The BMW M850i xDrive Cabriolet needs no introduction—a it's plush cruiser with a sweet V8 engine and masculine GT proportions. The blue roundel family has enjoyed success with the 8 Series platform, and the branch has also produced a coupe and a four-door sedan. However, we have always preferred the convertible due to its upscale appearance and the overwhelming sense of occasion it gave us each time we got behind the wheel. Our test car, which was painted a subdued but distinctive shade of Petrol Mica, attracted attention wherever it went and wouldn't have looked out of place parked next to competitors with prices double its own, like the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet or even a Bentley Continental GT.
Since our last test drive in 2019, the M850i hasn't undergone many changes. A larger 12.3-inch central touchscreen (up from 10.25-inches) gives the interior a little more depth and dimension. The screen maintains a clean integration with the dash rather than protruding out like a sore thumb, looks fantastic, and is high definition. BMW has consistently nailed this aesthetic in addition to keeping the shortcut buttons that can be programmed to any function. It appears, however, that they are phased out as they are not present in the new i4 and iX models. We continue to prefer using the tried-and-true rotary dial to communicate with the system.
The interior's rest is excellent. It doesn't have the panache or glitz of a Mercedes S-Class, but it still has the appearance of a high-end German convertible. The steering wheel and switchgear are covered in premium materials, and nearly every surface that can be touched is covered in soft leather. Although the instrument cluster is still entirely digital and the nonlinear readouts and gauges still annoy us, the seats are supportive and ergonomically perfect.
At speeds of up to 50 km/h, the soft-top roof can be raised or lowered in just 15 seconds. Although it's not as quiet as the coupe, you can still have whisper-quiet conversations at highway speeds thanks to the excellent fabric layer's ability to insulate the interior from unwanted exterior noises. Furthermore, the M850i eagerly extends your convertible season into late autumn thanks to all-wheel drive, three-stage neck warmers, and manually attached air deflectors.
The M850i's ride is less smooth than that of a Mercedes E 450 Convertible, and it doesn't dampen minor suspension movements as well. We noticed some rattles and chassis trembles when negotiating bumps and crossing railroad tracks, but as you accelerate, the ride becomes more fluid. Although there is a noticeable decrease in rigidity from the M850i Coupe, we wouldn't say it is disastrous. It cannot possibly perform similarly to the McLaren 720S and its carbon fiber tub. However, the M850i has two rear seats and a sizable boot, adding to its substantial layer of daily usability and comfort.
The M850i may lean toward being a comfortable cruiser, but when you put it in Sport mode and give it a push, it doesn't hesitate to display its athletic side.
With 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, the 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 awakens and propels you from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds. You can make incredible progress without ever exceeding 5000 rpm thanks to the engine's massive amount of low and mid-range muscle, which is like a triple shot espresso. Drivers won't need to worry about anything when it comes to acceleration, especially with the slick and comfortable 8-speed ZF automatic managing the gears. On throttle overrun and during shifts at high RPM, the exhaust burbles with barks and howls.
When the road starts to wind, the M850i Cabriolet rides with an undercurrent of firmness, but this firmness positively translates into a dynamic and engaging drive. The body genuinely feels like it was tuned for long sweeping canyon roads rather than straight bouts on the Autobahn. It remains taut and tightly strung when thrown around corners, is calm but loses little confidence during recreational blasts.
The steering, the first step in driver involvement, comes next. We just can't get into the groove with the M850i's because it's the most important point of contact between the car and the driver. The new 4-wheel steering system, which is typically found on large sedans or SUVs, is the key factor here. Even though it effectively shortens the wheelbase and improves maneuverability at low speeds, it feels strange in this sports convertible and takes away from our sense of connection to the vehicle. The steering doesn't feel like an extension of the arm because of how quickly it rotates; instead, it resembles using a Playstation controller. You cannot choose a unit without it installed because it is a standard feature, and you also cannot turn it off. It's a shame because, despite not having particularly detailed roads either, the previous M850i was incredibly satisfying to turn in because of the resistance, weighting, and connection to the front wheels and pavement.
The BMW M850i Cabriolet has held up well over time and has become one of our favorite vehicles for leisurely cruising in the evening. Driving is no longer stressful, and the emotional void is filled by a V8 war drum and commanding road presence. The excessively reactive four-wheel steering is a minor drawback, but the M850i excels in every other area that we have no qualms about recommending one.
Specifications:
- Model: 2023 BMW M850i xDrive Cabriolet
- Paint Type: Petrol Mica
- Base Price: $128,900
- Price as Tested: $146,650
- Length/Width/Height (mm): 4,856 / 1,902 / 1,345
- Curb weight (kg): 2,148
- Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8
- Horsepower: 523 hp @ 5,500 - 6,000 rpm
- Torque: 553 lb-ft @ 1,800 - 4,600 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, AWD
- Observed Fuel Consumption (L/100km): 16.2
- Tires: 245/35R20 front; 275/30R20 rear
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