BMW M850i Convertible

The M850i Convertible sits in a curious position against the closest comparison available in the catalogue: another V8, AWD, twin-turbocharged car. Of the 600 cars, only 74 combine a V8 with AWD, and 86 use a twin-turbocharged V8, placing this BMW in a narrow technical group before the rest of the collection even enters the conversation. Its place is not defined by chasing the extremes of the catalogue, but by combining several desirable traits in one format.

With 523 bhp and 750 Nm from its 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, the M850i Convertible lands in the upper half of the collection for performance, ranking 303rd for power and 292nd for 0 to 100 km/h acceleration. Its 3.9 second sprint to 100 km/h is faster than 308 cars in the catalogue, showing that this grand tourer sits comfortably among cars built around serious pace. The 250 km/h top speed ranks lower, at 414th, creating a more nuanced picture. This is a car shaped around the balance of open-air touring and strong acceleration rather than a single headline figure.

The two-door convertible body style gives the M850i a distinct place in a garage built from 600 choices. It carries the structure of a GT, pairing long-distance intent with the confidence of all-wheel drive. The result is a specification that is less about one isolated number and more about how several numbers work together.

At £52,000 used, the M850i Convertible ranks 447th for price, meaning it is more expensive than 153 cars in the catalogue. Its cost per bhp is £99, which helps frame the relationship between its performance and ownership position. It represents a significant commitment, but its specification places that commitment into context.

BMW’s presence in the catalogue includes 48 cars, while Germany contributes 197 of the 600 entries. The M850i Convertible brings together that national identity with a V8, AWD, twin-turbocharged configuration shared by a relatively small section of the collection.

This is a car suited to the collector who wants a refined open-top GT with serious mechanical depth, rather than the loudest statement in the room. In a dream garage, the M850i Convertible adds a particular kind of completeness: a car that occupies the space between everyday usability and high-performance touring, with the rare combination of convertible freedom, V8 character and all-weather capability.