BMW 6 Series Convertible (2011 – 2018) Review

BMW 6 Series Convertible (2011 – 2018) At A Glance

4/5

+Incredibly smooth and refined. One of the best convertibles at minimising wind turbulance with the top down. Very well equipped as standard. Good ride quality.

-Other convertibles at this level have a folding hard-top roof.

Insurance Groups are between 48–50
On average it achieves 75% of the official MPG figure

BMW isn't short of quality convertibles. There's the great Z4 along with drop top variants of both the 2 Series and the 4 Series, but the ultimate BMW for open-top driving remains the 6 Series. This latest version continues the legacy of its predecessor without breaking the mould, but has some key improvements with more powerful yet efficient engines, improved room inside and increased refinement.

It also keeps the fabric roof of the outgoing model - a bit of a surprise given that the Z4 and 4 Series Convertible both now have metal folding roofs as does the BMW's big rival - the classy Mercedes-Benz SL. No doubt fitting a metal roof to a car the size of the 6 Series would mean it resembling something like the Ark Royal at the back.

It's not too much of an issue though as not only does it keep weight down (and means that boot space isn't diminished when you lower the top) which helps handling, but it also adds to the sharp styling. It's fair to say that this 6 Series has a far sleeker appearance than the car it replaces.

It's the same story inside where the 6 Series takes styling inspiration from the 5 Series but with the addition of some neat curves that flow from the dash to the centre stack. It's not a style you'd readily associate with BMW interiors but is a welcome change and adds to the more soulful feel. The switches and controls have all been updated plus there are new virtual instrument dials.

And these improvements continue throughout the car, with a far better ride helped by a newly developed chassis and a more forgiving suspension set-up. With the roof down, it's genuinely one of - if not the - most refined convertibles on the market with barely any wind turbulence in the cabin, even when you're on the motorway. And the 6 Series is equally happy being thrown into corners with nicely weighted steering, precise controls and great body control.

It's not particularly cheap, the six-cylinder 640i SE costs more than £65k new while the V8 twin-turbo 650i will set you back close to £75,000, but for that you get a well equipped and wonderfully refined grand tourer that's always a joy to drive.

BMW 6 Series Convertible (2011 – 2018) handling and engines

BMW launched the 6 Series with two high powered petrol engines but the 640d wasn't far behind, especially as it accounts for the big majority of sales. The two petrol models are the six-cylinder 640i and the V8 650i which is fitted with twin turbochargers. Despite the name the 640i is actually a 3.0-litre engine but it's fitted with a turbo and really offers more than enough performance for most with 320bhp and 450Nm of torque. The torque peaks at just 1300rpm up to 4500rpm so there's always plenty of grunt low down and you rarely have to push the engine unless you want all out acceleration.

As it's a straight-six engine it's incredibly smooth and quiet on the move plus it's relatively economical with a claimed average of 35.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 185g/km, although as with all these figures given by manufacturers, you'll rarely achieve them. On a long motorway cruise an average of around 29mpg is more realistic but enjoying that performance on a quiet road will see it drop fairly rapidly. On paper it will accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds and has plenty of urgency away from a standstill plus it manages to translate that power to the road cleanly without any scrabbling for grip (in the dry at least).

Like the 650i, the 640i comes with an eight-speed Sport automatic gearbox as standard. It does seem a little over the top but the wide range of ratios works especially well in the 640i and offers effortless acceleration helped by smooth shifts. It doesn't need too much provoking in order to kick down either, so overtaking is a breeze. It come with paddles on the steering wheel for changing gear yourself while the 640i also has an engine stop/start system as part of BMW's EfficientDynamics programme of fuel saving measures.

The stop/start is fitted to plenty of BMW models from the 1 Series up, but does seem fairly laboured in the 640i and not especially smooth at restarting once it has stopped. It can be switched off although this defeats the object of having it fitted. It's not on the 650i (yet...) which makes sense as this is the real performance version of the 6 Series, at least until the M6 arrives. The V8 sounds superb on start up and has a much more purposeful noise than the smoother 640i.

The 4.4-litre V8 engine is also considerably more powerful with 407bhp and 600Nm of torque although while a 0-62mph time of 5.0 seconds is faster on paper, it doesn't seem that much quicker in everyday driving. It also feels heavier and not quite as responsive as the 640i even though the torque does peak at 1750 to 4500rpm. Economy is another issue, it'll only average a claimed 26.4mpg while emissions are 249g/km although when you take into account the power it offers, it's not actually that bad - a Mercedes-Benz SL500 only returns a claimed 24.4mpg while a Jaguar XK Convertible does 25.2mpg.

The ride is impressively smooth and more forgiving than many BMW models in M Sport trim. Much of this is down to the Drive Dynamic Control system which comes as standard. This lets you choose how responsive you want the gearbox, steering and throttle to be. There are three settings, normal, sport and sport+. In both sport modes the gear changes are made more aggressive, while sport+ also alters the stability control, allowing more wheelspin before it intervenes.

This 6 Series gets a completely new chassis that has been designed to offer comfort as well as a thrilling driving experience. Never an easy mix. It does a pretty good job, although it doesn't feel as sharp or as agile as the smaller Z4. It is however incredibly refined and 50 per cent stiffer than the outgoing 6 Series, which makes a big difference with the roof down when you go over big potholes or rough roads as there's no flexing or twsiting. It's no sports car but then it's not really meant to be, instead the 6 is a very classy grand tourer.

This sense of sophisticated is most evident with the roof down. Thanks to the retractable rear glass screen along with the wind deflector (which despite the price of the 6 Series is disappointingly an optional extra), there is barely any wind turbulence when you're on the move, even at motorway speeds, making it - for our money - the most refined convertible around.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
640d 50–50 mpg 5.5 s 148–149 g/km
640d Automatic 49–50 mpg 5.5 s 148 g/km
640i 36–36 mpg 5.5 s 183–185 g/km
640i Automatic 36–37 mpg 5.5 s 185 g/km
650i 31 mpg 4.6 s 214 g/km
650i Automatic 31–31 mpg 4.6 s 214 g/km

Real MPG average for the BMW 6 Series Convertible (2011 – 2018)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

75%

Real MPG

20–44 mpg

MPGs submitted

69

BMW 6 Series Convertible (2011 – 2018) interior

Dimensions
Length 4894 mm
Width 1894–2090 mm
Height 1365 mm
Wheelbase 2855 mm

Full specifications

The interior of this 6 Series has a more driver focussed feel than its predecessor and a dash more style too with curves you don't usually associate with BMW interiors. It's not a massive departure in terms of the layout but there are some key changes and improvements. The central section of the instrument panel is angled slightly towards the driver plus it adopts the new interior styling first seen on the 5 Series GT.

This includes new air conditioning controls set in a high gloss panel that also incorporates the stereo along with a huge display screen. There are new instrument dials too with a virtual display for the speedo and rev counter numbers along with the multifunction computer below. It looks smart but with the roof down and in bright sunshine, they can be hard to see.

The iDrive system does take a little getting used to and isn't always that intuitive. What would seem like a simple change can take a few too many clicks, but usefully there are eight 'favourites' buttons that can be programmed for anything from stored sat nav destinations to radio stations or even phone numbers. The navigation system itself is one of the best around and looks great thanks to the wide screen. It also works out routes very quickly and even the arrival/travel time is pretty much spot on.

One very clever feature (which is ideal if you do work on the go) is that you can display emails via the iDrive system. If you have BlackBerry you can check your emails via Bluetooth and it will show them on the display or you can even have them read out thanks to a text-to-speech function. The 6 Series is also available with the excellent Head-Up Display (HUD) which was pioneered by BMW. It's not a cheap optional extra at £980 but once you've driven a car fitted with it, you'll wonder how you ever survived without it. It projects your speed (plus sat nav directions) onto the windscreen in front of the driver as if it's floating a few metres ahead. All very Top Gun.

It certainly feels spacious inside and even the rear seats are more useable although they're not much good for adults on longer journeys. But that extra width makes a difference for elbow room in the front which is helped by a new electric parking brake which replaces the traditional handbrake in the old model. Despite the lower height of this new model, there's actually more headroom for both those in the front and the back too.

The seats deserve special mention as they're some of the best around. Not only do they keep you in place if you're throwing the 6 Series into corners, but they offer great support for long distance comfort so even after seven or eight hours behind the wheel, you won't ache. They are heated and have plenty of adjustment while the electric optional lumbar support (a £300 option) is worth it if you're doing lots of long journeys.

Both the standard Dakota leather and optional Exclusive Nappa leather come with SunReflective Technology, where the material is integrated with special colour pigments that reflect the infrared rays of sunlight and stop it getting too hot if you leave the car parked with the roof down (and it's actually sunny of course). Perhaps a water repellent coating would be better for the UK...

One area that's often a problem with convertibles is the boot. The 6 Series uses a fabric roof rather than a metal folding roof (which is a little odd considering both the Z4 and 4 Series Convertible have hard roofs) but it does mean that the boot doesn't shrink when you drop the roof. There's 350 litres of space - the same as a Volkswagen Golf - which is enough room for two standard suitcases or two golf bags.

The roof is of course fully automatic and there are no catches or handles to release. Just a simple push of a button below the gearlever sees it drop down in 19 seconds while putting it back up takes 24 seconds. They aren't the quickest times around, but at least it can be operated up to 25mph so you won't get caught out if you decide to quickly put the roof down in traffic or at a set of traffic lights.

Standard equipment from launch (March 2011):

640i SE models get 18-inch Double-spoke alloy wheels with Run-flat tyres, Dakota leather upholstery with Sun Reflective Technology, an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, Drive Dynamic Control (Normal, Sport and Sport+), electric parking brake, cruise control, keyless start, electric seat adjustment, BMW Professional Multimedia Navigation system, xenon headlights, LED front fog lights, front and rear Park Distance Control, heated front seats, automatic air conditioning with two-zone control, Sport multi-function leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, electric steering column adjustment, auxiliary input, USB audio interface, iDrive Controller with shortcut buttons, Bluetooth and voice control.

650i SE models add 19-inch light V-spoke style alloys with Run-flat tyres, quadrilateral exhaust tailpipes and dark grey Poplar wood high-gloss interior trim.

BMW 6 Series Convertible (2011 – 2018) models and specs

Dimensions
Length 4894 mm
Width 1894–2090 mm
Height 1365 mm
Wheelbase 2855 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1895–2015 kg
Boot Space 300–350 L
Warranty 3 years / Unlimited miles
Servicing 18000 miles
Spare Wheel
Standard Run-flat tyres
Costs
List Price £66,760–£81,585
Insurance Groups 48–50
Road Tax Bands F–K
Official MPG 26.4–50.4 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall -

On sale until July 2019

Cabriolet
Version List Price MPG 0-62
640d 3.0 M Sport Auto 2dr £74,935 48.7 mpg 5.5 s
640d 3.0 SE Auto 2dr £71,320 50.4 mpg 5.5 s
640i 3.0 M Sport Auto 2dr £71,795 35.8 mpg 5.5 s
640i 3.0 SE Auto 2dr £68,495 36.7 mpg 5.5 s
650i 4.4 M Sport Auto 2dr £81,585 31.0 mpg 4.6 s
650i 4.4 SE Auto 2dr £75,115 30.7 mpg 4.6 s
650i 4.4 Sport Auto 2dr £79,285 31.0 mpg 4.6 s

On sale until August 2015

Convertible
Version List Price MPG 0-62
640d M Sport 313 2dr Auto £73,675 49.6 mpg 5.5 s
640d SE 313 2dr Auto £69,260 50.4 mpg 5.5 s
640i M Sport 320 2dr Auto £71,175 35.8 mpg 5.5 s
640i SE 320 2dr Auto £66,760 36.2 mpg 5.5 s
650i M Sport 450 2dr Auto £79,345 30.7 mpg 4.6 s

On sale until February 2014

Convertible
Version List Price MPG 0-62
650i SE 2dr Auto £75,085 30.7 mpg 4.6 s

Model History

November 2010

BMW 6 Series Convertible launched

The multi-layer soft top – which has been optimised in terms of its acoustic properties, thermal insulation and structural rigidity – has fins projecting out along the flanks of into the rear section, accentuating the car’s gracefully sweeping silhouette even more elegantly than on its predecessor. This means the transition from roofline into the boot is achieved as smoothly as on a coupé. It also means that the upright, heated, glass rear window positioned behind the rear seats can be lowered separately from the roof.

The automatic opening and closing operation for the roof is activated as standard using a button on the centre console. The Comfort Access option allows the roof to be opened or closed using the remote control button on the car key. 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 fin roof of the new BMW 6 Series Convertible is available in three colours, including a new Anthracite Silver effect, which adds a stylish lustre.

Dimensions: 4,894mm x 1,894mm x 1,369mm

Despite its lower height, the new 2+2 BMW 6 Series Convertible offers greater headroom in both the front and the rear, and height adjustment of the driver and front passenger seats now cover a greater range too.

The cabin of the new BMW 6 Series Convertible is both driver-focused yet comforting and enveloping for passengers. High-quality materials, carefully co-ordinated colours and meticulously formed surfaces combine to produce an ambience defined by luxury, sweeping dynamism and stylish functionality.

As always in BMWs, all functions including central section of the instrument panel, containing the iDrive system’s Control Display, the central air vents and the controls for the audio system and air conditioning, are all angled slightly towards the driver. The front passenger area is bordered by a surface curving elegantly from the armrest over the side edge of the centre console, upwards and outwards into the instrument panel and then horizontally into the door trim, surrounding the front passenger area with a feeling of exclusive security.

The contour of the rear waistline surface, which extends slightly into the interior between the head restraints, highlights the individual seat layout of the rear.

In tune with the rest of the car’s optimised performance and greater comfort, the new BMW 6 Series Convertible is fitted with newly developed lightweight seats with an integrated seatbelt system, and Easy Entry function to the rear passenger compartment: a brief tap of a switch automatically moves the seat as far forward as possible. Sports seats and, for the first time, Comfort seats can be fitted as an option too.

Both the standard Dakota leather and optional Exclusive Nappa leather come with BMW’s exclusive SunReflective Technology: a special treatment of the leather integrates colour pigments which reflect the infrared rays of sunlight, significantly reducing the build-up of heat on the surfaces when the car is parked with the top down.

Two BMW turbocharged petrol engines, a newly developed chassis and a host of class-leading driver assistance technology ensure the new BMW 6 Series Convertible isn’t all show and no go, while interior space and comfort has been enhanced.

Model Power
Hp
Torque Nm 0 – 62mph Seconds Top Speed Mph Combined
Mpg
CO 2 Emissions g/km
BMW 650i Convertible 407 600 5.0 155 26.4 249
BMW 640i Convertible 320 450 5.7 155 35.8 185

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible is available from launch 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 to produce even more responsiveness and flexibility, exceptional smoothness and efficiency and, of course, high power levels.

The 4.4-litre eight-cylinder engine in the new BMW 650i Convertible is unique in that the brace of turbochargers are positioned in the V-shaped area between the cylinder banks. This design results in more efficient packaging and greater engine efficiency. A maximum 407hp is developed between 5,500 and 6,400rpm, with peak torque of 600Nm available between 1,750 and 4,500rpm.

The new BMW 650i Convertible sprints from zero to 62mph in 5.0 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 155mph. For a model of such blistering performance and refinement, it is also extraordinarily efficient, with average combined fuel consumption of 26.4mpg andemissions of 249g/km.

The six-cylinder in-line engine in the new BMW 640i Convertible uses single turbocharger technology alongside petrol direct injection with VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control. This enables the 3.0-litre unit to develop a maximum 320hp at 5,800rpm and maximum torque of 450Nm between 1,300 and 4,500rpm. This engine propels the BMW 640i Convertible from zero to 62mph in 5.7 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Perhaps even more remarkable are its efficiency figures. The BMW 640i Convertible achieves 35.8mpg on the combined cycle, whileemissions are only 185g/km, proving that at BMW luxurious sporting performance does not come at the expense of economy. Indeed, this model is fitted as standard with an automatic transmission that features Auto Start-Stop technology and an automatic active air flap control behind the car’s kidney grille for optimum engine performance.

As with all BMWs, both derivatives of the new 6 Series Convertible come with a raft of BMW EfficientDynamics measures to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. In addition to the features highlighted on the 640i Convertible, both models have technology such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering (EPS), the need-based operation of ancillary components and intelligent lightweight construction to ensure maximum efficiency as standard. An eight-speed Sport automatic gearbox is standard fitment on both models, and its wide range of ratios offer a perfect balance of muscular, sprinting performance, refined high speed cruising and low speed efficiency.

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 drivers to choose how responsive they want the gearbox, steering and throttle to be, while the Adaptive Drive system is available as an option with electrically controlled dampers and anti-roll stabilisation.

Both the double wishbone front axle and the integral rear axle are made predominantly from aluminium. The chassis set-up is geared to the requirements of drivers looking for a sporting character, although the dampers also respond sensitively to bumps in the road surface under high lateral acceleration.

In addition to the standard electromechanical power steering, another unique feature in this segment is the optional Integral Active Steering system. This system combines Active Steering for the front axle with a steering rear axle, allowing the steering angle and power assistance to be controlled at both the front and the rear with the help of electric motors. This precisely harmonised system offers extraordinary agility in dynamic driving situations, while allowing for an impressively deft touch around twisty mountain passes and in city traffic.

In the interests of weight optimisation, the doors, bonnet and front axle spring mounts are all aluminium, while the front side panels, roof lid and boot are made from glass fibre composite. Torsional rigidity is now around 50 per cent greater than that of its predecessor.

Longer, lower and wider, the new car is larger in every dimension than its predecessor except height, where it now stands nearly a centimetre closer to the ground. At 4,894mm in length, the new model is 74mm longer than its predecessor, while the wheelbase has stretched similarly, to 2,855mm. The car has also grown by 39mm in width, and now measures 1,894mm across, while 9mm have been shaved off its height, to 1,365 mm.

Typically, 2+2 convertibles are compromised in the back, but the increase in dimensions means that passengers in the rear seats also benefit from additional legroom. Another area often compromised on soft tops is boot space, but even with the roof down, the 300 litres available in the new BMW 6 Series Convertible allows enough room for two golf bags. With the roof closed, boot capacity reaches an impressive 350 litres.

In the new 6 Series Convertible, BMW ConnectedDrive provides a range of systems and services which, even in the premium luxury segment, are unique. Features such as Surround-view, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Parking Assist, Lane Change Warning System, Lane Departure Warning System, and Speed Limit Display are all offered.

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible is also the only car in its segment to be available with a Head-up Display. The latest generation Head-up Display system uses a broader palette of colours and three-dimensional graphics to create an even sharper image. A 12 GB hard disk can store numerous forms of music, while BMW Online systems connect the driver and passengers with the wider world through an integrated SIM card.

It isn’t all play and no work though: BMW is the first carmaker in the world to offer in-car email display via Bluetooth. In the new BMW 6 Series Convertible, owners of a BlackBerry smartphone can access their mobile phone’s email folder using the iDrive control system. Using a new Bluetooth interface to integrate the BlackBerry into the vehicle, it is possible to receive emails, show them on the Control Display and have them read to you aloud using a text-to-speech function.

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible comes with the highest ever level of standard specification on a Six. Standard for the 640i Convertible are 18-inch light alloy wheels, while the 650i Convertible comes as standard with a 19-inch light alloy wheel. Both derivatives feature Dakota leather upholstery, eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, electric seat adjustment, BMW Professional Multimedia Navigation system, Xenon headlights, LED front fog lights and front and rear Park Distance Control to name but a few of the standard specification highlights.

January 2011

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible goes on sale 26 March with prices for the 640i SE starting from £65,680 OTR and prices for the 650i SE starting from £73,430 OTR. The new BMW 6 Series Convertible now comes with an enhanced specification as standard including an eight-speed Sport Automatic Transmission, Dakota leather upholstery with SunReflective Technology, electric seat adjustment with memory function, BMW Professional Multimedia Navigation System and LED front foglights.

July 2011

New diesel engine for BMW 6 Series

Diesel power available for BMW’s flagship two-door models from autumn 2011. The world’s sportiest diesel engine is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo in-line six-cylinder unit producing 313hp at 4400rpm and 630Nm of torque from only 1500rpm with the help of variable geometry turbocharging.

BMW’s ECO PRO mode, fitted as standard on both the 640d Coupé and the 640d Convertible, provides even more economical performance when driving at low speeds or when cruising. In this instance it allows the standard eight-speed automatic gearbox to shift up earlier while altering throttle sensitivity, engine mapping and the power consumed by electronic auxiliary systems.

Model Power (hp) Torque (Nm) 0-62mph (seconds) Top
Speed
(mph)
CO 2 emissions (g/km) Combined mpg
BMW 640d Coupé 313 630 5.5 155* 144 51.4
BMW 640d Convertible 313 630 5.6 155* 148 50.4

* Electronically limited

The BMW 6 Series Coupé and Convertible will now be available in M Sport trim. The M Sport package adds the M aerodynamic bodystyling package, 19-inch M light alloy wheels, dark chrome exhaust tailpipes, High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim and black brake callipers. Inside Anthracite headlining, Aluminium Hexagon trim, Sport seats and M Sport multi-function leather rimmed steering wheel are fitted. The BMW 640d Convertible starts at £68,210 OTR.

January 2013

New generation Professional Navigation System now also available for the BMW 6 Series, BMW X3 and new BMW 1 Series. The latest generation of the BMW Professional Navigation System capable of locating 7 digit UK postcodes works even faster thanks to an extremely powerful processor, offering additional route display functions and sharp 3D graphics for all menus. From Spring 2013 this system will be available in all BMW 6 Series models, the new BMW 1 Series and in the BMW X3.

28-5-2015: Revised BMW 6 Series launched External styling revisions and new trim materials, centre console surfaces and lighting. More extensive range of standard and personalisation features. The BMW ConnectedDrive navigation and infotainment package is fitted to every model, while Concierge Services accessed through an embedded SIM card allow drivers to set up a bespoke supply of information and connected-car services.

All petrol models now have a sports exhaust system with a switchable valve which adds a more intense timbre to the engine soundtrack, while aerodynamic improvements along with the extensive package of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies mean the six-cylinder models – petrol and diesel – are even more fuel-efficient than before. Through features such as Dynamic Damper Control, Active Drive and Integral Active Steering, owners are now able to create a made-to-measure driving experience, while the latest BMW Head-Up Display and Driving Assistant Plus with Active Cruise Control minimise distractions and supplement the driver’s reactions to enhance safety.

Model

Power
Hp

Torque Nm

0 – 62mph Seconds*

Top Speed Mph**

Combined Mpg*

CO2 Emissions g/km*

Price

OTR

BMW 640d Coupe/Convertible/Gran Sport

Coupé/Convertible/

313

630

5.3/5.5/5.4

155

54.3/52.3/52.33

139/144/143

£62,295/ £68,195/ £62,295

BMW 640i

320

450

5.3/5.5/5.4

155

38.2/37.2/37.7

172/176/174

£59,430/ £65,330/ £59,430

BMW 650i

450

650

4.6/4.6/4.6

155

32.9/31.7/32.9

199/208/199

£69,790/ £75,690/ £69,790

BMW M6

560

680

4.2/4.3/4.2

155

28.5/27.4/28.5

231/239/231

£92,350/ £97,300/ £94,750

* Coupe/Convertible/Gran Coupe respectively ** All versions electronically limited

The 3.0-litre 313hp turbodiesel engine in the 640d models and the similar-capacity 320hp petrol engine in 640i versions are now more fuel-efficient thanks to the latest EfficientDynamics features and aerodynamic improvements. As a result, CO2 emissions are as low as 139g/km on the 640d SE Coupé. Yet every 6 Series can comfortably achieve the 0-62mph sprint in 5.5 seconds – and in many cases, considerably less. That is especially true for the 4.4-litre V8 bi-turbo 650i models, while the ultimate members of the 6 Series range will again be the 560hp V8-engined M6 cars from BMW’s high-performance specialists.

All petrol versions now have a sports-tuned exhaust which provides a soundtrack to match the cars’ emphatic performance. A switchable valve adjusted through the Driving Experience Control system can be used to reduce exhaust back-pressure, adding a significantly sportier edge to the sound coming from the tailpipes.

The suspension systems have been honed to the character of the individual models and can now be further personalised through options like Dynamic Damper Control, which varies its responses electronically according to where and how the car is being driven; Adaptive Drive, which includes roll stabilisation; and Integral Active Steering, which introduces an element of rear-wheel steer to reduce the amount of turning effort needed while enhancing agility.

Styling changes to the front and rear of all 6 Series variants add further emphasis to their powerful on-road presence, while new LED headlights, new metallic paint colours and revisions to the interior ensure that they continue to set the benchmark for understated luxury in their class.

At the rear, the 6 Series appears wider thanks to a new horizontal chrome bumper insert which draws attention to the wide rear track and the inherent stability this promises. Six-cylinder models also have 10mm larger chrome tailpipe embellishers in enlarged cut-outs which again attest to the cars’ dynamic abilities. Newly styled side mirrors improve the cars’ aerodynamic properties and contain slim horizontal indicator strips, while for the Gran Coupé the side window surround has been revised and houses a black painted aluminium section with raised “Gran Coupé” lettering at the foot of the Hofmeister kink on the C-pillar.

There are new 18-inch alloy wheels for the Coupé and Convertible, and five new metallic paint finishes – Jatoba, Cashmere Silver, Glacier Silver, Mediterranean Blue and Melbourne Red. New wheels of up to 20 inches in diameter are available.

What does the BMW 6 Series Convertible (2011 – 2018) cost?