BMW’s re-introduced 8-series will be welcoming another member of the family in 2019. The young upstart will be a convertible, and a first look reveals a ragtop that is uncommonly sophisticated for a performance car.

As it should be for a contemporary 8 Series. The $122K flagship M850i xDrive is going up against the Mercedes S Series, and maybe gunning for the AMG version too, as it is priced in the no-man’s land between them. So you’ve got the Swarovski crystal gearshift—which no M car will ever sport—but you’ve also got 523 HP and 553 pound-feet of torque; top speed is an electrically-limited 155 MHP. The 8 Series coupe and ragtop seek to cover a lot of ground, and may represent BMW’s buckshot approach to the competition for this tier…most notably when the other models are included in the charge.

The 4.4L V8 is fitted with two twin-scroll turbo units, and connected to an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. The coupe’s 3.6 second time to 60 MPH is a bit slower for the heavier ragtop version, of course; the convertible can make it in 3.8. And the automatic top can be raised at up to 30 MPH.

At the end of next year, the 8 Series will be in full flower; a Gran Coupe will emerge, and the M8 will, too. Add the i8 coupe—and the spirited i8 roadster—and the family will be extended with a full roster of options and consumer appeal for BMW’s upper tier of the sports daily driver category.