Tag Archives: convertible

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The 2021 BMW M4 Convertible Is Officially in the Testing Phase

Spy photographers recently snapped some pics of the 2021 BMW M4 Convertible prototype near Munich. Even the vehicle’s heavy camouflage couldn’t disguise the evolutionary design, which resembles cues from the Concept 4.

The main attraction of this prototype is its massive grille that looks like a giant peanut. Seriously, it’s absurdly large. Adrian van Hooydonk might say the comically big grille was a purposeful part of BMW’s continual evolution — but everyone is calling BS. We’re talking 24/7 grille, people. Soon there will be nothing else — only grille.

Of course, the M4 does have some pretty attractive features (however overshadowed they might be by ). Slender headlights and a bulky front bumper flank it. A high-performance system with blue calipers backs the lightweight brakes. The shots give us a good look at the body lines, fender flares, exhaust setup and lip spoiler. The back end is tame, but the four-pipe exhaust system suggests hidden power under the hood. Plus, you can’t take your eye off the rear spoiler, which features a third brake light.

Under the hood is a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine. It generates 473 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. Or, if the Competition Package is more your style, you’ll enjoy 503 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque.

The cabin’s interior will look a lot like the 3-Series. You can expect a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display and a 10.25-inch infotainment system. The biggest challenge is the return of the retractable soft top. While the top will reduce weight, you’ll also notice more prominent blind spots.

The Debut of the BMW Concept 4

BMW unveiled the Concept 4 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September of this year, which previews the next-generation 4-Series. The company describes the design as an interpretation of their commitment to the magic of coupe driving.

There’s been a lot of rumors surrounding the M3 and M4. BMW has yet to release details about the powertrain. However, you can expect four- and six-cylinder motors.

Reports suggest the cars will offer rear and all-wheel drive, though it’s not clear if this feature is available for the M4 Convertible. You’ll also be able to choose between a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic.

Frank Van Meel, head of BMW M, claims the company will adopt a four-tier model strategy. Along with the M3 and M4 Standard and Competition guises, we’ll also see a CS and CSL version.

The Competition will offer more power than the standard version, while CS will showcase track focus and weight-saving measures. The CSL’s durable design is meant to replace old GTS models — complete with improved aerodynamics, stickier tires and less weight.

Grilles, Grilles, Grilles

Critics praise the vehicle for its low roof, sharp lines and rear deck. Honestly, the only judgments I’ve heard made about it relate to the grille. Based on spy photos and videos of the upcoming M3 and M4, the peanut-shaped feature is a definite possibility for the Concept 4.

Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW’s design chief, claims he knew the massive grille would draw backlash. Still, he’s hurt by the comments, saying the design was an attempt to turn the original kidney concept into a pair of lungs — meant to represent a horse.

Hooydonk suggests the car’s complaints come from different customer priorities around the world. The loudest criticisms hail from Europe, where drivers like sleek black designs and prefer to go unnoticed. The market, which is strongest in the U.S. and China, backs up this claim.

The Future of the 2021 BMW M4

Priced starting at $70,000, the M3 and M4 will keep facing strong competition from Audi, Lexus and Mercedes. We’ll have a better idea of what to expect from the 2021 BMW M4 when the M3 debuts next year.

Information

2019 BMW m850i Xdrive: Reviews and Updates

If Mercedes’ S-Class is the champagne of luxury automobiles, the BMW 8-Series is exclusive scotch whiskey. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re looking for an alternative to the cushy Merc with all the provenance and little more attitude the BMW boulevardier is back with no shortage of leather and weather.

Replacing the 6-Series as BMW’s big coupe for the 2019 model year and a convertible variant coming in 2020, the 8’er delivers on its naming scheme by bringing more of everything that the 6 had. It successfully picks up where the last 8 left off, demonstrating the full extent of Munich’s abilities to play in the ultra-luxury segment.

Putting the Grand in Grand Touring

The m850i xDrive sits nicely atop the BMW model lineup, however it actually creates an interesting value proposition as an alternative to the Aston Martins and Bentley GTs of the world, and for a fair bit less money.

With an opulent leather-covered interior, all-wheel drive, every modern amenity and a face-melting 3.6-second 0-60 time courtesy of BMW’s 523 horsepower hot-vee eight-cylinder, the 8 squares off nicely against competition that will set you back close to twice its $122,000 price tag.

Make no mistake, this is no bargain-basement bimmer. The m850i xDrive is a bonafied range-topper. It’s in BMW’s DNA to be the sporty alternative to other German luxury brands, however the informed will note that over the course of the last two decades, Audi, BMW and Mercedes have all in some sense abandoned their unique qualities and moved more towards the center of the market, building cars that do a lot of things well, instead of one thing exceptionally.

The m850i xDrive is no different. It accelerates like a sports car, but it cossets its occupants like a luxury barge should, and this should help BMW’s sales numbers.

Enthusiasts looking for a track toy can seek out the cheaper, smaller 2, 3 and 4-series cars, but fling the 8 into an S-bend and its 4300 lb. heft is going to be apparent. BMW’s bean counters know exactly how many 8-series buyers are going to do that. They can probably be counted on one hand.

The 90s Are in, Again!

Much like the time period when the original 8 roamed the world’s highways, the 8 comes at a time when the posh can afford to indulge. So it makes sense that the m850i Coupe will welcome a drop-top sister car in 2020.

The sleek silhouette that the 8 cuts is every bit as drool-inducing with the roof removed, and top-down motoring is all the more enjoyable with help from the infotainment system’s 10.25-inch screen and premium Bowers & Wilkins stereo there to announce your presence. That is, if the muted roar from your twin exhausts doesn’t first.

Showing off in the modern era requires more than just good looks and a bangin’ stereo, though. The eight also delivers in the technology category with modern touches like lane-keep assist, adaptive digital gauge cluster and even supercar-like four-wheel steering.

And then there’s the decidedly low-tech but oh-so-good to use crystal gear selector. BMW knows their clientele, and some things just don’t change. People will call this a “footballer’s car,” and whisper when you drive by in one but only until they get behind the wheel.

Experience the merino leather interior and effortless thrust, the perfectly sculpted ergonomics of the cockpit. It’s like the 80-inch television at your friend’s place, you didn’t know you needed it. Until you did.

Press Release

The First-Ever 2019 BMW 8 Series Convertible … the M850i xDrive Convertible

BMW has just introduced the first-ever BMW 8 Series Convertible, which joins the new BMW 8 Series Coupe in blending ultra-sporting driving dynamics with an emotional and elegant design. The soft-top, four-seat BMW M850i xDrive Convertible combines immense power and torque delivery with tenacious grip and peerless poise from the advanced chassis, luxurious comfort and state-of-the-art innovations in technology, driver assistance, and connectivity. The result, is a vehicle that delivers an impeccable four-season driving experience, with the charisma of a low-slung, aggressively styled open-top sports convertible, inviting the warming rays of the sun and the wind flowing past the cockpit to be your constant driving companions.

The launch of the first-ever BMW M850i xDrive Convertible marks the premiere of a new BMW TwinPower turbocharged V8 engine. The latest generation of the 4.4-liter eight-cylinder engine has been radically revised with numerous detailed improvements. Two twin-scroll turbochargers with charge air cooling located within the V-shaped space between the cylinder banks, high precision injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing all form part of the M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology, whose extensive overhaul has given a substantial boost to maximum power, torque and efficiency.

The M850i comes with BMWs xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system which has been improved for more efficient operation. With its rapid, precise and fully variable distribution of drive torque between the front and rear wheels, it maximizes traction and handling stability not just when driving in adverse road conditions, but in performance driving situations as well. Power is split in accordance with demands at all times using an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch that is networked with the powertrain and chassis systems. This results in extremely quick and exact response to any change in the driving situation.

To increase the system’s efficiency, all of the drive torque is directed to the rear wheels in situations when all-wheel drive is not needed. The xDrive system’s rear-biased set-up guarantees a driving experience for which BMW sports cars are renowned. The fact that the all-wheel-drive system has been specifically designed for performance handling is especially noticeable in the SPORT and SPORT+ modes selected via the Driving Experience Control switch.

Standard on the M850i is Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers. Both compression and rebound are adjusted continuously and independently. This facilitates finely tuned spring and damping responses, providing the driver with only relevant information about the road surface. The extremely stiff suspension springs reduce roll tendency and allow the dampers to stabilize the wheels as much as possible, avoiding traction losses caused by bumps and ruts in the road surface. The electronically controlled dampers respond adaptively to road surface conditions and driving style in order to eliminate undesired vehicle movement. Minor road damage is comfortably filtered out and narrow bumps do not induce unwanted pitching movements.

Damping characteristics can be adjusted via the Driving Experience Control switch. SPORT and SPORT+ modes activate optimal responses for maximum handling. This is noticeably different from the comfort-oriented damper setting in ECO Pro and COMFORT modes.

Active roll stabilization is optionally available for the first-ever BMW M850i xDrive Convertible and further enhances the car’s sporty handling characteristics. Electric swivel motors on the front and rear anti-roll bars ensure fast and precise compensation for lateral forces during dynamic driving maneuvers. The system is controlled through a constant analysis of vehicle speed, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering wheel position, wheel and body acceleration and variation in height levels. In BMW M Performance models, active roll stabilization has an exceptionally sporty set-up and adapts to changing requirements. It optimizes agility and directional stability on turn-in and helps line the car up as neatly as possible for improved acceleration out of corners. The reduced body movement also means that fast evasive maneuvers can be executed with great assurance.

The standard specification for the new BMW M850i  contains exclusive design features and options to enhance the driving experience. In addition to multi-function seats and the M leather steering wheel, there are M pedals, M driver’s footrest and special floor mats to imbue the cabin with a distinctly sporty flair. The illuminated door sills and the display in the instrument cluster bear the BMW M Performance Automobile model badge or the M logo respectively.

The M850i xDrive Convertible is scheduled for release March 2019 with a starting price of $121,400 plus $995 destination charge.