The 6-speed manual convertible at my disposal in the afternoon featured a standard suspension setup, which delivered a wonderfully smooth ride and was quite capable in the corners. Just the same I would opt for the same sport suspension that I

With the soft-top up there's nominal wind noise even at extremely high speeds. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

tested in the coupe, which fortunately is available. Either way the car's active steering makes it turn-in like a go-kart and the dynamic drive flattens out undulations and curves. It's a magnificent driving car, feeling smaller and lighter than it really is but still planting itself firmly on all fours while high-speed touring.

I think the 6 is the first convertible I've ever tested that allows a driver to drop the top while moving, ideal for sealing off offensive fumes when in rush hour traffic or being able to hurry away from standstill even if the top isn't completely stowed but the light has turned green anyway. I also appreciated having the ability to drive with the top up and all the windows, including the slender rear glass dropped for ultimate aeration. That's a unique feature that no rival convertible offers.

While exterior noise is apparent when the soft-top is up, it's still very quiet thanks to polyurethane foam

Even with the top down, wind noise is kept to a minimum, and conversation isn't hampered. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

insulation between the rubberized outer layer and inner roof lining. There's nominal wind noise even at extremely high speeds too, coming close to coupe-like decibel levels.

With the top down it's easy to keep a conversation going even when pushing the limits of the law, and the power rear window acts as a wind buffer for rear passengers when upright. BMW also supplies a rear wind blocker that can be added when only two are aboard, which is said to reduce wind even more. But personally, I love the wind in the hair aspects of convertible life.