BMW M8 Convertible Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Since the open-top vehicles are usually slower than their coupe siblings, most car enthusiasts prefer the latter for performance. Yet, the convertibles are somehow more attractive, and thus, there is a serious market for them, especially if they are fitted with high-power engines.

The M8 Competition Convertible received a facelifted version at the beginning of 2022, along with its hard-roof versions, the Coupe, and the Gran Coupe. Yes, it couldn't match them in terms of acceleration times or hard-cornering abilities, but it had more flavor with the top down while cruising on the streets.

Along with the facelifted version, it received minor exterior details. Apart from the color palette, which was enlarged, it kept the same appearance. The same bumper with black inserts and wide center grille in the lower apron dominated the front fascia, while the side scoops kept their hexagonal mesh pattern for the ducts that channeled the air to the front disc brakes. The light-alloy wheels, though, were changed with a standard 20" set and a few options for other designs with the same size. Its M8 predecessor featured a set of 19" as standard with an option for 20" alloys.

The cockpit went through some changes and received a 12.3" touch screen atop the center stack. It replaced the older, 10.25" unit from the 2018 model and also got some upgrades for the infotainment system in terms of performance. The M8 Convertible featured standard sport seats with multiple adjustments, while the carmaker offered an option for Carbon bucket seats for those who still wanted to try the car's muscles on a track.

Under the hood, there were no surprises. It still had the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that provided 600 PS (592 hp) for the M8 and 625 PS (616 hp) for the Competition version.

BMW reshuffled the nameplates in 2019 introduced the 8 Series as a successor to the 6 Series, and made it available with either a fixed or a removable roof, with two or four doors, and also with M versions.

After fans asked for the return of the beloved 6 Series, which went belly-up in 1989, the German automaker answered their requests and launched a second generation in 2003, followed by a third sequel in 2011. But then, BMW remembered that it also had a luxurious grand tourer vehicle named the 8 Series (E31) and brought back that badge in 2018 as a successor to the F13 6 Series. If that wasn’t mesmerizing enough, the automaker kept the 6 Series nameplate for the five-door GT version of the 8 Series, while the newer model came just as a four-door sedan, a two-door coupe, and a two-door convertible. And for all of them, it added an M-treatment, which made BMW’s customers forget about the new nameplate system.

The Convertible (F91) version of the M8 came at the same time as its coupe sibling and shared its underpinning with it. Moreover, it shared most of its body panels with its hard-roof sibling but had a few particular details. As expected, there were no modifications to the car’s front fascia. It still had the same narrow, swept-back headlights. The black grille could’ve been ordered with background illumination for an even more impressive appearance. On the sides, behind the wheel arches, the automaker added exhaust vents and the M8 badges, which confirmed to bystanders that this was not a regular 8 Series convertible. Just like its sibling, it featured a raked windshield, although with a stronger build since it also served as a safety arch for roll-over protection. Behind it, there was no other pillar to the back of the car. The fabric roof could’ve been lowered or risen in about 15 seconds, even if the vehicle wasn’t parked. Finally, underneath the rear bumper, BMW installed a massive diffuser, which also housed the four round exhaust pipes, grouped by two, on each side of the vehicle.

Inside, it was a luxurious vehicle with sporty accents featuring leather-wrapped high-bolstered bucket seats for the front occupants. In addition, as an option, BMW provided the M8 with different color combinations and trims. The three-spoke steering wheel with paddle-shifters behind was fitted as standard, and the driver fronted a 12.3” instrument cluster. In addition, a frameless 10.25” touchscreen sat atop the center stack for the iDrive infotainment unit. Moreover, a head-up display could show the driver all the info they need, projected directly onto the windshield. In the back, the M8 Convertible featured a bench seat for two but with limited legroom for the rear-seated occupants.

Underneath the hood of the M8 Convertible, BMW installed the same 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which produced 608 PS (600 HP) in the M8 version and 625 PS (617 HP) for the M8 Competition. Both versions were paired with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox that sent all the oomph in all corners. The driver could select different driving programs, including one that could send 100% of the torque to the rear wheels only.