BMW 6 Series Convertible

Our verdict

The Six is a much maligned big GT and the Convertible version isn’t half bad – especially as the M6. But it just lacks a certain something. That something is elegance.

Comfort

Perfectly comfortable at modest to fast speeds, a bit choppy at low speeds on rough surfaces. There’s not much wrong with the big car over long distances, and the engines are always a joy to get to know. 

Performance

Four-pot mills don’t exist in the 6-series, so you’ve got the choice of six, eight or ten cylinders. The 630d and 630i occupy the lower end of the range, the 635d and the 650i the middle, with the M6 V10 at the top. The 650i is perfectly quick for this sort of car: 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds, a limited 155mph and 367bhp. The M6 is a proper wig-worrier with over 500bhp, 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds and a similarly limited 155mph limiter. Perhaps the best compromise of the bunch (as usual) is the brilliant 635d; 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds (quick enough), the same 155mph limiter (quick enough) and just under 40mpg (good enough). The M6 will get low teens if driven enthusiastically. Ahem… 

Cool

Less so than the Coupe. Don't argue, we all know that these things are written into the immutable laws of the universe.

Quality

Very solid creation from BMW, and the roof is lovely. BMW seems to get it’s interiors right (iDrive excepted), and the materials usage is second to none. The M6 Convertible is sober, but special. ‘M’ cars rule. 

Handling

The work done to the 6-series to make it worthy of the BMW badge is obvious – this isn’t some loosely butchered drop-top that wobbles. Saying that, it isn’t quite as good as the normal car, but most people won’t feel the difference because their flashy jewellery and/or bouffant hair will confuse the issue. 

Practicality

The rear seats are best left to people who like a touch of S&M, because the loss of bloodflow to their lower legs can cause discomfort to some people. The boot also loses some space when the roof gets folded, so pack light if you want to go topless. Actually that makes quite a lot of sense. Otherwise there’s plenty of room up front and there’s no reason to fear the lack of a Coupe Convertible top when fabric lids are this good. 

Running costs

Insurance is at the higher end (18/19 and 20), sop not cheap. The 630i emits 188g/km and takes a 25-percent tax hit with 35.8mpg economy. The M6 emits 366g/km, takes the max for tax at 35-percent and will get to the end of a decently long driveway before it runs out of fuel. Don’t expect more than low teens.