What's new?
Earlier this year, BMW broke away from tradition by launching the Convertible version of its third-generation 6-series before the Coupe{aac} variant, as driven for the first time on the left side of this page.
Hence, BMW (Thailand) wasted no time in launching the soft-top Six at the Bangkok motor show in March. The model available officially is the 640i, powered by a 320hp 3.0-litre turbocharged six-pot and priced at 9.499 million baht.
Like the Coupe{aac}, the Convertible is very much in a class of its own because neither of its rivals from Stuttgart or Ingolstadt have 2+2 open-top offerings of this size (the Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz E-class cabrios are competitors for the 3-series Convertible, despite their classic rag-tops).
The more obvious challengers for the 6-series Convertible are the Jaguar XK and Maserati GranCabrio 2+2 rag-tops.
But again, the Jag and Maser don't have 6-cylinder engines to match, explaining their lofty prices of more than 14 million baht in V8 forms.
Plush interior helps justifies the cabrio’s appeal against intended rivals’.
What's cool?
If it's a luxury cabrio with genuine 2+2 ability you're after, the 6-series Convertible is probably the most practical choice _ if you obviously don't mention the super-exotic Phantom Drop Head from Rolls-Royce.
Although the rear perches are not that generous on lateral support, adults should find head and legroom far more pampering than in the XK or even the Porsche 911 Cabriolet _ both have doggie seats instead.
And when you (electrically) fold down the Six's canvas-top, there's still enough boot to accommodate compact travel or golf bags.
True, you will always note that this isn't a hard-top Six on the move, given the road noise that tends to permeate through the rear.
But the rag-top Six still has a quiet cabin when cruising for such a car of this nature and is quite free from scuttle shake _ at least on Germany's smooth roads. Fold down the roof and the car's equally free from wind-buffeting at cruising speeds.
And like in the Coupe{aac}, don't let the downsized engine turn you off. With the help of turbo technology, the 3.0-litre inline-six musters pace practically as rapidly as the normally aspirated V8s of rival models do in the real-world, as well as yielding better levels of economy (that eight-speed auto is really a gem).
Rear has proper space for adults... or can be installed with wind-buffeting protection.
What's not?
Although the 6-series Convertible looks bold and elegant at the same time in its own game, you still can't help thinking of that sexy-looking GranCabrio from the Italy. That Maser is really gorgeous and helps add to the open-air appeal.
Okay, it's mostly hot in Thailand, and this is purely subjective. But it's a cabrio we're talking about here, so style is important, too. Even though the Bimmer has the Maser in its way on the catwalk, it certainly looks much better than the aging, bland-looking Jag.
But it's when you think of this British cat that makes the Six feel cumbersome on the move. The BMW may have solid levels of grip, comfort and refinement on the move, but lacks the driving agility and lightness of the XK.
And while we cherish how neatly the Six stows its roof with hardly any creases left, the operating mechanism is a little on the noisy side.
Like the Coupe´ , the Convertible is meant more for boulevard cruising.
Buy or bye?
Many would be quick to point out that the buyers in Thailand should settle for a coupe{aac} body and not cabriolet.
That's quite true to a certain extent, but you really can't compare these two body silhouettes _ it's all a matter of choice.
Okay, the Six may not handle splendidly as an XK. But if you're talking about a cabrio _ which is more for show rather than driving thrills _ the Six scores with aspects that pamper both the driver and its passengers.
In terms of performance, the 640i Convertible covers ground well enough and is of clear indication that rivals should consider downsizing their engines (which would also help in price terms).
Whichever Six you opt for, you should be rewarded with luxury grand touring credentials in which its competition don't have answers yet in this price range.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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