BMW 8 SERIES CONVERTIBLE

Munich has updated the styling and interior of its big. V8-powered, soft-top cruiser

- ILLYA VERPRAET

TESTED 20.3.23, KENT ON SALE NOW

When BMW replaced the 6 Series with the 8 Series in 2018, it aimed to raise the profile of its coupé, cabriolet and four-door coupé trio. But while it proved a strong sporting coupé, it has always felt more like a 5 Series derivative than its name suggests. Just over four years on, the 8 Series has had an update that doesn't look like it will markedly change that.

The interior was always the issue, being impeccable in its quality but too plain and businesslike next to that of the Lexus LC or Porsche 911. That's just as true today, although you might prefer it to the tech-fest that is the new Mercedes-AMG SL.

The lack of major change inside is also a blessing in disguise. The screen is up from 10.25in to 12.3in but, unlike in the updated 3 Series, keeps the old iDrive software, so it's still a paragon of user-friendliness, with logical menus and plenty of shortcut buttons. It still looks modern, too, and physical climate controls are present and correct.