A large, comfortable, ultra-luxurious convertible, the new BMW 6-series Convertible is a great expression of BMW's philosophy of being the Ultimate Driving Machine while still maintaining that sophistication demanded of it by well-heeled owners.

This is one imposing automobile when viewed in person. The car seems to be always scowling at you, almost questioning your fashion sense, "Are you going out dressed like that?"

The low and wide main structure of the vehicle looks like it could withstand a direct hit from a Scud missile and still emerge with nary a scratch.

Neat little "buttresses" help the soft-top from looking like an after-thought when it has to be raised due to inclement weather.

The interior of this vehicle is finely detailed, and a dearth of buttons accompanies the adoption of BMW's controversial, to say the least, iDrive system. The concept behind iDrive is good, put all controls behind a menu so the many buttons that are required to control the systems can be removed in favour of clean lines and sweeping swaths of wood or aluminium. The implementation of this concept has been less than a complete hit with most auto-journalists and potential buyers alike. However, this scribe doubts if this one negative is enough to dissuade a sufficiently motivated buyer of this sweet convertible to walk away.

The verdict is that this is an impressive piece of machinery to park in your garage, but unless you've got money to burn, less expensive convertibles can still provide you with that element of "style" and "character" that a convertible can endow upon its owner.