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BMW has announced convertible versions of the all-new 6 Series that will go on sale in March 2011, before the coupe is launched.

Expected to make its debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January, it's clear that the styling of this Jaguar XK and Mercedes E-Class Coupe rival is more of an evolution of the outgoing car, than an all-new design.

Longer, lower and wider than the outgoing 6 Series, design highlights include the low, wide, wedged V shape and the high waistline which BMW claim mimics a boat deck.

More importantly, the 6 Series Convertible is fitted with an advanced multi-layer cloth hood that can be opened in just 19 seconds and closed in 24 seconds.

Inside, there's more head and legroom and the new 6 Series Convertible has a more driver-focused dashboard and centre console, but boot space at 350 litres remains the same. Just two petrol versions will be available at launch: the 640i and 650i.

Both are six-cylinder V8 engines, which feature single and twin turbo technology to increase performance and efficiency. The 650i sprints to 62mph in just 5.0 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 155mph, yet it's still capable of 26.4mpg on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 249g/km.

Detailed prices and specification will be announced closer to the launch.

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