Heading for international dealership floors in March next year, the Cabriolet rates as the second model after the coupe to revive the 8-series moniker, with the sole difference being the soft-top roof than be opened and closed in 15 seconds at speeds up to 50km/h.

Designed to be light as possible, despite BMW not revealing the weight gain over the coupe, the roof does however incorporate acoustic insulation to keep road and wind noise down, while unique to the cabriolet is a standard wind deflector, optional neck warmers installed in the headrests and on the safety-front, a new rollover protection system that deploys two high-strength aluminium bars on impact.

Sharing the same dimensions as the coupe, as well as the interior and options such as the M Carbon Exterior Package, 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, colour Heads-Up Display and crystal finish for the iDrive Controller and gear lever, the Cabriolet also comes with the same drivetrain options, namely the 320kW/680Nm 3.0-litre turbodiesel straight-six in the 840d and the 390kW/750Nm 4.4-litre bi-turbo V8 in the M850i.

Like with the coupe, drive is routed to all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system, with the eight-speed Steptronic gearbox again being the sole option. While no performance figures were revealed, BMW has confirmed that the latter model will be equipped as standard with the M Sport pack and ride on 20-inch Frozen Cerium Grey Metallic alloy wheels, while the 840d will have these as an option and ride as standard on 18-inch alloys.

As on the coupe, the M850i will also come fitted with the Adaptive M suspension, Integral Active Steering, and four-mode M Drive selector (Eco, Comfort, Sport and Sport+) as standard, along with the same assortment of driver assistance systems.

BMW South Africa has since confirmed that the 8-series Cabriolet will become available during the first quarter of next year, and like the coupe, only in M850i guise.