The M135i, M240i, M340i, M440i, M550i and M850i are like the S-models at Audi and the 35, 43 and 53 at Mercedes-AMG. Half-half and not easy to put it in a category. But maybe, just maybe, the M850i is the “half-half” making perfect sense. Could that really be?

Scaled back a bit

The big boys -the BMW M8 and M8 Competition- can enjoy a respective 600 and 625 horsepower kicking you in the back to hit 100 km/h in 3.4 or 3.3 seconds. But maybe those cars are too SCREAMY for you? BMW came with a solution just for you guys! The BMW M850i xDrive. The M850i hides the same 4.4-liter M TwinPower Turbo V8 petrol engine but with “only” 530 hp and 750 Nm of torque, making the M-light still pretty fast to 100 km/h. It just needs 4.1 seconds thanks to its 8-speed automatic Steptronic gearbox and xDrive with M Sport differential. Our M850i can also reach the “German typical” limited top speed of 250 km/h with a soundtrack that is pretty unusual for the latest cars. And let that soundtrack just contribute to the great experience that this car gives you. Nothing shouty, but a deep and present growl welcomes you with every stroke of the gas pedal. Eliminate the roof (maximum driving at a speed of 50 km/h) and the mathematical formula of the Jaguar F-type P575 convertible can also be applied here.

But let’s not forget that the BMW M850i was mainly created as a GT car. This explains its large outer dimensions and rather vast weight. Measuring 4.85 meters in length, 1.90 meters in width and a whopping 2.153 kilograms, it can’t be called compact. Those proportions are only noticeable when you have the need to park and get out of the car! Ow, and when driving in the most ecological setting. We get it, the car needs one to meet the ecological requirements, but keep as far away from it when driving the car. It makes the car languid, boring and severely overweight. Put it in one of the other driving modes and your day lights up, the famine disappears and there is world peace! Maybe not the last two, but definitely the first one. The car feels sharper, faster and adds excitement to the experience.

The chassis does an excellent job and deserves no criticism even if the roof is cut off! The CLAR platform is a combination of steel, aluminum and even carbon to increase the stiffness. It can handle abuse in the form of a drift in sport mode -just like the M8- up to a comfy road trip in the South of France (it does that even better than that M8). The price for all of this beautiful V8-love is around 13 liters per 100 kilometers. It’s enough, but it’s a price we are willing to pay.

Clean interior

BMW calls its 8 Series Convertible a 2+2 seater. That's a fair description… in the sense that his backseat is far from being usable for sleeping or traveling. Especially when you drive with the top down and the rear seats are taken up by the wind deflector, which is very welcome to reduce turbulence in the front seats. We haven’t mentioned the integrated neck heating in the headrest neck heating, which breaks the chill and makes it possible to drive longer in the open air. Adding the heated sports seats (with lovely support) and driving a convertible with the roof down in the winter becomes a legit option.

You can’t say bad things about the dashboard, the 12.3-inch BMW Live Cockpit Pro screen -which is included as standard- works fast and is clear to read. The finish remains at a very high level, and the ergonomics feel great in all aspects. This also applies to the small, illuminated crystal gear lever, which is always operated in manual mode like in a racing car: pull to upshift, push to downshift. This way of operating instinctively follows the movements of the body – a real pleasure. The same goes for the new multifunctional heated M steering wheel, with a thick rim that fits comfortably in the hand and is dressed up with some small paddle shifters. The luggage space must be sufficient for the bags of a couple without children heading to the South of France only in need of some shorts and a bikini. No no, just joking. With the roof op, the boot can be called practical.

Sexy AF

The designers at BMW pulled it off! They made the M850i convertible look extremely sexy and stylish without being over the top. Something not all car brands are given. You could argue about that color, but admit it. You like it! The name is Frozen Tansanitblau and it’s the color you need to order on your 8 series. This “new” 8 is hardly distinguishable from the “old” one. On our model, we can enjoy the optional laser lights, the aerodynamic M8-inspired side mirrors (standard) and the special BMW badge for the 50th birthday of the M-division.

At the back, no double exhaust on each side (like the M8), but a rectangular ornamental specimen with a double exhaust on each side hidden away. Sneaky BMW, sneaky. But, all is well in and around the M850i and we wouldn’t change a thing about this masterpiece!

Premium money

A premium BMW comes for premium money! The cheapest 8 series convertible comes at a price of 118.000 euros (Belgium) for the 840i with 333 hp. Add 32.000 euros for the M850i xDrive and 7.000 euros for that color. Some carbon, some M seats, laser headlights, neck heating, … all of that adds up to more than 175.000 euros. We think this M850i is premium and will stay premium for that price!

Conclusion

We loved the BMW M850i xDrive. The car is an all-rounder and deserves to get the credit for that greatness. Only that astronomically high price gives eyesores, but for cars in this class, that’s a normal number. Think about the Porsche 992 Carrera 4 GTS convertible or the Mercedes-AMG SL 55 (we have tested the SL 63) and the price will be similar or even higher.

2023 BMW M850i convertible, do you even need a M8?