BMW has revealed the first official images of its new 8 Series Convertible, showing a camouflaged version of upcoming drop-top undergoing “intensive” testing between Las Vegas and Death Valley in the United States.
The Munich-based brand says its new model will combine “stylish elegance, exclusiveness and individuality” with “cutting edge equipment features in the areas of driver assistance, operation and networking”. It adds that the convertible’s character will be “enhanced by high-quality drive and suspension technology” from the coupé.
The automaker says the results of its latest batch of hot climate testing in the US provide insights into the functional safety of mechanical and electronic components under extreme weather conditions. In addition, BMW says the trip put the “dust-proofness” of the multi-layer soft-top and the roof mechanism to the test.
The new 8 Series Convertible has also undergone winter testing in Sweden, as well as “intensive” test drives on BMW’s proving ground in Miramas in France and on the Nürburgring in Germany.
The Bavarian automaker has already started production of its new 8 Series at Plant Dingolfing, after unveiling the flagship coupé in mid-June. A high-performance M8 as well as an 8 Series Gran Coupé are expected to follow.
BMW’s head of design also recently dropped a not-so-subtle hint that the brand is considering creating a new 9 Series flagship to slot in above the 8 Series and take the fight to Mercedes-Maybach.
