BMW M8 Competition Convertible

The article was originally produced on August 7, 2020, some facts and prices may have changed since then.

The latest addition to BMW's model range is called the M8 and this is how I experienced the roofless top version M8 Competition Convertible.

If you are like me and want to maximise the experience of the few warm days of summer. Yes, then you should consider investing SEK 1.75 million in something that is topless.

The BMW 8 series already existed in the nineties as an image-building gran turismo. The toughest version was then called the 850 CSI and had a V12 engine of 381 horses and it was manufactured between 1993 and 1996. However, there was never an M or convertible version of this model. At least not series-produced, there are actually concept cars on display at the BMW Museum in Munich.

Anthem for motor lovers

In the early 2000s, the replacement came to the 8 series, but it was named the 6 series. It was available in a number of versions, both as an M model and as a convertible. The one that stood out the most was the sonorous M6 with a high-revving, wonderfully howling five-litre V10 with 507 horses. An engine that was also in the then M5. Audiophiles chose the roofless M6 Cabrio with advantage as they were able to enjoy the sound of the engine unhindered.

In 2018, it was time for the 6 Series to make way for the 8 Series, which was reintroduced as a model. The 8 Series concept was shown the year before at the very exclusive Concorso d'Eleganza car show held at Villa d'Este on Lake Como in Italy.

Comparisons with Audi and Mercedes

The 8 Series is one of the largest of BMW's models and comes in a couple of different versions. The 7 series is even larger but is only available as a sedan in short and long versions. At competitor Audi, we find the A7, but it is only available as a four-door version, while the 8-series is available as a two-door coupe, cabriolet and four-door Gran Coupé. Mercedes has chosen to scrap its model designation CL and now runs entirely on the S-Class, which is available in regular sedan, coupé and cabriolet. If you want a four-door coupé like the Audi A7 and BMW 8-Series Gran Coupé, you can instead choose the AMG GT 4-Door Coupé from Mercedes.

Now let's enjoy the best BMW has to offer in roofless version. The test car is painted in a brown colour that sparkles like gold in the sun. As I approach the car, I fold down the fabric top directly with the key and can thus step into a car that has released all the heat before the door has even been opened. The procedure takes about 20 seconds and you can both raise and lower the roof this way. At speed, the maneuver can be done at up to 50 kilometres per hour.

The twin-turbocharged V8 engine

When you start the engine using the red start button next to the gear lever, the 4.4 litre twin-turbocharged V8 is brought to life. The sound is distinct but not deafening. The power in the engine is experienced in the same way. It is there in abundance but never in such a way that you are intimidated by it. The car has a very sober and pleasant demeanour.

With the side windows up, the wind protection over the back seat folded up, heating in the seats and the air conditioning on maximum heat, you can drive with the roof down even on really chilly evenings. To really make sure you don't get a frozen neck, the M8-embellished headrests feature hot air vents. Add to that a great sound system from Bower & Wilkins and you never want to leave the seat once you've sat down.

There is no doubt that the M8 Competition Cabriolet is vulgarly fast. Unfortunately, I had just driven the Porsche Taycan Turbo S before picking up the BMW. You will read about the Taycan Turbo S later. Compared to the Porsche and its 760 electric horses, the M8 Competition Cabriolet with its 625 gasoline horses felt almost sluggish. This despite a zero to hundred sprint in just 3.3 seconds. I'm fully aware that you shouldn't compare, but it's difficult when the impressions are experienced so close together.

Loud exhaust bangs

The settings for the car's driving characteristics are almost endless. The only thing missing is the ability to convert it into an off-road car. Among other things, you can change the four-wheel drive from normal, to track-adapted or strict rear-wheel drive. You can change the character of the brakes and of course also dampers, engine, gearbox, steering, and of course how the sound from the four pipes at the back sounds. But don't count on any exhaust pops and bangs when you let off the gas. It is now a thing of the past due to new EU rules.

To really get to know the M8 Competition Cabriolet's full potential requires not only lots of time, but also a racetrack to be able to compare and evaluate the differences between the infinite number of settings. Unfortunately, something I don't have the week I got to borrow the car. Instead, I get to use the car as probably 9 out of 10 buyers will do. In the sun with the roof down, when you are at your best.