BMW's new convertible latest in open-top luxury

By ALASTAIR SLOANE, Motoring Editor


These are the first official pictures of BMW's new 6-Series convertible. The soft-top, V8-powered 645Ci will arrive in New Zealand in March, about the same time as the coupe. It is priced at $219,900, against the coupe's $207,900.

"The 6-Series is our latest entry into the growing market for stylish two-door sports tourers," said BMW New Zealand marketing manager Mark McCutcheon. "There has been strong interest in both the coupe and convertible versions. The convertible enables us to meet a demand for luxury open-top motoring as never before."

The soft-top hood with its heated-glass rear window has been engineered to go up or down at 30km/h, or in stop-start traffic. And in what BMW says is a design first, the rear window can independently be lowered into the bodywork with the hood up for extra ventilation.

Like the Z4 roadster, the new model's hood goes up or down electronically at the push of a button - there are no manual clips or catches.

The roof folds into a compartment in the boot, taking up 50 litres of luggage space and limiting the volume to 350 litres. The coupe provides 450 litres.

Both the coupe and convertible will be available only with the 4.4-litre V8 from the 5- and 7-Series, which offers 245kW (333bhp) and 450Nm of torque and is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode.

A 3-litre straight-six unit will also be offered on both versions of the 6-Series, while a V10-engined M6 convertible is also said to be undergoing testing in Germany for sale in 2005/2006.

But it is understood BMW New Zealand is looking only at the V8 models at the moment.

Standard equipment on the two 6-Series models includes Active Steering and Adaptive Light Control, two innovations introduced on the 5-Series, the best-handling mid-size luxury car on the market. Active Steering takes the strain out of low-speed manoeuvres and firms up to become more precise at highway speeds. Adaptive Light Control moves the car's headlights with the steering wheel to aid visibility around corners.

Dynamic Stability Control is also fitted as standard, while Dynamic Drive - the company's latest device for limiting body roll and increasing cornering stability - is optional

The 645Ci convertible is a mix of plastic, steel and aluminium. It weighs 1820kg, distributed 50:50 front and rear. The front chassis is all-aluminium. The front guards are made of thermoplastic, while the bootlid and roof compartment lids are made from a composite material.

The aerials for phone, radio and satellite-navigation are built into the boot lid, a convenience not possible using steel or aluminium.

BMW says the 6-Series matches the dynamic standards set by the new 5-Series.