BMW 6 Series Convertible revealed

BMW has officially revealed a soft-top version of the sporty new two-door, the 6 Series Convertible, following the release of its new 6 Series Coupe.

Bringing a more conservative look to the range, the new Convertible continues traditional 6 Series design cues -- sweeping bonnet, flat waistline and set-back passenger compartment -- while contouring external surfaces with a view to softening the more controversial lines found on the previous model's Bangle design.

At 4894mm in length, the new BMW 6 Series Convertible is 74mm longer than its predecessor. Its similarly extended wheelbase now stretches to 2855mm. The car has also grown by 39mm in width, and now measures 1894mm across, while 9mm have been shaved off its height (now 1365mm). The 6 Series convertible models tip the scales at 2015 and 1915kg for the 650i and 640i respectively.

Advances in the use of materials and in the development of the car's load-bearing structure have seen its static torsional rigidity improve 50 per cent over that of its predecessor.

From the front, enlarged kidney grilles are angled forward slightly to promote a sense of motion, the "shark nose" also featuring a broader air intake, contoured wheel arches and chrome elements on the outboard edges of the front air dam. Optional foglamps bring LED daytime to the chrome trim pieces, further accentuating the car's width. The headlamps also include LED accents when the optional Active Headlights are specified.

Boasting a genuine 2+2 seating configuration, the new 6 Series Convertible combines a classic (powered) soft-top with customary "fin" design. The multi-layer roof has been optimised for acoustic performance and structural rigidity. Opening the roof takes 19 seconds, and closing 24 seconds. Both operations can be initiated while on the move at speeds of up to 40 km/h.

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible boasts 300-litres of boot space with the roof open and 350-litres when closed.

Inside, the cockpit is driver-orientated in typical BMW fashion, with the driver experiencing a new black-panel instrument cluster. The state-of-the-art display technology combines traditional twin-circular gauges with full-function high-resolution 9.2-inch info display screen.

Numerous BMW ConnectedDrive features offer owners a selection of optional driver assistance systems that include a rearview camera, Head-Up Display, Surround View, BMW Night Vision (with pedestrian recognition) and BMW Parking Assistant.

Additionally, a newly designed Control Display and revised iDrive functionality are also included, controlling navigation system, telephone and entertainment functions. The standard 7.0-inch screen can be upgraded to 10.2 inches by ordering the optional Professional navigation system. The larger screen features a high-quality galvanised chrome surround.

From launch, the new BMW 6 Series Convertible will be available with two engine variants. The BMW 650i Convertible will feature a 4.4-litre V8 producing 300kW/600Nm while the 640i Convertible's 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder develops 235kW/450Nm. Both engines are mated exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic (+/-) override function.

Performance figures see the pair accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.0 and 5.7 seconds respectively with each having their top speed electronically limited to 250km/h.

As with almost every BMW in the current range, the 6 Series Convertible also includes a number of EfficientDynamics environmentally considerate technologies which include Brake Energy Regeneration (640i only), Auto Stop-Start functionality, Electronic Power Steering and low rolling resistance tyres. Fuel economy averages for 650i and 640i are 10.7 and 7.9L/100km respectively. CO2 emissions tally 249 and 185g/km.

Both 6 Series Convertible models are offered standard with Drive Dynamic Control, which allows drivers to choose their own suspension settings, while the Adaptive Drive system is available as an option with electrically controlled dampers and roll stabilisation.

Due for launch in Europe in Q2 next year, Australian launch will follow shortly thereafter. Engine variants, local pricing and specification for Australia will be announced closer to the local launch.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site