Compare the2025 BMW 8 SeriesVS 2024 Maserati GranCabrio

To maximize occupant safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the BMW 8 Series have pretensioners to eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Maserati GranCabrio doesn’t offer pretensioners.

The 8 Series’ pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The GranCabrio doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The BMW 8 Series has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The GranCabrio doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The 8 Series has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The GranCabrio doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The 8 Series’ standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the GranCabrio.

Both the 8 Series and the GranCabrio have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

The 8 Series’ corrosion warranty is 8 years and unlimited miles longer than the GranCabrio’s (12/unlimited vs. 4/50,000).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 8 Series for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Maserati doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the GranCabrio.

There are over 3 times as many BMW dealers as there are Maserati dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the 8 Series’ warranty.

The GranCabrio’s redline is at 8000 RPM, which causes more engine wear, and a greater chance of a catastrophic engine failure. The 8 Series has a 6200 to 7000 RPM redline.

The M850i’s standard 4.4 turbo V8 produces 66 lbs.-ft. more torque (553 vs. 487) than the GranCabrio’s 3.0 turbo V6.

On the EPA test cycle the 8 Series Convertible gets better mileage than the GranCabrio:

Regenerative brakes improve the 8 Series’ fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The GranCabrio doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

For better stopping power the 8 Series’ front brake rotors are larger than those on the GranCabrio:

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the 8 Series can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The GranCabrio doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The 8 Series M850i has active sway bars, which help keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnect at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The GranCabrio doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The M850i offers an available active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Maserati doesn’t offer an active suspension on the GranCabrio.

For better maneuverability, the 8 Series’ turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the GranCabrio’s (38.1 feet vs. 40.7 feet). The 8 Series xDrive’s turning circle is 1.7 feet tighter than the GranCabrio’s (39 feet vs. 40.7 feet).

The BMW 8 Series may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 400 pounds less than the Maserati GranCabrio.

The 8 Series is 4.3 inches shorter than the GranCabrio, making the 8 Series easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The 8 Series Convertible has a much larger trunk with its top down than the GranCabrio with its top down (12.4 vs. 4.6 cubic feet). The 8 Series Convertible has a much larger trunk than the GranCabrio with its top up (12.4 vs. 6.1 cubic feet).

The 8 Series’ standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The GranCabrio doesn’t offer folding rear seats.

With its coupe body style, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the 8 Series offers cargo security. The GranCabrio’s non-lockable remote release defeats cargo security.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the 8 Series’ power trunk can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The GranCabrio doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening trunk.

The 8 Series’ standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The GranCabrio doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

If the windows are left open on the 8 Series the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the GranCabrio can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The 8 Series’ optional Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The GranCabrio doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The BMW 8 Series comes in coupe, convertible and sedan bodystyles; the Maserati GranCabrio isn’t available as a coupe or sedan.

The 8 Series is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The GranCabrio doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.