If the interior is a slice of last decade’s BMW archetype, so is the way the M850i drives. The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 is a force of nature, providing effortless boost with smooth wool as you cruise or propel yourself over the horizon. . It doesn’t have the star quality of Lexus’ V8 ‘nat asp’ party animal, but it has a few things going for it. The reliable 8-speed ZF is its impeccable self.
BMW is adamant that the 8 Series is a sports car. Truth is, the 2.1-tonne, 2.1-metre-wide convertible doesn’t really engage on the back road. In that light, the M850i should be just right: satisfying but safe and, even in canopy form, unfair.
There’s no steering feedback, but the four-wheel-drive system’s torque distribution feels backward-biased all the time: it always tightens its powerline, though overdrive takes a deliberate effort. Four-wheel steering inspires a sense of agility, which belies the size and weight of the car, as well as making it more controllable when parking.
The M850i was less successful in the grand touring portion of its journey, but the main culprit was the choice of tires on our test car. The 20-inch wheels only accommodate a piece of tire sidewall, and to make matters worse, the Pirellis on this particular car were runflats. The result is a ride that’s sloppy and you’re constantly looking for potholes. Road noise is also very prevalent.
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