BMW 6-series Convertible (2010) first pictures

BMW has today unveiled the new 6-series convertible. Weirdly, Munich has chosen not to show the new Six at the 2010 LA auto show, where it merely showed the 6-series concept car.

BMW has chosen to launch the 6-series production car as a convertible first. Why? To coincide with the first deliveries in spring 2011, when prospective customers will be getting geared up for some sunshine. The 6-series coupe is scheduled to follow in the autumn of 2011.

Initially there will be just two engine options, and BMW continues its model number confusion.

The 640i has a 3.0-litre flat six single turbo returning 320bhp, 5.7sec 0-62mph, a combined 35.8mpg, and just 185g/km.

The 650i has a 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo returning 407bhp, 5.0sec 0-62mph, a combined 26.4mpg and 249g/km.

BMW is keen to push home how usable an all-rounder the new Six is. It describes the new 6-series as a full four-seater with more than ample passenger room. Presumably for your golf buddies, with BMW ramming the point home that the Six's boot will swallow two golf bags with the roof up.

BMW also claims that torsional rigidity is up 50% on the outgoing 6-series convertible. 

New technical innovations are a little sparce on the 6-series. All the toys you could want are offered, from night vision with pedestrian recognition, lane departure warning system, head-up display and a 12GB hard drive for your music collection.

The problem is, the 6-series is based on the running gear from the new 5-series, so we've seen all these gizmos before. Nearly.

BMW points out it's the first manufacturer to offer in-car email display via your Blackberry's Bluetooth connection. How ironic then that the next time you have a BMW up your backside on the motorway, the driver might actually be listening to an email offering a penis extension - read out by the new 6-series convertible.

By RobTyler