BMW’s all-new 2012 650i convertible has dramatic styling that gives the car an imposing presence that only a luxury convertible can deliver.
Its long-nose, short-deck profile and the subtle character lines throughout the body are the visual equivalent of honey for your eyes. The 6 Series convertible is a large car but it doesn’t look big from a distance. Once you get up close, its size becomes apparent.
But don’t think this car is just another pretty face. The 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V-8 pumps out 400 seamless horsepower that turns this droptop into a high-speed hair dryer when the top is down.
Prices start at $90,500, and the test car had a sticker price of $107,625. After driving this beauty for a week, I was relieved to let it go because I worried about door dings or scrapes.
BMW has taken a unique approach to turbocharging its V-8s. By using what the company calls a “reverse flow” concept, the intake and exhaust ports of the cylinder head have been swapped. The exhaust exits from the top of the engine in the V area, and fuel injectors squirt fuel into each cylinder on the outside of the engine where the exhaust used to be. This layout results in a narrower engine and better throttle response because the turbos are close to the exhaust.
On the road, the twin-turbo V-8 combines freight-train torque with startling smoothness. The bulk of the engine’s torque, or pulling power, comes as low as 1,750 rpm. Punch the throttle and you’re greeted with a satisfying, nearly instantaneous surge.
Couple that to the optional eight-speed automatic transmission and you feel as if you are riding a magic carpet. A magic carpet, mind you, that can zip to 60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds.
A six-speed manual transmission is also offered, but the eight-speed is such a jewel, and it can be shifted manually if you so desire, that I can’t see why you would want the manual.
The cockpit of the 650i is both luxurious and functional. The seats have such a wide range of adjustment that they should be able to accommodate almost any size person. The rear seat is snug, as you can imagine, but it can hold an adult for short distances.
The convertible top glides down quickly. Once, when I had a passenger in the back seat and a tall passenger in front, we had to lower the top so my friend didn’t bump his head. Fortunately, the power top goes down quickly and stows under a hard cover. It intrudes on truck space, but there is still room for a couple of small suitcases for a long weekend.
As you can probably imagine, the 650i has a long list of technological gadgets from which to choose. One is an optional roll stabilization system that works with the adjustable suspension to deliver flat cornering. The electronic shock absorbers change continuously, based on road conditions, and that keeps the car’s ride consistent.
The double wishbone front axle and multi-link rear contribute to the convertible’s compliant ride and responsive handling. With a 112.4-inch wheelbase and a 4,500-pound curb weight, the 650i convertible is not as lithe and agile as a sports car, but it is a perfect high-speed touring car and boulevard cruiser.
The 20-inch wheels had extremely low profile tires. They looked great, but could be easily damaged by potholes or rough streets.
Price
The base price of the test car was $90,500. The option list was long, and included a heated steering wheel, heated seats, blind spot monitor, lane departure alert, head-up display, adaptive drive, rearview camera, navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and active roll stabilization. The sticker price was $107,625.
Warranty
The warranty is for four years or 50,000 miles, with full maintenance included for that same period.
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SPECIFICATIONS:
2012 BMW 650i Convertible
- Engine: 4.4-liter, 400-hp V-8
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
- Rear-wheel drive
- Wheelbase: 112.4 inches
- Curb weight: 4,531 lbs.
- Base price: $90,500
- As driven: $107,625
- Mpg rating: 16 city, 24 hwy.
