BMW says the first series production example of its new 8 Series Convertible has rolled off the assembly line at the Dingolfing plant four months after production of the coupé kicked off at the same facility.

The coupé and convertible versions of the 8 Series are built alongside the 5 Series and 7 Series at the Bavarian factory. The Munich-based automaker says it invested an amount in the “low three-digit million-euro” range in production of the new model family.

The 8 Series Convertible was revealed at the start of November 2018, with BMW South Africa soon thereafter publishing local pricing.

While the Dingolfing will initially build the new topless model in two guises – the M850i xDrive and the 840d xDrive – only the petrol-powered variant will be offered in South Africa at launch in the first quarter of 2019.

The M850i xDrive is powered by a twin-turbo 4,4-litre V8 that sends 390 kW and 750 N.m to all four corners, which in this instance allows a claimed 0-100 km/h dash in 3,9 seconds (two-tenths up on the coupé’s time) and a top speed of 250 km/h.

The four-seater uses an electronically operated, multi-layered soft-top that BMW promises delivers “superb acoustic insulation”. A black roof will ship standard, although an Anthracite Silver effect will be offered as an option.

Original article from Car