BMW 6-Series Convertible 2004 - Present

Both of BMW's 6-Series Convertible and coupe were developed together and arrived in the UK at the same time in 2004. Sporting an intricate soft-top design, which includes flying buttresses and a retractable rear windscreen, the 6-Series is delivered with style to compete with glamorous roof down motors from Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar. As a two-plus-two seater the room is pretty generous compared to some rivals, but that's not saying much. The engines come in a choice of a racy sounding six-cylinder engine or a muscular, rumbling V8 and they're both stellar performers.

Inside the big convertible it's easy to forget that you're in a soft-top, so impressive is the roof. The finish inside the 6-Series is excellent, as you'd expect from a BMW. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, without being soporific. The back seats are something of an afterthought with too little room for any over the age of eight. They are well made though. The leather finish is supple and feels of the highest quality. The 6-Series features climate control for the cabin, useful if you have the roof up.

With the roof up there is a maximum of 350 litres of boot space on offer. This is about the same as a small family hatchback, but if you have the roof down you'll lose 50 litres of boot space. This leaves about 300 litres of space which by no means huge, is enough for a couple of suitcases. Parking sensors are standard, with an image of the car and any surrounding obstacles depicted on a dashboard screen to avoid any surprise knocks. There is also the choice of a head-up display which projects vehicle speed, navigation instructions and warning lights on to the windscreen in front of the driver. A neat gimmick but slightly confusing if you're not at peak concentration.

Initially launched with a 4.4-litre V8 engine producing 333bhp, the 645 Ci Convertible has a muscle-car feel to it with its deep, burbling motor and huge supply of torque readily available. In 2005 it was replaced by the 650i Convertible, which has a 4.8-litre V8 developing 367bhp and 361 lb-ft. A six-cylinder 3.0-litre engine was added to the range late in 2004, developing 258bhp. Not as quick as the V8s, it feels pretty lively and the engine seems keener to rev. It's maximum torque is 236 lb-ft which is available from just 2500rpm - incredible for a normally-aspirated petrol engine. All engines have either a standard six-speed manual transmission, a six-speed sequential manual which allows gear changes without the need for a clutch pedal, and a conventional six-speed automatic. None of the engines offer anything for the eco warrior with most engines around the early twenties mpg, although the 635 offers 39mpg

The handling of the 6-Series soft top is pretty good, although a little disappointing by BMW standards. This is largely due to the sheer weight of the car; at nearly two tonnes changing direction and stopping do require impressive mechanics. This is done with ease but not as engaging as many other models.

The 6-Series is a handsome car that offers great performance and an easy way to put miles under your belt. It's not cheap but if you can afford it you may have to have a look.

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