Vehicle
BMW's second generation 6 Series was launched on the Gold Coast last week in the midst of some unseasonal rain squalls. And just like the unseasonal weather the convertible body style is the first of the new models to arrive here in Australia, with the coupe version due for release at the end of this year. It's normally the other way around.
Like its predecessor, the new models will have the choice of either six or eight-cylinder petrol engines with the range topping 650i V8 the first cab off the rank here in Australia. The six-cylinder and cheaper 640i will follow in August. BMW's excellent diesel engines won't be an option unfortunately, the Australian market deemed too small for the line-up to warrant the investment of adding a diesel to the range.
Performance
The 650i is fitted with BMW's 4.4 litre twin turbo petrol V8 and in 650i guise it develops 300kW and 600Nm. The new model is 80kg heavier, and comes in at a portly 1940kg but the 600Nm of torque from the petrol V8 should provide enough grunt to put a smile on the face of most drivers. The V8 is matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission, trumping the original 650i's six- speeder, and despite the extra kilos there's 110Nm of additional torque and 30kW of extra power compared to its predecessor.
The new 650i only takes a prod of the accelerator to ignite the senses and more in the tradition of a grand tourer, than a sporty M series, the convertible doesn't go berserk and raucous – it goes about its business in an altogether more dignified and refined way. The eight-speed auto has paddle shifts but in this form it's hard to see why they are necessary, the auto is sharp enough and with 600Nm it doesn’t really matter which gear you are in. Diesel-like levels of torque ensures that the convertible is no slouch.
Ride & handling
BMW's Adaptive Drive system which includes dynamic damper control and dynamic drive active roll stabilisation is standard fare for the 650i. The electronic wizardry is underpinned by a traditional double wishbone front suspension design and an alloy integral rear setup, and at each corner there are large 245/40x19-inch [front] and 275/35x19 [rear] run flat tyres.
The adaptive drive system literally gives the driver an option for just about every driving scenario. You can adjust the dampers for comfort, normal or sports and the system monitors each wheel individuallyc enabling changes to the compression and rebound settings in just 2.5 milliseconds.
In addition the roll stabilisation feature uses inputs from various sensors to increase or decrease the work the stabiliser bars do in reducing body roll. The new convertible also uses electric power steering for the first time, and like the adaptable Drive System the steering varies for a range of driving conditions. It can provide greater assistance at low speeds, and at higher speeds, it’s reduced to give the driver more feel.
If you choose there's a further enhancement, called Integral Active Steering which is in effect an all-wheel steering system. It's one of the few options available [$3,600] but based on my drive of the new model it's hard to see why you would need it. Seated behind the wheel you get the sense that's it's a big piece of kit, and especially from front on it cuts an imposing stance.
Big convertibles and tight winding roads, not normally an ideal mix, usually ends up providing a less than engaging and somewhat ponderous drive experience. That's not the case with the new convertible. In all but the tightest of switchbacks the convertible felt in control and composed – again more in the tradition of a grand tourer than an outright sports car, but this is the Gold Coast and in this environment it's more about the looks than ultimate performance.
Refinement
The fully lined fabric roof takes just 19-seconds to fold down and can be operated at speeds up to 40km/h an hour. It's an impressive piece of engineering that sees the roof fold away onto the top of the rear deck lid, minimising intrusion into the luggage area and still allowing the obligatory golf clubs to be stored inside. With the roof up, noise levels inside the cabin remain at coupe-like levels and the sealing of the roof to body successfully eliminated any wind noise or whistling.
Buying & owning
Priced at $248,300 with the 640i sneaking in at under $200,000, open topped motoring doesn't come cheaply in at this end of the segment. Prestige brands, Jaguar and Mercedes, both potential competitors, have models priced around the same mark.
Quality
I liked the look and texture of the denim-look soft-top, BMW calls it an Anthracite Silver effect. All the new models on the drive showed off the vast range of trim options that are on offer and given the small sales volume, it's possible that no two convertibles could look alike! Superbly put together.
Safety & security
The 6 Series uses a thermal imaging camera, as part of its Night Vision with Pedestrian Recognition package. The images are displayed on the central display monitor, and can detect pedestrians and cyclists at night. High end technology, for sure, and a feature we didn't use on the drive program, but technology has to start somewhere and what better place than the flagship coupe.
For occupants inside, the new 6 Series has front airbags, seat mounted side airbags and seat belts with pre-tensioners. BMW's roll over protection system employs pyrotechnic activated rollbars that are raised in the event of a roll over. And the front windscreen pillars are made out of high strength steel to minimise body deformation. The new models don't have a NCAP safety rating as yet but expect it to rate highly.
Space
Providing seating for four people is a good idea – in theory and the second row seats look inviting in the new 6 Series. Getting into the rear isn't that hard but finding somewhere for your legs is – unless you move the front seats forward and restrict front seat comfort, which is not really a practical option. Storage inside the cabin consists of a couple of narrowish door pockets, a small glove box and a lockable centre console, the boot is a useful size for a convertible, enough for some soft luggage for a weekend away.
Equipment
Maybe the reason why the glove box looks so small is that's its consumed by the enormous owner's handbook, needed to explain the operation of a huge raft of features and functionality that's fitted to the car.
It's not just the I-Drive either (BMW's often criticised feature controller). There's a lot under the skin: brake energy regeneration, a twin turbo V8, dynamic driving control, a rear view camera, front and rear park distance control are just a few of the features fitted to the new convertible. Then with Bi-Zenon headlamps, the large display monitor and electric nearly everything else, there are a few options boxes for those that want the ultimate 6 Series.
