CAR WARS! WHO'd You Rather? The BMW M850i Convertible vs. The Mercedes-Benz S560 Convertible

We've been keeping an eye on the development of the all-new BMW 8-Series. While the coupe made its big-time debut this past summer, the convertible just appeared for the first time yesterday.

BMWphiles can rejoice.

BMW 8-Series Convertible

But, now that all has been revealed, one has to ask: Is this really the ultimate driving machine? Or, does that accolade really lie in another manufacturer's hands?

In the the flagship, big body coupe class there's one other competitor that most folks think of right off the top of their heads. That would be the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Having driven various models of the S-Class, I can safely say it is a brilliant machine. Sedan, Coupe and Maybach all are remarkable.

Simply put, BMW's got its work cut out for itself. Considering how excellent the 7-Series is, I don't doubt the Bavarians can deliver.

Having said that, can you get past its look first though? To figure that out, we've decided to put the 8-Series head-to-head with the S-Class when it comes to style, inside and out.

So, WHICH would YOU rather? The all-new M850i Convertible or the S560 Convertible?


BMW 8-Series Convertible

Runamukk - 11/2/2018 8:28:50 PM

+4 Boost

S...not even close.

Car4life1 - 11/2/2018 9:39:53 PM

+4 Boost

Completely agree, this wasn’t a car war, it was more like a murder scene, the S looks like it is in a completely different class.

I think BMW has recognized their signature kidney grille doesn’t quite translate as well to high end and I’m noticing the grille slowly becoming 1 with nothing but a thick chrome bar to create the illusion of the kidney

xjug1987a - 11/5/2018 10:55:06 AM

0 Boost

But then again you have nothing but good things to say about Mercedes. However, I agree with you, the S Coupe is amazing.

Car4life1 - 11/5/2018 2:07:51 PM

+1 Boost

Stalker much...I know your obsessed bud but I don’t go that way...

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 11/2/2018 9:05:24 PM

+1 Boost

F612 Scaglietti please and thank you. I have seasonal allergies. No need for a convertible. A V12 long bonnet Ferrari that completely flies under the radar is a subdued colour scheme.

MDarringer - 11/2/2018 9:48:34 PM

-1 Boost

Of those two? Not even remotely close: the Mercedes. For that amount of money, give me a TVR Sagamora.

qwertyfla1 - 11/2/2018 10:17:31 PM

+1 Boost

Neither. I have too much respect for my money, time and efforts to purchase such rapidly depreciating assets anymore and would rather park my money in appreciating assets like real estate, businesses and other cash flowing ventures.

When I was younger I used to want a garage full of Ferraris and other exotica. Now that I am elder, wiser (and crustier) I'd rather rent them when the urge persists and beat them like a red headed stepchild and return them the next day with a smile on my face and a fatter wallet due to servicing costs, capital outlay and depreciation...

MDarringer - 11/2/2018 10:53:53 PM

0 Boost

When I was young I wanted a garage full of TVRs and...oops...nevermind :)

TomM - 11/3/2018 5:21:34 AM

0 Boost

When I was younger - I had the definitive Super Sedan - the Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9 - At the time it had NO competition -it way off in the distance at best - The Mercedes simply outclassed the entire field. THat - compared to others available at the time - was the best engine I ever had. Still - I prefer the silky smoothness of a V-12

I find that - at Nearly 6"8" and being big as well - my Problem is finding a way to actually get into many of these cars - I will never be as comfortable as anyone 6" or less. So - knowing that - I Bought an S650 Maybach V-12 This year. IT may seem wrong to buy a car designed with 8 Extra inches of legroom for the rear seats - and likely would have a driver - BUT - I was able to use that space by having the Drivers seat moved back about 4 extra inches - a custom job my dealer had done for me - and I finally have My car.

These two convertibles are probably nice - but they will not have the fore/aft space I need and the rear seats will be a luggage shelf or be there for people who have no legs.

templar19d - 11/2/2018 11:19:40 PM

+3 Boost

Hell, I went to Audi with the V10 and then last month with an 8K repair bill on a car with 12K miles I bought a Shelby 350 due to love of high rev motors.... Paid MSRP not some silly Ford dealer mark up either.

MDarringer - 11/3/2018 7:25:32 AM

0 Boost

The GT350 can be had at list easily. If a dealer is marking up and someone is paying that price, they aren't looking around.

templar19d - 11/2/2018 11:22:14 PM

+1 Boost

The V8 E92 was the best reving motor I ever had....

cidflekken - 11/3/2018 6:11:32 AM

+4 Boost

I remain hopeful that the 8 Series gives a much different impression in person than it does in photo. If you hadn’t told me, I would think that the 8 was pric3d and competing in the arena with Mustangs and Cameros. Certainly not S Coupes.

PUGPROUD - 11/3/2018 10:43:36 AM

+1 Boost

There are some differences to consider. Mercedes S560 convertible has presence, great exterior and interior style, and reflects its higher price. BMW M850i convertible has more power, better handling ,4 wheel drive and is 15% less expensive. You never need to explain to anyone why you bought the Mercedes. You will enjoy the BMW driving dynamics more from behind the wheel on a B road. Take your pick based on which attributes you value more. There really is no bad choice between the two if you are looking for a big expensive GT.

JRobUSC - 11/3/2018 11:02:19 AM

+1 Boost

Exterior, both look nice, the BMW looks more sporty (almost Aston Martin-y), so I like the 8. Interior, the S looks much more upscale than the 8. It's like comparing a fighter jet cockpit to a yacht, one is all about function and the other is about opulence. At this price, with the dual sport/luxury mission, the interior should do both. BMW needs to galvanize the buttons and add some contrasting trim or something to jazz it up. Performance and fun would go to the 8, luxury cruising with four people go to the Benz. If it was my only car, I'd get the Benz, if I had a people hauler already I'd get the BMW.

valhallakey - 11/3/2018 11:03:29 AM

+5 Boost

This car is even more of a mistake than the original 8 series. It is not visually exciting or distinctive, no massive innovations, not a lot to get people excited to buy it. It will sell ok for maybe 2 years then will drop off the charts.

MDarringer - 11/3/2018 12:45:08 PM

+3 Boost

This should have been a 6 Series repositioned down market closer to 5 Series pricing. The 8 Series should have been a large, commodious, 4-place coupe with a prestigious stance. This looks like a Mustang worked over with an ugly stick.

dlin - 11/4/2018 10:36:46 PM

+2 Boost

It seems BMW is turning clueless.

bmw7er - 11/5/2018 1:26:35 AM

+1 Boost

I never understand how designers, engineers, and especially CEO's get products so wrong. Were there not test groups? Did anyone recognize how boring this car is? Another example is the Lincoln Continental. With all of the build-up, why didn't someone say "yawn...boring...start over?"

skytop - 11/5/2018 7:09:19 AM

+1 Boost

Both luxu boats but the Mercedes is by far the most sumptuous and bespoken.
MB is the proper choice by a far margin.