2011 BMW 6 Series Convertible

The 2011 BMW 6 Series Convertible will be offered in two engine variants, the refined 640i 6-cylinder and the V8 650i. Featuring a smooth blend of elegance and sportiness, the new convertibles are lower, wider and sleeker, with a slew of luxurious BMW ConnectedDrive innovations on the inside and a full suite of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies under the bonnet.

The second generation 2+2 seater offers the most advanced chassis technology available and the most innovative comfort, infotainment and safety features in its segment.

The top-of-the-range V8 petrol engine 650i Convertible is priced from $248,300* while the six-cylinder in-line petrol engine 640i, which is available from August, starts at $194,300*.

BMW Australia Managing Director, Phil Horton, said he expected the new generation 6 Series Convertible to outsell the previous model in Australia.

"The 6 Series Convertible is the jewel in the crown of BMW's open top performance car offering, and with both models having such high standard specification, it is a particularly compelling value package for Australian customers," he said.

"We expect this second generation 6 Series Convertible to lure customers from other exotic marques on the grounds of its blending elegant design and unrivalled performance."

The range-topping 650i features 4.4-litre TwinPower Turbo V8 engine with High Precision Injection, which generates 300kW of power, and maximum torque of 600Nm across a broad rev range between 1750 rpm and 4500rpm.

Combined with the ultra efficient 8-speed sports automatic transmission which includes steering wheel paddles for manual shifting, the BMW 650i Convertible covers the 0-100km/h sprint in just 5.0 seconds with a combined fuel consumption of just 10.7 litres per 100km.

The 640i Convertible features a straight-six petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, and High Precision Injection, delivering 235kW and 450Nm of torque between 1300- and 4500rpm.

The BMW 640i accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds and consumes only 7.9 litres per 100km of fuel on the European combined cycle, while emitting just 185g/km of CO2.

Through the application of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies such as Brake Energy Regeneration, High Precision Injection, Auto Start/Stop and Air Vent Control, the BMW 6 Series Convertible offers power without compromising fuel efficiency.

Standard specification on both the 640i and 650i is typically lavish and includes 19" V-Spoke alloys, adaptive headlights, comfort access, Bluetooth, lumbar support, seat heating, Professional Navigation, Rear View Camera, front and rear Park Distance Control, Sports Seats (Comfort Seats in 650i), full-colour Head-Up Display, High-Beam Assist, Internet, Bi-Xenon headlights, Cruise Control with brake function, LED fog lights, USB, Dynamic Driving Control, Alarm System, Ambient Light, Dakota leather upholstery, Hi Fi loudspeaker system and interior and exterior metallic paint.

In addition to these specifications on the 640i, standard specification on the BMW 650i includes Adaptive Drive, Comfort Seats, Surround View, TV function, Professional HiFi System, and seat ventilation for the front seats.

To further aid the high-speed agility, comfort and low speed manoeuvrability of the new BMW 6 Series Convertible, both models can be fitted with Adaptive Drive (standard on the 650i) - a system incorporating Dynamic Damper Control and the Dynamic Drive active roll stabilisation system. This state-of-the art technology offers four driving modes - COMFORT, NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+ - to change vehicle response at the touch of a button. At each of these settings, the Adaptive Drive activates independent and endlessly variable damper adjustments to suit the current road surface.

In addition to Adaptive Drive, both models can be fitted with Parking Assistant, which enables automatic identification of parking spaces and automated parking manouvres.

In another BMW first, a DAB+ Radio Tuner is also available on both models, which offers a digital radio experience including a wide-range of special-interest channels.

The new BMW 6 Series features a host of cutting edge luxury, safety and infotainment technologies from the BMW ConnectedDrive suite of innovations. The new-generation Head-Up Display features highly detailed, full-colour graphics and is unique in this segment and standard in the BMW 6 Series Convertible. Also new and exclusive to BMW in the segment are the BMW ConnectedDrive technologies in-car email display via Bluetooth and Internet functionality.

The BMW 650i Convertible is available in Australian dealerships in May, with the 640i Convertible due to arrive in August.

BMW 640i Convertible - $195,000*
Six-cylinder in-line petrol with BMW TwinPower Turbo
Power: 235 kW
Torque: 450 Nm
0-100 km/h: 5.7 sec
EU fuel consumption: 7.9 litres/100 km
CO2 emissions: 185g/km.

BMW 650i Convertible - $249,000*
V8 petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo
Power: 300 kW
Torque: 600 Nm
0-100 km/h: 5.0 sec
EU fuel consumption: 10.7 litres/100 km
CO2 emissions: 249g/km.

*MRLP including GST and LCT