BMW 640i Convertible

[EXTRACT]#EANF# What‘s it? Consistent with designer Nader Faghihzadeh, many of the shapes inside the BMW 6 Series are inspired from the passage of water. Imagine poking a stick into your stream and also the resultant twin ripples trailing behind it, and you will find the gently curving creases emerging behind the 6's nose badge, to arc in the direction of the bonnet's edges before streaming in the 'A' pillars. The movement of water has added appealingly muscular sculpture to its flanks too, making a lither, more elegant machine than its predecessor. This all-new 6 rides upon the architecture of the newest 5 Series, benefitting from four-wheel steering, a cabin-enlarging wheelbase stretch, new engines and part-aluminium, part composite bodywork, although it still weighs a substantial 1840kg. Still, the spectacular 50 per cent gain in structural stiffness is fine compensation, as are fuel-saving features for example brake energy recuperation and stop-start, though that is only fitted towards the entry-level, turbocharged 3. 0 straight-six sampled here. What is it like? This engine is 48bhp more powerful compared to the outgoing 630i and just 12bhp in need of the old 645i, its creamy 332lb ft of torque peaking given by a diesel-ish 1300 to 4500rpm. It'll rev to 7000rpm, although short-shifting at 5500rpm is speedier. There is pleasure to become had from paddling too, this big convertible agile sufficient to play the sportscar even when the electro-mechanical steering veils much of an open road below. Confident turn-in, four-wheel steering and also a remarkably tremor-free structure all contribute, as does standard-fit dynamic drive to create a fine long-distance cruiser. While it lacks the 650i's burbling potency it is brisk enough for many, rides better and turns in almost 10mpg more and 64g / km less. Down-sides? The stylish fabric roof makes access to some roomier but still-confined rear, the boot remains small, rear visibility is appalling and also the 'A' pillars are apex-obscurers in tight turns. A crude seat-height adjuster removes thigh support like the cushion rises, too, and throttle response from rest could be abrupt. Should I buy one? But this can be a superior 6 Series convertible, better in a position to play the dual roles of luxuriously svelte cruiser and agile bend burner, which six cylinder is that the shrewder buy - though waiting upon the diesel can be shrewder still.  BMW 640i SE ConvertiblePrice : £65, 680 ; Top speed : 155mph (limited ) ; 0-62mph : 5. 7sec ; Economy : 35. 8mpg ; Co2 : 185g / km ; Kerb weight : 1840kg ; Engine : 6-cyls in-line, 2979cc, petrol ; Power : 316bhp at 5800-6000rpm ; Torque : 332lb ft 1300-4500rpm ; Gearbox : 8-spd automatic EXTRACT#EANF# BMW 640i Convertible