BMW 6 Series Convertible

THE BMW GROUP is one of the most successful manufacturers of cars and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands.

As a global company, BMW operates 24 production facilities in 13 countries and has a sales network in more than 140 countries. It comes as no surprise then that the German car maker has a rich heritage when it comes to producing dynamic and engaging cars that are also capable of a grand tour – with the roof up or down.

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible is instantly recognisable thanks to its long sweeping bonnet and the unique fins of the soft-top. Complementing the fins is the ‘shark nose’, with a large, forward-slanted BMW kidney grille, broad air intakes, wide, contoured bonnet and muscular wheel arches. BMW claims its designers took their inspiration for the harmoniously curved surfaces of the body from the movement of waves sent
out by the bow of a powerful motor boat. This look creates a low, wide, wedged V shape, which accentuates the car’s power and exemplary road holding.

Inside, the 6 Series is both driver-focused yet comforting and enveloping for passengers. Typically, 2+2 convertibles are compromised in the back, but passengers in the rear seats of the 6 have decent legroom. And fellow travellers will be able to access the rear easily – a brief tap of a switch automatically moves the seats as far forward as possible.

Another area often compromised on soft tops is boot space, but even with the roof down, the 300 litres available in the BMW allows enough room for two golf bags. With the roof closed, boot capacity reaches an impressive 350 litres. The automatic opening and closing operation for the roof is activated as standard using a button on the centre console. Opening the roof takes 19 seconds, with closing taking 24 seconds.Both operations can be activated while on the move at speeds of up to 25mph.

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible is available with two petrol engines: the 650i and 640i. Both offer unique character from their respective V8 and inline six-cylinder engines through the use of twin and single turbocharger technology. The 4.4-litre eight-cylinder engine in the 650i allows the car to sprint from zero to 62mph in 5.0 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. For a model of such
blistering performance and refinement, it is also extraordinarily efficient, with an average fuel consumption of 26.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 249g/km. Meanwhile, the six-cylinder in-line engine in the 640i enables the 3.0-litre unit to propel the car from zero to 62mph in 5.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 155 mph. Perhaps even more remarkable are its efficiency figures. The BMW 640i Convertible achieves 35.8mpg on the combined cycle, while CO2 emissions are only 185g/km.

Of course, large, luxurious and sporting convertibles need to be able to cosset passengers and also offer a thrilling driving experience. As a result, the newly developed chassis of the new BMW 6 Series Convertible comes as standard with Drive Dynamic Control, which allows you to choose how responsive you want the gearbox, steering and throttle to be. The standard eight-speed Sport automatic gearbox on both
models, and its wide range of ratios offers the perfect balance of strong, sprinting performance, refined high speed cruising and low speed efficiency. This is a car that should not be dismissed if a sophisticated
four-seater soft-top is what you are in the market for.

PROS ‘N’ CONS

• Handling √
• Performance √
• Looks √
• Expensive X

FAST FACTS

• Max speed: 155mph
• 0-62 mph: 5.0secs (650i) 5.7secs (640i)
• Combined mpg: 26.4 (650i) 35.8 (640i)
• Max. power (hp): 407 (650i) 320 (640i)
• Max. torque (Nm): 600 (650i) 450 (640i)
• CO2: 249g/km (650i) 185 (640i)       
• Price: £65,680 – £73,430 OTR