Meet the soft-top with six appeal. Lower, wider and sitting on a wheelbase that’s 74mm longer, BMW's 2+2 6-Series Convertible has broken cover at the Detroit show! Revealed by six-time American Olympic swimming medalist Natalie Coughlin, the newcomer offers more headroom and rear legroom for occupants, as well as lightweight new seats.
From its thrusting nose to the arrow-straight waistline, the drop-top stays true to the coupé concept displayed at last October’s Paris Motor Show. That version won’t be unveiled until next September, with BMW opting to launch the soft-top 6-Series first to catch the European spring.
Unlike rivals, the hood is fabric, rather than folding metal, in order to save weight and space. The new car’s boot offers a 300-litre capacity, extending to 350 litres when the top is in place. BMW claims the distinctive ‘fin’ roof design provides a seamless coupé appearance, and takes only 19 seconds to retract.
The new 6-Series is based on the running gear of the latest 5-Series, and its suspension relies extensively on lightweight aluminium. That means it will offer strong handling – and this is matched by engines notable for their efficiency as much as their performance. Two models have so far been confirmed, both featuring an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddleshifters.
The 640i features a 3.0-litre straight-six unit that develops 316bhp – enough for 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds and a top speed restricted to 155mph. Combined fuel economy of 35.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 185g/km look impressive. Automatic stop-start is standard on the 640i, aspart of an EfficientDynamics package that also includes electric power-steering and brake energy regeneration.
Topping the range is the 650i, which features a meaty 401bhp 4.4-litre V8. That gives 0-62mph in five seconds flat, as well as 26.4mpg fuel economy and a CO2 output of 249g/km.
Also expected is an M6 (due in spring 2012), powered by the next M5’s twin-turbo V8. The 640d diesel arrives next summer, and with its 40.9mpg economy, it’s expected to be the best seller.
Standard kit includes Drive Dynamic Control suspension settings and a new free-standing display, similar to a flatscreen monitor. There’s also a form of electronically controlled four-wheel steering, called Integral Active Steering, to boost agility. When the 6-Series Convertible arrives here in the spring, prices will start from around £61,000.
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