BMW M8 xDrive Convertible (F91)
600 hp | 750 NM | 2,010 kg
228 km/h | 1.3 g (transverse) | -1.3 g (longitudinal)
2:09,6
SHORT CHARACTERISTICS
The BMW M8 Convertible represents the spearhead of BMW's M series. Its powerful V8 engine catapults the powerful convertible swiftly forward, but thanks to its adaptive chassis it is just as inviting for leisurely cruising at the weekend when the whole family has taken a seat.
TEST CONDITIONS
- Weather: 21 °C, sunny
- Car occupancy Persons: 2
Test values
- Lap time Pannonia Ring: 2:09.6
- Top speed: 228 km/h
DEVIATIONS FROM THE SERIES
none
Technology
- Engine / cylinder / displacement: gasoline / V8 / 4,395 cc
- Rated power: 600 hp at 6,000 rpm
- Max. Torque: 750 Nm
- Engine type: Bi-turbo
- Drive / Transmission: All-wheel drive xDrive / 8-speed automatic transmission
- Unladen weight: 2,010 kg
- Power-to-weight ratio: 3.36 kg/hp
- Tires: MICHELIN PILOT Sport 4 | VA 275/35 ZR 20 | HA 285/35 ZR 20
MILEAGE (FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS)
- Top speed: 250 km/h
- 0-100 km/h: 3.3 sec
LIST PRICE
from EUR 221.300,00,--
Markos Statement
When looking at the key data, two things immediately catch the eye: Power and torque are extremely high at 600 hp and 750 Nm, but so is the weight of over 2 tons. In terms of traction, the all-wheel drive of the M8 is certainly an advantage compared to powerful rear-wheel drive cars like the Corvette, which weighs almost 500 kg less. So I was curious to see where today's test candidate would rank in our HOTLAP list. The Mercedes AMG E 63 S, which I had the pleasure of testing at the Pannonia Ring and which also had to pay tribute to the weight, is the most comparable in terms of performance and drive. However, one should not forget that neither the AMG E 63 nor the BMW M8 were primarily designed for the racetrack, but are primarily driven by their owners in everyday life and have to meet the corresponding comfort requirements.
The 4.4-liter V8 is clearly noticeable at startup and provides a powerful sound, although not quite as powerful as the AMG 8-cylinder engines. As usual with BMW, there is nothing to complain about in terms of ergonomics and handling, and the braking system is also quite impressive and shows no weaknesses. The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission is currently one of the best on the market, as it proves in the BMW. Unfortunately, the comfort design is noticeable in two respects on the race track: When turning into corners, a knowledgeable and sensitive hand is required, as the M8 Convertible immediately acknowledges any slightly harder steering movement with extreme understeer, whereby this oversensitivity in the specific case was possibly due to the tires, which are no longer brand new. Almost worse on the circuit of the Pannonia Ring, however, is the immediately oriented, soft tuning of springs and dampers: the resulting rolling around the longitudinal axis subsequently leads to a slipping of the vehicle in the limit range. In combination with the lower stiffness of the convertible due to its design, compared to its soldered siblings, there is unfortunately no real "racetrack feeling" here. CONCLUSION: The M8 Cabrio impresses with a great sound, a superior V8 engine and pampers its owners with every conceivable comfort. Equally impressive is the thrust of the powerful engine. You can have a lot of fun with the M8 Cabrio and with a lap time of 2:09.6 it leaves some sports cars behind. Nevertheless, the trip to the racetrack will be more fun than the drive on it, because the M8 Cabrio is more of a speedy Gran Tourismo than a track tool.