der Bayerische November/December 2020 - 32

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(Above) The M850i has a wide track, sleek lines, and dual exhaust ports.
The 8 Series was built to impress, and
with Grand Coupe (G16), Coupe
(G15), and Convertible (G14)
variants, which can be ordered with or
without xDrive, and the turbocharged
in-line six, the turbocharged
8-cylinder engine or two versions of
M-models, a wide net has been cast
for the "look at me" ultra-premium
performance luxury car market.
Recently, we had some time in
an M850i convertible to assess
whether BMW had hit its mark. While
not nearly close to our typical weeklong, 1000-mile evaluation, we were
able to obtain a good first impression.
The M850i convertible design
has the requisite presence that
distinguishes itself from its
competition. Even when it's raining
and the top is up, people notice it.
With a wide track, sleek lines, 20-inch
wheels, low-profile tires, dual exhaust
ports, and a low profile, the 2020

32

M850i convertible exterior oozes with
class. As with the E31, this G15 8
Series convertible will forever look
sleek and modern with a quiet,
confident look.
That quiet confidence carries
over into the interior. As we noticed in
the X7, it seems that BMW interior
designers have effectively been crosspollinated with their Rolls Royce
brethren. Rather than a stark,
functional,
performance-luxury,
monochromatic German look, the
2020 M850i abounds with pleasing
contrasting colors and outstanding
tactile-feeling surfaces that aim to
delight both the driver and the
passenger. The crystal shift knob,
complete with holographic images, is
the icing on this cake.
I'm serious about the use of the
singular word "passenger". While it
does have a rear seat, I think my
M240i convertible has more rear leg

room that the M850i.
While not a light vehicle (4,736
lbs), even with all the mandatory
safety and emissions equipment, the
use of a carbon core results in 2020
M850i convertible being lighter than
the 1990 BMW 850i.
BMWs are meant to be driven,
and during our brief time behind the
wheel, it's clear that M850i is
outstanding in the tradition of a Grand
Tourer. We hope to soon have such
an M850i for our standard weeklong
1000-mile evaluation.
Casting such a wide net
through model proliferation has hurt
the 8 Series' launch. BMW has
discovered that even though they have
offered an 8 Series for every premium
performance luxury purse and
purpose, that market is a niche one,
and appealing to the niches within
that niche does not generate profitable
sales numbers.

BMW is adjusting their 8 Series
product mix. If you are seeking an M8
coupe or convertible, you had better
buy one now, for in 2021 they will no
longer be offered in the U.S.
However, if you're in a position
to have a house in the Hamptons or
along 17-Mile Drive, or work in
Beverly Hills or Silicon Valley and
would like a vehicle that fits that
lifestyle, the BMW M850i convertible
is the ideal vehicle.
If you're able to own or drive a
G15 8 Series, do yourself a favor and
either buy or find an E31 8 Series to
drive for purpose of comparison.
You'll be surprised how the same
song has been interpreted in two
different eras.

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der Bayerische November/December 2020

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