BMW 6 Series Convertible Review and Prices

If you’re looking for a luxurious open-top that’s more relaxing than, say, a Porsche 911 Cabriolet, the BMW 6 Series Convertible is well worth considering. It’s enjoyable to drive, has a choice of strong performing, efficient engines and a well-equipped interior.

Indeed, there are very few complaints about the 6 Series’ interior. The dashboard is angled towards the driver and the quality of materials is of a very high standard. Everything feels opulent, if maybe just a little bland, given the hefty price tag. Still, BMW’s easy-to-use iDrive infotainment system comes as standard.

The BMW 6 Series’ front seats are comfortable, though, and with the roof down it remains an incredibly quiet and unruffled place to sit – there’s no raising of voices needed here. The rear seats are less impressive for adults, who’ll struggle for knee room.

The fabric roof can be raised or lowered at speeds up to 19mph and four adults are well protected from the wind even at higher speeds. A decent amount of luggage can come along for the road too – the 6’s boot will take a large suitcase plus some soft bags, a large pushchair or a set of golf clubs without fuss.

There are three engines to choose from, but they’re all excellent. The entry-level petrol comes in the shape of the 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six in the slightly confusingly titled 640i. Producing 320hp, it’s a smooth performer, mellow in sound, but strong enough to overtake with confidence.

It’s best to enjoy the BMW 6 Series Convertible for what it does best: cruising in the sun, roof down. If you want sports-car fun, there are better open-tops.

The twin-turbo V8 650i petrol adds a little extra power, but only improves on the performance figures marginally, at the expense of almost 9mpg in fuel economy.

If efficiency is a bigger priority, then the 640d – a 3.0-litre diesel producing 313hp – will be more your thing. Hardly any less powerful than the 640i petrol it’ll also manage 40mpg if driven sensibly. Its all-round ability makes it the best option for the 6 Series. All 6-Series use BMW’s slick eight-speed automatic gearbox. It shifts smoothly, rarely gets caught out and generally suits the relaxed vibe of the car very well.

Convertible cars sometimes suffer from shudder where the body flexes when cornering hard or going over bumps. No such problems here – the 6-Series feels solid, but not at the expense of the driving experience. It feels nimble, too, with high levels of grip.

Still, it stops short of an all-out sports car, lacking the sort of connection you’ll enjoy in a 911 Cabriolet. Comfort, Normal and Sport driving modes are available on the 6 Series, but it’s best to leave it in Comfort or Normal, as switching to Sport causes the 6 to feel unsettled without managing to achieve any noticeable improvement to how it goes around corners.

So, if you’re a keen driver then there are better ways to get your kicks. But, if you rarely carry rear passengers and cruising with the wind in your hair is more your thing, then the BMW 6 Series Convertible will do a fine job. Just bear in mind that these days there are many newer alternatives with the latest tech to consider – most notably BMW’s own 8 Series Convertible.