Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 6 Series Convertible review

The BMW 6 Series Convertible is the ultimate cruiser, boasting incredible power, a high level of comfort and wind-in-the-hair freedom

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
  • Powerful engines, smooth ride, luxurious build quality
  • Excessive size, very expensive, soft roof
Find your BMW 6 Series
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

The BMW 6 Series Convertible was made to cruise on the French motorway. It's powered by a choice of three large turbocharged engines, and instant acceleration is readily available. However, with the 3.0 turbocharged diesel engine, the 6 Series can also deliver relatively good fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures. Fans of the 6 Series may be disappointed by the more conservative design than previous models, but other than that it is difficult to find any real faults, thanks to its excellent engineering and impeccable build quality.

Engines, performance and drive

The moment you hit the start button and hear the growl of the 650i V8, there's no doubting the potential performance of the 6 Series Convertible. It has an output of 407bhp with 600Nm of pulling power and can sprint from 0-62mph in five seconds, on to an electronically limited to a top speed of 155mph. As for handling, the sheer bulk of the 1,860kg Convertible cancels out any sporty aspirations, but thanks to standard Dynamic Control, users can adjust the steering, throttle and gear settings of the car to suit driving style. An all-new chassis has improved the rigidity of the Convertible and effective suspension makes the car stick to bumpy road surfaces, although it is best suited to cruising at motorway speed.

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

While the 650i displays the most eye-catching performance figures, the other variants aren't exactly slow. The efficient 640d SE records a 0-60mph sprint of 5.5 seconds, while boasting fuel consumption figures over the 50mpg mark and CO2 emissions of 128g/km. However, this type of performance comes at a price: the 6 Series costs nearly twice as much as a BMW 3 Series Convertible. Compared to the Mercedes SL though, the 6 Series appears more reasonable. It also comes with an impressive level standard of equipment helping buyers swallow the pill.

Interior, design and technology

The restrained lines of the BMW 6 Series Convertible are supposed to impart a feeling of speed, which is why it does not feature any of the more visible design quirks of previous generations. The trademark BMW kidney grilles are lower and wider, while the vertical grille slats break backwards two thirds of the way up in the grille opening. The fabric top has been shaped by the buttress supports on either side of the roof to follow the shape of the car, enabling it to replicate the silhouette of the 6 Series Coupe. LED lights give further character to the Convertible, with circular daytime running lights up front, and neat bars in the rear light clusters.

Practicality, comfort and boot space

The BMW 6 Series Convertible has a soft fabric top, and it's efficient at cutting out driving noise thanks to clever fabric layering. The 6 Series offers one large advantage over the rival Mercedes SL, which is two seats in the rear. It is longer and larger than previous model to improve back seat legroom, although it remains on the small side.

Reliability and Safety

When it comes to reliability and safety, BMW has a strong reputation. Although the 6 Series Convertible has not been tested by Euro NCAP, it features an impressive range of security features. As standard it comes with an active bonnet safety system for pedestrian protection. If the car collides with a pedestrian between 12mph and 34mph, the bonnet pops up to absorbing more of the impact, thus reducing the risk of serious injury to the pedestrian. Front and side airbags are also present throughout the range, and a roll over protection system deploys itself in case the car overturns.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success
Opinion - cheap EV

A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success

Mike Rutherford thinks there would be demand for an electric car with a modest 100-mile range if it only cost £10k
Opinion
17 Nov 2024
New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer
New Jaguar logo 1

New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer

Jaguar has revealed its new logos and styling details ahead of its transition into a luxury EV brand
News
19 Nov 2024