M850i Convertible xDrive Is an 8 Series Wonder at 2018 L.A. Auto Show

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2019 BMW M850ii Convertible xDrive LA Auto Show

Newest entry to the 8 Series lineup mixes sporty & luxury in an all-wheel-drive drop top with 523 thunderous horsepower.

BMW’s M850i made an impressive debut at the 2018 L.A. Auto Show. It is impossible not to be impressed by the superior styling and performance offered in this 8 Series convertible. The 2019 M850i convertible is somewhere between a sports car and grand tourer.  Despite it’s sleek appearance, the car delivers some serious power, made to deliver a responsive and honed driving experience.

First off, we couldn’t ignore the impressive styling. The soft-top convertible adds some serious appeal to BMW’s lineup. The power top opens or closes in about 15 seconds and can be activated at speeds up to 30 mph.

BMW 2019 M850i Convertible xDrive an 8 Series Wonder at L.A. Auto Show

Right off the bat, you can tell the car means business. Large air intakes are a nice athletic touch.

The rear end features slick L-shaped tail lights, twin exhaust tail pipes, and an appearance that highlights the M850i’s width and low center of gravity.

BMW 2019 M850i Convertible xDrive an 8 Series Wonder at L.A. Auto Show

Powered by a 4.4-liter twin turbocharged V8, this AWD convertible can stand head-to-head with the coupe. That produces 523 horsepower, 553 lb.-ft of torque, top speeds of 155 mph, and reaches 0-60 in 3.8 seconds. This is paired to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, includes smart car tech and automatic stop-start, speed-adjusted steering, electronically controlled dampers, and launch control. This superior performance will handle exceptionally on the road.

The interior is lush, with Merino leather seating with climate control. It seats four, and appears pretty roomy for a convertible. It also considers utility, and has a lot of storage in the trunk for all the toys you might want to haul.

BMW 2019 M850i Convertible xDrive an 8 Series Wonder at L.A. Auto Show

This impressive entry for BMW will be available in March, 2019.

Photos for 5 Series by Derin Richardson

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Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.


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