The 6-series is BMW’s largest convertible offering, embodying the spirit of elegant, open-top grand touring in a most modern fashion. The 6-series is available with either a 315-hp 3.0-liter inline-six (640i) or 445-hp 4.4-liter V-8 (650i); both engines mate to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available for all-weather ability. There is also an M Sport package with even more upscale interior and exterior accents for extra bling.

Since the 6-series returned from hibernation more than a decade ago, BMW’s big convertible has occupied an enviable spot in the motoring pantheon in that it has few direct competitors. Mercedes-Benz’s S-class cabriolet is significantly more money, while the E-class convertible offers little in the way of grand-touring pretense. The Mercedes SL lacks rear seats, and Porsche’s droptop 911 Carrera is, again, a fair piece more expensive. In fact, Ford’s Mustang and Chevrolet’s Camaro are perhaps the closest analogs to this 6-series, price notwithstanding.

Admittedly, the brutish, gregarious, and far cheaper Yanks don’t offer an interior anywhere near as nice as the BMW’s. In fact, we’d go so far as to say that our 640i test car’s cabin was as nice a place as we’ve seen in any Bimmer that wasn’t wearing Alpina badges. We were especially smitten with the immaculate veneer applied liberally to the console. BMW calls it “Fineline,” but it looks for all the world like some sort of zebrawood. Whatever tree the stock is cut from, the effect is modern and refreshing in an age when every other car seems to be festooned with some sort of carbon fiber.