Sexier, Saucier and More Stylish
After charging through Spain's southern coastal and mountain road system in a 645 Ci coupe last month, I could think of few things needed for improvement. While nearly as luxurious as anything the German brand has ever offered, less its current 7-Series, the 6 delivers up sports car handling and intoxicating acceleration, plus all the other attributes that make a BMW GT so enticing.
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| The BMW 6-Series Convertible makes the already superb 645 Ci coupe sexier, saucier and even more stylish. (Photo: BMW Canada) |
Then again, while coupes are nice, convertibles are yet more alluring for the majority of sports car fans. Hence, the BMW 6 Series Convertible makes a great thing even better. It's sexier, saucier and more stylish, while offering the same refined yet racy 330-hp 4.4-L V8 engine, multiple transmission choices, lightweight body and suspension components, perfectly balanced 50:50 weight distribution and ultra-high-tech electronic driver aids.
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| The 6-Series was designed to be a convertible from the beginning, so structural rigidity not a problem. Look closely and you can see the flying butress-like C-pillar fins and vertical rear window. For a larger photo check the gallery. (Photo: BMW Canada) |
BMW must have deliberated over what top mechanism to use, being that Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and now Cadillac are sporting retractable hardtop designs. While entertaining to watch open and close, the now popular convertible alternative also stiffens the entire car when in place, beneficial for handling and crash protection.
So why would BMW choose a conventional fabric top for its flagship convertible? If designed to be a convertible from the beginning, which is the case for the 6, structural rigidity is less of a problem. What's more, soft-tops are generally lighter in weight, better for handling and braking, plus less intrusive to trunk space, the bane of the various competitive models mentioned above. A well made fabric top looks fabulous too, with the one attached to BMW's newest entry matching the car's fluid bodywork beautifully.