Verdict
The BMW 6-Series Convertible is set to challenge the UK sales dominance of the Jaguar XK. It feels better built and will be cheaper to run, but it loses out on the Jag's charm.

Expert rating: 4.2

Pros
• Impressive performance boost
• Better handling and ride comfort
• Less polarising looks

Cons
• Some would prefer a folding hard top
• Restricted use of rear seats
• Slightly lacking in character

1. Exterior: 4/5
The new 6-Series Convertible is less controversially styled than its predecesor, and better-looking for it. The aggressive nose is still there and BMW has stuck with a fabric hood while LED rings around the headlights and grille make it unmistakeably BMW.

2. Interior: 5/5
There's a real feeling of quality and integrity inside. Everything you can touch feels well engineered and designed to last for eternity. Leather upholstery is standard and the instruments are amongst the clearest and most informative of any car. It has a more technical feel than the Jaguar XK, but less character.

3. Practicality: 3/5
There are two front seats and two small rear seats, for use by children or adults on very short trips. If you want to carry four people with the roof down regularly, the bigger Mercedes E-Class convertible may offer occupants a comfier ride. The boot measures 300 litres with the roof down, but expands to 350 litres with it up.

4. Ride and handling: 4/5
The 6-Series Convertible is much stiffer than the previous model so there's no body flex over bumps, while its agility is impressive given its size and weight. Four driving modes are available, while ride comfort is excellent.

5. Performance: 5/5
At launch there will be two petrol engines, badged 640i and 650i. The smaller is a 320bhp 3-litre turbocharged six-cylinder, giving 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds. The 650i has a 407bhp twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8, which gives 0-62mph in 5 seconds. Both cars are restricted to 155mph. While it's slower, the smaller engine is more enjoyable, and hardly lacking in performance. A diesel is expected in the coming months, which will account for the majority of UK sales.

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6. Running costs: 5/5
BMW leads the way thanks to its Efficient Dynamics technology. The 640i emits 185g/km of CO2, and manages 35.8mpg. It's also the first car in its class with stop and start technology. The 650i emits 249g/km and averages 26.4mpg. BMW is offering a five-year servicing package for £400 and the 640i is expected to hold on to 39 per cent of its value after three years of ownership.

7. Reliability: 3/5
BMW's reputation is extremely good and the 6-Series felt impeccably well built. The previous generation model was subject to three manufacturer recalls to resolve a potential issue with the rear axle and brake servo.

8. Safety: 4/5
An active bonnet pops up in collisions between 12 and 34mph, to cushion pedestrians. This allows the nose to be lower and sleeker. Four airbags are standard, as are run-flat tyres, tyre pressure warning indicators, ESP and anti-lock brakes (ABS). The brakes will also dry themselves if they get wet, prepare for an expected emergency stop and compensate for brake fade after prolonged heavy use.

9. Equipment: 5/5
There's plenty of tech, including surround-view cameras, Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Park Assist, Lane Change Warning System, Lane Departure Warning System, Speed Limit Display and full colour Head-up Display. Standard equipment includes two-zone climate control, leather steering wheel with gear change paddles, Aux and USB input, Bluetooth, 10.2-inch display, iDrive, sat-nav, trip computer, voice control, parking sensors and xenon headlights.

10. Why buy? 4/5
The 6-Series Convertible is the consummate all-rounder. It has fantastic performance, handling and looks, yet its running costs shouldn't leave you begging for mercy.