With a 0-62mph sprint time of only 4.8 seconds, it nearly matches the M6 Coupé as the quickest offering in the BMW range.
The styling is understated, but purposeful. At 4,871mm, it is more than 50mm longer than the usual 6-Series soft-top, due mainly to the rear airdam, while the flared wheel-arches provide a more muscular look. The unique alloys and four tailpipes are perhaps the most obvious clues to the car’s performance.
Inside, the interior remains unchanged from the M6 Coupé’s. The excellent seats provide plenty of lateral support and the quality of the cabin is first class.
Yet this model is all about what’s under the bonnet – and it’s an awesome motor. The mighty V10 has huge thrust through the mid-range, with intoxicating acceleration.
In standard mode, the unit delivers 394bhp, but one press of the unassuming Power Button on the centre console boosts this to the full 507bhp, as well as sharpening throttle response. With no manual box option the excellent SMG is the only transmission choice.
Mated with the Drivelogic system, it offers 11 individual shift options. This does seem over-complex, but in the sharpest of the six modes, each gear-change takes only 65 milliseconds, and the results are breathtaking.
Considering the car tips the scales at a hefty two tonnes, the performance is even more impressive. The dynamics have been tweaked, with a stiffened front sub-frame, additional rear strengthening and tuned suspension bushes.
The result is a machine which feels light and agile, with good body control through corners. In fact there is no notice-able difference its handling compared to the Coupé and the loss of the carbon fibre roof hasn’t noticeably weakened the chassis. The soft-top itself takes only 25 seconds to drop, and when it is down there is very little buffeting in the cabin, even at motorway speeds.
