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Driven: 2016 BMW 640d xDrive Convertible - Interior Assessment

As a rule of thumb, BMW interiors are fine only if you get the color combo and the trim right. The 6er Convertible that’s the subject of this test drive wasn’t configured as I would have liked. However, it is an overly comfortable place to be in for the driver and passenger alike.
2016 BMW 640d xDrive Convertible interior 105 photos
Photo: Florin Profir
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From an aesthetic point of view and as far as ergonomics are concerned, the entirety of the cabin is focused around the driver. It's only fitting if you consider that “The Ultimate Driving Machine” is the slogan by which the Munich-based manufacturer identifies itself.

But instead of oozing absolute driving pleasure, the interior ambiance of the 2016 BMW 6 Series Convertible LCI is more about grand touring, more about cruising around and about not having a single care in the world. Elegant sweeping surfaces, continuous lines, high-quality plastic, thin A-pillars, and softly-sprung seats are the highlights.

Our test car was equipped with what BMW calls Fineline Cognac fine-wood trim. Brushed aluminum or Piano Black interior trim on the door cards, dashboard, and center console would’ve been better, though.

I admit I’m not the biggest fan of wood trim, but I do not hate just for the sake of hating. I can’t stand lacquered wood for a very simple and well-founded reason: scratches. As in a helluva lot of scratches.

2016 BMW 640d xDrive Convertible
Photo: Florin Profir
On a different note, the Harman Kardon Surround Sound boombox is an option worth paying for. Even in topless mode at a steady 62 mph (100 km/h), the sound system is deeply satisfying. From piano jazz (Bill Evans) to electronic music (The Prodigy), the sound is crisp and clean without being sterile, without hissing or any overemphasized bass.

Regarding the iDrive infotainment system, I will refrain from boring you to death with the technical details. All I feel it needs to be mentioned is that iDrive is just as intuitive as you would expect it to be thanks to the strategically placed Controller on the center console.

A teeny-weeny detail that grinds my gears, however, comes in the form of the front seats. Just like in the BMW M2, the front seats in the 2016 BMW 6 Series Convertible are slightly crooked, as in not perfectly aligned with the doors and center console. Even if the front seats are offset inwards to the center console, I couldn’t feel any discomfort. It's just that my OCD kicked in.

What about the back seats? Oh man, don’t get me started on them. Even though the rear seatbacks are too upright to sit comfortably, there is too limited leg room for the seats to qualify as so. As such, I’m pretty sure we’re actually dealing with a parcel shelf padded in leather.

2016 BMW 640d xDrive Convertible
Photo: Florin Profir
Speaking of leather, the optional cognac-and-black Nappa leather feels good both on the optional comfort seats and on the dashboard. To boot, there’s double stitching literally everywhere you look in this car.

Another thing I’ve noticed about the BMW F12 is that the car feels wider and more spacious than the former generation. That extra width translates into acres of elbow room for the driver and front passenger.

From the driver’s seat, I couldn’t help but notice two things that are wrong, bang in front of me. No, it’s not that a diesel-powered car is fitted with flappy paddles. What I’m referring to are the steering wheel and window washer stalk. Is it just me or did BMW pulled these parts out from the X3 F25 and 3 Series E46, respectively? In spite of that, they do their job just fine.

All things considered, it’s a privilege to sit behind the wheel of a BMW 640d xDrive Convertible. While it may not be on the same level as a certain competitor with a three-pointed star on the steering wheel, the 2016 BMW 6 Series Convertible LCI gave me the feeling that I’m sitting inside a cocoon. An upmarket cocoon, that is.
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Editor's note: In case you haven't noticed, we have a brand-spanking new test drive format, which aims to give you a lot more information about each car that we drive. Short drives will still be delivered as a single text, but most of the cars we get our grubby hands on will get the full treatment, spanning across five different chapters.

The Interior Assessment chapter plans to tell you all about a vehicle's cockpit, whether it deserves that moniker or if it's simply a “cabin.” Design evaluation revolves around the exterior looks of the cars we drive, while Driving Take will try to put you in the driver's seat and show you what it's like behind the wheel.

Last, but definitely not least, the Everyday Living chapter is all about car ownership, including fuel economy, overall costs and driving comfort. All these details and more are then rounded up and delivered in the surprisingly named Roundup, which is the final test drive chapter and conclusion at the same time.

About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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