If the interior is a slice of archetypal BMW of the past decade or so, then the same is true for much of the way the M850i drives. The 4.4-litre, twin turbo V8 is a force of nature, providing effortless thrust accompanied by a gentle woofle when you’re just cruising, or lobbing you at the horizon while sounding like thunder when you set everything to Sport Plus and plant your foot. It doesn’t quite have the star quality of Lexus’ ‘nat asp’ V8 party animal, but then few things do. The trusty ZF 8-speed is its usual impeccable self.

BMW is adamant the 8 Series is a sports car. The reality is that a 2.1-tonne, 2.1-metre wide convertible is never going to be truly engrossing on a B-road. In that light, the M850i is exactly what it needs to be: satisfying but secure, and all but free from scuttle shake, even in drop-top form.

The steering lacks feedback, but the four-wheel drive system’s torque distribution feels rear-biased at all times: it will always tighten its line on the power, though oversteer requires deliberate effort. The four-wheel steering conjures a sense of agility that belies the car’s size and weight, while also making it a lot wieldier while parking. 

The M850i is less successful at the grand touring part of its mission, but the main culprit is likely the choice of tyres on our test car. 20in wheels leave room for just a sliver of tyre sidewall, and to make matters worse, the Pirellis on this particular car were runflats. The result is a ride that’s brittle and makes you constantly scan for potholes. Road roar is pretty pervasive, too.