The 6 Series convertible, arriving in Australia this month (to coincide with the northern summer), will eventually be available in two spec levels locally: a potent TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder 640i and powerful TwinPower Turbo V8 650i (as tested). A more efficient turbodiesel variant, the 640d, is available in Europe, but with demand here negligible, BMW Australia will not offer this variant.
Dubbed the "Jewel in the Crown" of BMW's convertible range, the new 6 Series introduces a more subtle look which the German marque says will broaden its appeal when viewed against the outgoing model's controversial "Bangle Butt" design released in 2004.
A genuine 2+2 seat configuration and folding canvas roof lead the model's amenity list with sumptuous leather-clad upholstery, new wrap-around dashboard and feature-packed equipment list complementing the car's more refined demeanour.
640i models will offer 235kW/450Nm, or enough to propel the car to triple figures in 5.7 seconds. Fuel economy and CO2 emissions are 7.9L/100km and 185g/km respectively.
For those wanting a little more brawn, the BMW 650i Convertible ups the ante to 300kW/600Nm shaving 0.7 seconds from the 0-100km/h. Consumption rises to 10.7L/100km and carbon dioxide output to 249g/km.
BMW includes its entire EfficientDynamics portfolio on the new 6 Series, an efficient eight-speed automatic transmission, idle Start/Stop (640i only), brake energy recovery, electric power steering, need-based ancillaries and air vent control (640i only) among the highlights. Low rolling resistance tyres were ditched from Australia models, offered only in combination with 17-inch alloy wheels.
To further improve efficiency, aluminium is used in the construction of the bonnet and doors, as well as some suspension and engine components. A plastic boot lid (with integrated antenna) and front fender panels are also fitted, BMW saying the material was the only one available to offer the contouring required.
The BMW 650i Convertible is available for order now with the first models landing in showrooms from May.
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