BMW 6 Series Convertible, real driving pleasure
Good looks, efficiency… A difficult choice to be made by fans of cars. The new BMW 6 Series Convertible puts an end to this eternal dilemma. Offering flamboyant design and high performance, it carries all the votes. You no longer have to sacrifice driving pleasure on the altar of esthetics… or vice versa.
As in every other summer, driving with one’s hair in the wind has its fans. The 6 Series first appeared in 1976. Today, BMW presents its third generation. A milestone crossed first as a convertible before commercialisation of the coupé was launched. “Elegant, racy, sporty and sensual” : once again, it’s the German manufacturer who best describes its latest offering. This model borrows some of the classic features : a long engine hood, passenger compartment slightly set back, generous wheelbase and low shoulder line. The design of the silhouette is largely inspired by waves split by the prow of a ship. Everything emphasizes flowing movement : a broad nose leaning forwards, the design of the air intakes and the curved wheel housing. Touches of chrome highlight the overal impression, while the standard, round, double xenon headlights recall the model’s kinship to the clan. At the rear, the designer has added muscle by means of a V-shape, adding to the effect of width. Some enthusiastic commentators even go as far as comparing it to an aircraft fuselage.
Inside, there is room for four passengers - 2 + 2 would be more exact. Luxury holds a candle to practicality, while roominess has been improved, even if some passengers in the back require even more knee space. The driver is treated to a real sports-style cockpit and an instrument panel projecting slightly forward.The ultra-modern control display is completely free-standing. For unrepentant fans of the greens, the trunk takes two golf-bags and a business case. In the case of convertibles, one can hardly avoid mentioning the hood. Here, the electrically-operated textile roof features foil-like extremities and a glass drop-down rear window. Its roll bars are even more rigid and the thermal and accoustic insulation are of high quality. It takes 19 seconds to open the roof, 24 to close it. Designed not to overheat in the sun, the upholstery is available in several finishes of leather, the bodywork in a choice of nine colours with three for the roof, including the very recent anthracite with a silvery glint.
As for engines, for its launch, the 6 Series Convertible can count on a V8 and a straight six-cylinder engine both using petrol and endowed with BMW Twin-Power Turbo technology and direct injection. The most powerful model offers 407 hp, leaping from zero to 100 km/hr in 5 seconds and giving a top speed of 250 km/hr. The other model is, perhaps, a more reasonable choice in terms of fuel consumption : it is also less noisy, less powerful, but just as highly-strung. The new BMW 6 Series Convertible is the only car in its category to benefit from electro-mechanical assistance. It owes its agility to its four wheel drive, another novelty in this sector. The only fly in the ointment : exclusiveness is costly. Prices start at 87,900 €.
By Laetitia Rossi
