4.0-L Premium V8	5.0L V8 Intercooled Supercharger	5.2L FSI V10	3.0L Twin-Turbo Flat-Six
Drivetrain	AWD	RWD	AWD	AWD	AWD
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	7-Speed Auto-Shift Manual w/OD and Auto-Manual	8-Speed Automatic	7-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic	8-Speed Dual-Clutch PDK Automatic
Power	523hp@5,500rpm	469hp@6,000rpm	575hp@6,500rpm	562hp@6,000rpm	379hp@6,500rpm
Torque	553lb-ft@1,800rpm	465lb-ft@1,700rpm	516lb-ft@3,500rpm	403lb-ft@2,400rpm	331lb-ft@3,200rpm

The Audi R8 gets the biggest engine out of all these bad-ass performers. But the S63 AMG is hands down the most powerful out of the lot. Then again there would be some discrepancies when a Sports/GT goes up against an all-out sports performer.

How Fast is it?

The BMW S63 engine is the one that BMW has tried, tested and perfected. The V8 applied in the M850i Convertible is a result of the s63 lineage. The V8 can propel the M850i Convertible from a stand-still to 60MPH in just 3.8 seconds which isn’t shabby considering the size and weight of the car. The Convertible is limited to a top speed of 155MPH due to safety concerns but it’s a decent top speed for convertible standards.

Model	BMW M850i Convertible	Mercedes AMG GT Convertible	Jaguar F-Type SVR Convertible	Audi R8 Spyder	Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Convertible
0-60 MPH	3.8 sec	3.7 sec	3.5 sec	3.3 sec	4.2 sec
Quarter Mile	N/A	N/A	N/A	11.5 sec	12.7 sec
Top Speed	161 MPH(est)	189 MPH	200 MPH	200 MPH	190 MPH
Engine	4.4-L Premium V8	4.0-L Premium V8	5.0L V8 Intercooled Supercharger	5.2L FSI V10	3.0L Twin-Turbo Flat-Six

The Audi has all other contenders beat once again, the times are impressive when compared to the BMW. The Beemer performance falls between the Mercedes AMG GT and S 63 AMG.

How Responsive are the Brakes?

The M-Brakes that are standard on the M850i Convertible are pure performance-oriented brakes. The carbon-ceramic 4 piston fixed caliper disc brakes in the front and the single-piston floating caliper vented disc brakes at the rear are responsive and capable enough. The electronic brakes setting in the M-brakes is kind of messy and jerky. Apart from that, the brakes have enough braking power to control the M850i well.

Model	BMW M850i Convertible	Mercedes AMG GT Convertible	Jaguar F-Type SVR Convertible	Audi R8 Spyder	Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Convertible
Brake Rotors Front	N/A	14.2"	15"	14.4"	13.8"
Brake Rotors Rear	N/A	14.2"	15"	14.0"	13.8"
Curb Weight	4736 lbs	3516 lbs	3792 lbs	3572 lbs	3614 lbs
60-0 MPH	N/A	96 ft	102 ft	97 ft	97 ft

The Comparison data for the BMW isn’t available yet but we can be certain that the M-brakes will perform fairly well and might just be better than a few. But with the existing data, the AMG GT is one that takes the cake.

How Is The Ride & Handling?

The M850i Convertible feels very sturdy and reliable while driving. It’s very nimble and agile for a car of this size. The specialty of the X-Drive allows the rear wheels of the M850i Convertible to steer in the opposite direction while turning at low speeds. At high speeds, though it turns in the direction of the steer, the differentials transfer more power to the wheels on the inside for increased grip on corners. 

The AWD or the X-Drive is biased towards the rear wheels and you can feel the difference while turning a corner at high speed. The M-Suspension is excellent none the less. The M850i Convertible handles very similarly its sibling M850i X-Drive Coupe where BMW claims the convertible is merely 2% less sturdy when compared to the coupe. This is enough to understand the kind of drivability the M850i Convertible provides even with the roof down.

In Sports or Sports Plus mode you can feel the engine letting out its true potential. The Convertible becomes faster, handles better and the engine roar is louder. The thrill you get with the launch control is exhilarating! The Beemer just gushes past everything and everything around turns blurry. It’s a car with multiple personalities to suit your mood for the drive. You can be cruising on a sunny day with the roof down one second in comfort mode. Switch to Sports mode the next second and you have an angry BMW Beast ready to spit out the power you’d need a few seconds to comprehend.

The BMW is efficient enough considering the curb weight and the massive 4.4L V8 engine. The tank can store 18 gallons of fuel. In the city conditions, the BMW returns about 17 miles per gallon which is a pretty good number considering the vehicle we are talking about here. On a highway, it's a different story though, 26 miles per gallon is an efficient number figure. Being a Grand Tourer you wouldn’t want to have frequent stops at the fuel station.

Model	BMW M850i Convertible	Mercedes AMG S 63 Cabriolet	Mercedes AMG GT Convertible	Jaguar F-Type SVR Convertible	Audi R8 Spyder	Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Convertible
MPG (City)	17	15	16	16	13	20
MPG (Highway)	26	24	22	24	20	26
MPG (Combined)	20	18	18	18	16	23
Fuel Capacity	18.0 gallons	21.1 gallons	19.8 gallons	18.5 gallons	21.1 gallons	17.6 gallons
Range (City/Hwy/Combined)	306/450/360 miles	317/436/379 miles	317/436/356 miles	296/444/333 miles	274/422/337 miles	317/405/404 miles
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/yr)	N/A	9.8	9.3	9.2	7.4

Looking at the efficiency figures available it's no surprise that the BMW stands to be most efficient. In this particular aspect, the BMW is the winner and no other vehicle would provide the kind of fuel efficiency that the M850i Convertible gives be it Sports Oriented or GT or a GT Sport.

The interior of the M850i Convertible doesn't feel like its the top of the line offering. The build quality is great and the materials used in the interior are of high quality. The interior is reminiscent of the first generation 8 series. The interior design is the basic BMW design style which is premium and minimalistic at its best.

There are a few changes in the interior when compared to the other offerings of the BMW line up and yet it remains the signature BMW. Multiple layers of fabric on the soft top helps reduce the cabin noise. With the roof up the cabin is very quiet, except for the sound of the engine if you floor the pedal.

The front of the BMW is very spacious and can accommodate even the tallest of the drivers or passengers. The front seats are comfortable and hug your torso in well giving you the entire support you’d need once the car takes off. The seat is entirely electronically controlled allowing you to best adjust the seating position. The lumbar support is adjustable and very comfortable as well. On the contrary, the rear seats can't even accommodate teenagers adequately. To get into the rear seats you’d have to pull a rope behind the headrest of the front seats. After the seats fold down, the seat then electronically moves ahead giving you the space to get in the back.

Model	BMW M850i Convertible	Mercedes AMG S 63 Cabriolet	Mercedes AMG GT Convertible	Jaguar F-Type SVR Convertible	Audi R8 Spyder	Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Convertible
Seating Capacity	4	4	2	2	2	4
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	38.9/57.2/42.1	37.7/59.0/ N/A	39.5/N/A/N/A	37.0/56.5/43.0	N/A	N/A
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	38.9/45.7/29.5	37.7/49.5/ N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

The BMW can be considered a 2 seater as the rear seats are redundant. The Mercedes S63 AMG, on the contrary, has better seating and comfort for the rear passengers.

What features to expect on the inside?

There is a lot going on the interior of the M850i Convertible some of the features or the eye-grabbing aspects are.

• 20-way power Multi-function front seats
• Extended Merino Leather upholstery
• Instrument panel with Nappa Leather finish
• Stainless Steel Fabric interior trim
• 3-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function M sport steering wheel
• Live Cockpit Professional features a 12.3" instrument cluster, and 10.25" central information display.
• Expanded Check Control vehicle monitor system
• Dynamic Cruise Control
• Head-up Display
• Automatic climate control with separate left/right temperature controls
• Micro-filter ventilation system with replaceable active-charcoal filters
• Soft-close automatic door operation
• Hands-Free Liftgate
• BMW Extended Ambient Lighting
• Front-seat center console with armrest and storage compartment

How good is the Infotainment setup?

In the center console rests the 10” inch Infotainment system which is very interactive. It comes with Apple CarPlay and doesn’t support Android Auto. You might have to switch your Android phone to Apple if you want to connect your phone to the Infotainment System. The Console can be controlled through the dial given at the base of the console or with a touch. For improved driver functionality, it supports hand gestures that enhance your overall experience.

The 12” Instrument cluster could have been better. The backlight is dim and it is difficult to make out on a sunny day. The digital animations on the RPM gauge take the natural feel away. From the Infotainment perspective, BMW is feature-rich.

• Apple CarPlay
• WiFi Hotspot
• Real-time traffic
• BMW TeleServices
• BMW ConnectedDrive Services
• Live Cockpit Professional with iDrive 7.0
• Drive Recorder
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 1 year All Access trial period.
• Gesture Control
• Wireless Charging
• 2x USB ports; front with 1.5 A charging, console with 3 A charging
• 360 Camera 
• 12-speaker Harman KardonPremium Sound System
• Smart device integration
• Auxiliary audio input
• Head-Up display
• Rear-window defroster 

What about the Cargo carrying capacity?

Considering that it’s a convertible there is decent boot space. There are a few netted pockets in the trunk to store documents. Also, there are latches on either side of the trunk to tie up your luggage. If you reach a bit towards the side edge on the insides of the trunk you will find 2 latches that allow the rear seats to fold down. This gives you a flat surface to store a few bags under the section created by the convertible soft-top. The rear seat down will give you enough space to store your golf kit. You could easily store one trolley case in the rear if you manage to fit it through the access space for the trunk.

Model	BMW M850i Convertible	Mercedes AMG S 63 Cabriolet	Mercedes AMG GT Convertible	Jaguar F-Type SVR Convertible	Audi R8 Spyder	Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Convertible
Cargo Capacity	12.4 cu.ft.	6.9 cu.ft.	5.8 cu.ft.	7.3 cu.ft.	4.0 cu.ft.	4.7 cu.ft.

The M850i Convertible provides enough cargo space in spite of being a convertible. Foldable rear seats also provide extra storage space, which might be very useful if you have pets.

The Designers at BMW deserve a round of applause for this immaculate piece of art. The M850i Convertible is the perfect blend of Luxury and Muscle. The lines are sharp, crisp and well-aligned. The body is very proportionate even though it has a lengthy demeanor. From the front, the M850i looks like an angry beast because of the kidney grills, air vents, and the Laser UID headlights. The headlights do give it that extra mean-looking front. It has a wide stance but is still low slung. The silhouette of the convertible and the coupe are very similar. 

Model	BMW M850i Convertible	Mercedes AMG S 63 Cabriolet	Mercedes AMG GT Convertible	Jaguar F-Type SVR Convertible	Audi R8 Spyder	Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Convertible
Curb Weight	4736 lbs	4888 lbs	3516 lbs	3792 lbs	3572 lbs	3614 lbs
Length	191.2"	198.9"	179.0"	176.2"	174.3"	177.9"
Width	84.1"	74.8"	76.3"	74.2"	76.4"	72.9"
Height	53.0"	55.6"	49.6"	51.5"	49.0"	51.1"
Ground Clearance	4.6"	N/A	3.8"	4.2"	6.3"	N/A
Wheelbase	111.1"	115.9"	103.5"	103.2"	104.3"	96.5"

The rear of the M850i Convertible has a quad exhaust layout that sits subtly beneath the slim taillights. The slim taillight design is a fresh look which is the 8 series has received. There are a couple of vents between the exhaust and the taillights help with the aerodynamics. 

What are the design highlights on the outside?

There are more than a few features on the exterior.

• 20" V-spoke Cerium Gray light-alloy wheels, style 728M w/ performance run-flat tires
• Aerodynamic kit
• M rear spoiler
• Power-folding, heated side mirrors
• LED Headlights with Laserlight flank
• LED rear lights
• Active Kidney Grills
• Power Trunk with Gesture kick open

Currently, the BMW M850i is yet to receive ratings from NHTSA. But it’s none the less loaded with safety features to ensure the driver and passengers safety. The chassis of the M850i is based on the BMW CLAR ( Cluster Architecture ) platform which has been used in the 5,6,7, X & Z series. The chassis is a mixture of aluminum, steel and carbon fiber. All the vehicles from BMW that share the same CLAR platform have received a minimum of 4 NHTSA Rating. We could expect the 8 series to fare similarly in future tests. In the meantime let's take a look at the safety features offered by BMW.

• Airbags
• ABS
• Daytime running lights
• Traction control
• 3-point safety belts with force limiters and head restraints at all seating positions
• Front and rear Head Protection System (HPS)
• BMW Assist eCall includes Emergency Request (SOS button) and Enhanced Automatic Collision Notification
• Back-up camera
• Stability control
• Side impact beams
• Parking aid
• Automated parking sensors
• Lane departure warning
• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency brakes
• Blind-spot monitor
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Automatic high beams

BMW M850i Convertible VS Mercedes AMG S 63 Cabriolet.

 The indecisive battle between BMW and Mercedes has been raging since the beginning of time itself. The M850i Convertible drives well has better handling and shines on the track. The same can be said about the AMG though.

The M850i provides a thrilling ride experience whereas the AMG has better rear seats to offer. The BMW is fairly cost-effective in terms of MSRP and Fuel Efficiency. But in the end, it all boils down to which badge you’d prefer to see in your drive-way.

BMW M850i Convertible VS Mercedes AMG GT Convertible

 The AMG has a very refined engine and yet fails to beat the M850i in terms of acceleration. The beemer has the AMG beat in terms of seating capacity.

If we consider fuel efficiency the Beemer is in a class of its own. But the AMG is a true Performance-Oriented Vehicle. If a tourer is what you’re in the market for the M850i Convertible would be a better option.

BMW M850i Convertible VS Jaguar F-Type SVR Convertible

 The BMW outperforms the F-Type in every aspect possible. The BMW takes points for design, comfort, cargo storage while the Jag is quicker off the line.

The Jag is around 1000 pounds lighter than the Beemer. But then again the luxury on offer on the BMW is a class apart. From a design point of view, the BMW has the Jag beat.

BMW M850i Convertible VS Audi R8 Spyder

 You know the playground is not level when you compare a supercar with a luxury GT. The R8 performs better than the BMW in terms of engine performance and it's not a surprise.

The BMW retaliates with its functionality, comfort and fresh design. The R8 also loses its rear-wheel-drive in 2020 which might disappoint a few people.

BMW M850i Convertible VS Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Convertible

 Surprisingly the BMW has the Porsche 911 Carrera beat by a landslide. The 911 falls short on performance or ride quality expectations perceived from a Porsche.

The 911 does cost less when compared to BMW. The winner here clearly is BMW. Be it straights, corners or just a cruise the BMW is sure to give you a thrill.

The M850i Convertible is an exceptional performer. The Drive modes have been tuned to provide the best drive that you could ask for. The fuel efficiency is exceptional in its segment and it could probably make it your everyday driver. The cost for the M850i Convertible is fair considering the performance, design, luxury and driving experience.