What is it?
This is the convertible version of the BMW 6 Series, but in an unusual move it will go on sale before the coupé. Despite the 6 Series Coupé being de facto debuted with the GranCoupé last April, that was by definition a concept car, whereas this is the first showing of a production-ready new BMW 6 Series.
Why's it here?
This new BMW 6 Series is an exciting and important model for the company. Out goes the minefield of Bangle-esque creases and in comes sophisticated discretion; this is a car that BMW promises will make luxury its key characteristic, rather than sportiness.
The automatic soft top is multi-layered, like the best toilet papers are, and two power outputs are initially available: the 640i with 324hp and the 650i with 413hp.
Show stopper or floor filler?
Let's say this one is stuck in the middle somewhere. It looks lovely, perched in gold on its Detroit stand as it is, but if we're honest there's a little piece of brutality next to it that wins the attention battle: the BMW 1 Series M Sport Coupé.