BMW 6 Series

BMW 6-Series Convertible (650i)

The BMW 6-Series convertible offers open-air fun with a stylish soft-top, sharing the two-door, two-plus-two seating of the 6-Series coupe. Powered by the same 360 horsepower BMW 4.8-liter V8, with three choices of transmission, the good power and exceptional handling make it a treat for weekend escapes to curving mountain roads. The luxury interior quality and extensive list of gimmicks and gadgets are the things of which envy is made.

The V8 engine is the only one available on the 6-Series. With 360 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque, the car is capable of sub-six-second zero to 60 performance, faster than the Z4 roadster. A stop-start system is available, which shuts down the engine at stop lights, reducing emissions and improving mileage above the typical 19 miles per gallon.

BMW's new six-gear sequential manual gearbox is standard, with electronic clutch operation and gear selection in what is essentially a manual gear box. Reviewers have not been complimentary of the performance of this first-generation innovation, finding its gear selection choppy in normal driving. The optional six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission will better suit most drivers, and a six-speed manual transmission is also available.

The styling of the 6-Series was refreshed for 2008 and the convertible is, if anything, prettier than the coupe. The soft-top is particularly graceful, with neat rear fins on either side of the glass rear window that remind one of a classic Ferrari. The rear window actually can be opened just like a side window for a sun-shaded, but breezy drive. In the unlikely event of a roll-over accident, rear roll hoops deploy to protect passengers.

On the interior, the driver and front passenger will be quite comfortable and the supportive sports seats are a good choice for spirited driving. However, the rear seats, though quite comfortable, are fairly limited for taller adults.

Trunk space is about average for mid-sized coupes, though less space is available when the top is folded and stowed. However, rear seats fold down to provide a convenient luggage shelf behind the front seats.

Most luxury touches are standard on the 6-Series, including leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, eight-speaker audio system, auto-dimming mirrors, and xenon adaptive headlamps. The optional Sport Package upgrades the seats, wheels and tires for the more performance-oriented owner. Cutting-edge options include BMW's innovative heads-up windshield display, radar-managed cruise control, a night-vision screen, navigation, satellite and high-definition radio, and heated front seats.

An important aspect of all this technology is that everything, from audio to ventilation is controlled by the single-knob BMW iDrive system. Opinions differ widely on this system, even with recent improvements. Younger, more computer-savvy, reviewers find no problem mastering the system, while more traditional critics complain about the five or six separate actions required to do a simple task like change a radio channel.

As with all other BMWs in the current line-up, safety features are extensive, including multi-stage front airbags, front-seat mounted side-impact airbags, ABS with brake assist and brake-force distribution, tire-pressure monitors, and the fully-equipped first-aid kit that has always been packed in BMW trunks. BMW's Assist telematics system with automatic collision notification and SOS button.

2008 Update

The updated grand tourer now features active headrests, which provide protection against whiplash. BMW has also added LED front turn signals and replaced all taillights and tail turn signals with LED units.

As is typical for a mid-cycle update, the 2008 model has updated rear and front bumpers. The additional brake light is now integrated in the spoiler lip. A variety of new wheels designs and interior colors/materials are available.

Leather upholstery can now be ordered with SunReflective Technology in the convertible version. This feature reduces overheating of the seat surfaces when the car is open, providing a difference in temperatures compared with conventional leather of up to 36 °F in the case of dark colors.