BMW 6 Series Convertible 650i (A) Review
01 Sep 2011|19,360 views
Let's face it, the press haven't been especially kind to BMW during the last couple years. The Bavarians were constantly lampooned for allowing Chris Bangle to single-handedly turn nearly the entire BMW model range into ghastly monstrosities nearly overnight. The last 6-series was not spared either. Bangle takes quite a delight in splitting the audience into two polarized camps.
You either love it or hate it. There just wasn't space for compromise and for me personally, the last 6-series didn't quite tick the right visual boxes. But like any other bad plot there was thankfully an end and it is a phase in BMW's history that most of us are more than willing to forget.
This latest 6-series is quite an important litmus test for the Munich manufacturer. Besides being the harbinger of the coupe version to follow in a couple of months, this new 5-series linked platform will manifest into a four door coupe that would rival the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Audi A7 Sportback. More importantly, it serves as a crystal ball into BMW's future premium model range.
You either love it or hate it. There just wasn't space for compromise and for me personally, the last 6-series didn't quite tick the right visual boxes. But like any other bad plot there was thankfully an end and it is a phase in BMW's history that most of us are more than willing to forget.
This latest 6-series is quite an important litmus test for the Munich manufacturer. Besides being the harbinger of the coupe version to follow in a couple of months, this new 5-series linked platform will manifest into a four door coupe that would rival the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Audi A7 Sportback. More importantly, it serves as a crystal ball into BMW's future premium model range.
 |
The 6-series isn't new for BMW. The latest cabriolet tested is actually the 3rd generation 6-series we've seen. The first generation although only appeared in coupe guise was known for its powerful appearance in no doubt perpetuated by that especially long bonnet that seemed to go on for miles. That trademark guise was unfortunately missing in the last generation but has since returned with the new F12 6-series.
On first impression, the 650i is immediately more palatable than the previous 'Bangled' E63. While the new F12 car looks blander than the model it replaces, that actually will be a good thing as more customers will find it easier on the eyes.
 |
The first thing that catches your eyes is the aggressive shark-nosed façade that lends the 6-series a more aerodynamic profile than before. This is complimented by the much larger stylized waterfall structure of the grille. Dominating the entire lower half of the bumper is the huge air intake that ensures enough of the atmosphere is supplied to that gluttonous V8 hiding under the vast bonnet.
BMW says that part of that F12's elegance is created by the creased sheetmetal that resembles the waves coming off the bow of the boat as it cuts through the water. The shallow rake of the windshield creates the impression that the cabriolet is travelling at warpspeed even at a standstill. The chrome waist rail that encompasses the cabin area continues the nautical inspiration further.
Lines that originate from the side strake runs along the entire 4,897mm of the Cabriolet to end wrapped around the taillamps. The rear, once a Bangle sore point for motoring journalists and designers alike has been kept simple in an attempt to keep critique at bay.
BMW chose to go with a fabric soft top that recreates the romanticized idea of cabriolets and it has bided well for the 6-series here. Though we personally feel the Cabriolet looks best with the roof kept away as much as possible.
BMW says that part of that F12's elegance is created by the creased sheetmetal that resembles the waves coming off the bow of the boat as it cuts through the water. The shallow rake of the windshield creates the impression that the cabriolet is travelling at warpspeed even at a standstill. The chrome waist rail that encompasses the cabin area continues the nautical inspiration further.
Lines that originate from the side strake runs along the entire 4,897mm of the Cabriolet to end wrapped around the taillamps. The rear, once a Bangle sore point for motoring journalists and designers alike has been kept simple in an attempt to keep critique at bay.
BMW chose to go with a fabric soft top that recreates the romanticized idea of cabriolets and it has bided well for the 6-series here. Though we personally feel the Cabriolet looks best with the roof kept away as much as possible.
Interior
Opulence seems to be the word of the day as you enter the 650i's interior. BMW it seems has chosen to return to its roots with a wrap around driver-centric interior concept which it pioneered back in the '80s. On the inside, BMW has done well in making you feel like you're sitting on the inside of a premium cabriolet with a nearly half million dollar sticker price.
Settled into the driver seat, one is seemingly overwhelmed with the amount of adjustability the seat and steering wheel offers. Just the seat alone allows 20 different ways of seat adjustment. Enough to keep the obsessive compulsive disorder sufferers hours of entertainment or torture depending on your point of view. With the perfect position obtained, the three memory presets makes sure those hours of tickering doesn't go to waste.
Once in the perfect position though, the front driver and passenger seat is supportive in all the right places. One can imagine eating up miles upon miles (replace with SI units if necessary) of expressways without experiencing any strain. Something we tested having racked up nearly 200 kilometres overnight.
Opulence seems to be the word of the day as you enter the 650i's interior. BMW it seems has chosen to return to its roots with a wrap around driver-centric interior concept which it pioneered back in the '80s. On the inside, BMW has done well in making you feel like you're sitting on the inside of a premium cabriolet with a nearly half million dollar sticker price.
Settled into the driver seat, one is seemingly overwhelmed with the amount of adjustability the seat and steering wheel offers. Just the seat alone allows 20 different ways of seat adjustment. Enough to keep the obsessive compulsive disorder sufferers hours of entertainment or torture depending on your point of view. With the perfect position obtained, the three memory presets makes sure those hours of tickering doesn't go to waste.
Once in the perfect position though, the front driver and passenger seat is supportive in all the right places. One can imagine eating up miles upon miles (replace with SI units if necessary) of expressways without experiencing any strain. Something we tested having racked up nearly 200 kilometres overnight.
 |
Dominating the centre console is the 10.2 inch iDrive screen that takes on the duties of displaying the car's systems and navigation. It is by far the largest screen on offer at the moment and gives both driver and passenger a very comfortable field of view. Especially when viewing maps in nav mode. With the transreflective coating, BMW has neutralized the need to have a hood over the screen and brings it much closer to the driver.
Despite its size, the length of the cabriolet doesn't translate itself into better rear seat occupancy. The rear seats remains for 'emergencies' only as legroom can be quite cramped with a tall driver at the helm. On extended drives, only Victoria's Secret models would find the rear seats comfortable. Perhaps BMW anticipated the rear seats would be used more often as an extension of the conservative boot in the back.
To mitigate the parking of this large cabriolet, BMW incorporated a reverse parking camera into the rear bootlid badge that pops out James Bond style when needed.
Despite its size, the length of the cabriolet doesn't translate itself into better rear seat occupancy. The rear seats remains for 'emergencies' only as legroom can be quite cramped with a tall driver at the helm. On extended drives, only Victoria's Secret models would find the rear seats comfortable. Perhaps BMW anticipated the rear seats would be used more often as an extension of the conservative boot in the back.
To mitigate the parking of this large cabriolet, BMW incorporated a reverse parking camera into the rear bootlid badge that pops out James Bond style when needed.
The Drive
Power is the operative word when it comes to this cabriolet and the 650i isn't short of it. The 650i hides a 4.4-litre V8 TwinPower Turbo under the bonnet that belts out 401bhp with a face ripping 600Nm of torque on tap from 1750rpm onwards. Driving the 650i is a simple point and squirt affair. Just aim towards the horizon and pray that no kamikaze soccer moms get in your way.
Acceleration in this large cabriolet is relentless with the century sprint dispatched in just 5.0 secs. Although in the real world, it feels much faster than that. Hitting Vmax with the 650i is effortless and brisk. Your brain hardly has time to register the violence (and potential incarceration) of that mighty V8 under the bonnet when you arrive at its electronically limited top speed.
Power is the operative word when it comes to this cabriolet and the 650i isn't short of it. The 650i hides a 4.4-litre V8 TwinPower Turbo under the bonnet that belts out 401bhp with a face ripping 600Nm of torque on tap from 1750rpm onwards. Driving the 650i is a simple point and squirt affair. Just aim towards the horizon and pray that no kamikaze soccer moms get in your way.
Acceleration in this large cabriolet is relentless with the century sprint dispatched in just 5.0 secs. Although in the real world, it feels much faster than that. Hitting Vmax with the 650i is effortless and brisk. Your brain hardly has time to register the violence (and potential incarceration) of that mighty V8 under the bonnet when you arrive at its electronically limited top speed.
 |
Even on the top end, the locomotive shove of the V8 continues to be strongly felt and promises to take it well beyond the 250kmh limit if given a chance. All the while the rear trapezoidal tailpipes reward your ears with the knee weakening baritone throb of the V8 unhindered and unfiltered with the roof down.
Reining in the incredible power of that fabulous engine is the eight-speed automatic transmission that gains two more gear ratios than the previous model. The creamy smooth shifting pattern of this new gearbox is worthy of praise and begs the question of whether dual clutch gearboxes are really a necessity.
The 6-series is equipped with BMW's Drive Dynamic Control which alters the car's throttle response, steering and electronic dampers according to preset conditions. Switching between Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+ using a rocker switch located next to the gearshift.
In Sport mode, one can feel the large cabriolet firm up and the steering sharpen significantly. In the corners, the 650i remains planted but one inevitably notices the heft of the large cabriolet when tossing it from apex to apex. The electric steering tries hard to create steering feel but comes across as unnatural. Forcing you to take slightly more lock than you normally would when driving the car enthusiastically.
Reining in the incredible power of that fabulous engine is the eight-speed automatic transmission that gains two more gear ratios than the previous model. The creamy smooth shifting pattern of this new gearbox is worthy of praise and begs the question of whether dual clutch gearboxes are really a necessity.
The 6-series is equipped with BMW's Drive Dynamic Control which alters the car's throttle response, steering and electronic dampers according to preset conditions. Switching between Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+ using a rocker switch located next to the gearshift.
In Sport mode, one can feel the large cabriolet firm up and the steering sharpen significantly. In the corners, the 650i remains planted but one inevitably notices the heft of the large cabriolet when tossing it from apex to apex. The electric steering tries hard to create steering feel but comes across as unnatural. Forcing you to take slightly more lock than you normally would when driving the car enthusiastically.
With such strong performance under the hood, the V8 is invariably thirsty with a combined fuel consumption of 9.3km/L. However this figure drops dramatically when one engages in lead footed attempts at head butting the horizon. However, BMW's EfficientDynamics systems try to augment the poor consumption with its kinetic energy recovery during braking.
Conclusion
Despite the artificial steering and poor fuel consumption of that TwinPower Turbo V8, the 650i does the job of a long distance two seat Grand Tourer admirably well. With the new 6-series, BMW can rest easy that they've finally erased the Bangle era from its models.
While the 650i might not be the most dynamically gifted Cabriolet in the $400,000 range, it is however the best equipped and the most comfortable among the Porsche and Maserati crowd.
Now who says BMW has lost its style?
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
Despite the artificial steering and poor fuel consumption of that TwinPower Turbo V8, the 650i does the job of a long distance two seat Grand Tourer admirably well. With the new 6-series, BMW can rest easy that they've finally erased the Bangle era from its models.
While the 650i might not be the most dynamically gifted Cabriolet in the $400,000 range, it is however the best equipped and the most comfortable among the Porsche and Maserati crowd.
Now who says BMW has lost its style?
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Let's face it, the press haven't been especially kind to BMW during the last couple years. The Bavarians were constantly lampooned for allowing Chris Bangle to single-handedly turn nearly the entire BMW model range into ghastly monstrosities nearly overnight. The last 6-series was not spared either. Bangle takes quite a delight in splitting the audience into two polarized camps.
You either love it or hate it. There just wasn't space for compromise and for me personally, the last 6-series didn't quite tick the right visual boxes. But like any other bad plot there was thankfully an end and it is a phase in BMW's history that most of us are more than willing to forget.
This latest 6-series is quite an important litmus test for the Munich manufacturer. Besides being the harbinger of the coupe version to follow in a couple of months, this new 5-series linked platform will manifest into a four door coupe that would rival the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Audi A7 Sportback. More importantly, it serves as a crystal ball into BMW's future premium model range.
You either love it or hate it. There just wasn't space for compromise and for me personally, the last 6-series didn't quite tick the right visual boxes. But like any other bad plot there was thankfully an end and it is a phase in BMW's history that most of us are more than willing to forget.
This latest 6-series is quite an important litmus test for the Munich manufacturer. Besides being the harbinger of the coupe version to follow in a couple of months, this new 5-series linked platform will manifest into a four door coupe that would rival the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Audi A7 Sportback. More importantly, it serves as a crystal ball into BMW's future premium model range.
|
The 6-series isn't new for BMW. The latest cabriolet tested is actually the 3rd generation 6-series we've seen. The first generation although only appeared in coupe guise was known for its powerful appearance in no doubt perpetuated by that especially long bonnet that seemed to go on for miles. That trademark guise was unfortunately missing in the last generation but has since returned with the new F12 6-series.
On first impression, the 650i is immediately more palatable than the previous 'Bangled' E63. While the new F12 car looks blander than the model it replaces, that actually will be a good thing as more customers will find it easier on the eyes.
|
The first thing that catches your eyes is the aggressive shark-nosed façade that lends the 6-series a more aerodynamic profile than before. This is complimented by the much larger stylized waterfall structure of the grille. Dominating the entire lower half of the bumper is the huge air intake that ensures enough of the atmosphere is supplied to that gluttonous V8 hiding under the vast bonnet.
BMW says that part of that F12's elegance is created by the creased sheetmetal that resembles the waves coming off the bow of the boat as it cuts through the water. The shallow rake of the windshield creates the impression that the cabriolet is travelling at warpspeed even at a standstill. The chrome waist rail that encompasses the cabin area continues the nautical inspiration further.
Lines that originate from the side strake runs along the entire 4,897mm of the Cabriolet to end wrapped around the taillamps. The rear, once a Bangle sore point for motoring journalists and designers alike has been kept simple in an attempt to keep critique at bay.
BMW chose to go with a fabric soft top that recreates the romanticized idea of cabriolets and it has bided well for the 6-series here. Though we personally feel the Cabriolet looks best with the roof kept away as much as possible.
BMW says that part of that F12's elegance is created by the creased sheetmetal that resembles the waves coming off the bow of the boat as it cuts through the water. The shallow rake of the windshield creates the impression that the cabriolet is travelling at warpspeed even at a standstill. The chrome waist rail that encompasses the cabin area continues the nautical inspiration further.
Lines that originate from the side strake runs along the entire 4,897mm of the Cabriolet to end wrapped around the taillamps. The rear, once a Bangle sore point for motoring journalists and designers alike has been kept simple in an attempt to keep critique at bay.
BMW chose to go with a fabric soft top that recreates the romanticized idea of cabriolets and it has bided well for the 6-series here. Though we personally feel the Cabriolet looks best with the roof kept away as much as possible.
Interior
Opulence seems to be the word of the day as you enter the 650i's interior. BMW it seems has chosen to return to its roots with a wrap around driver-centric interior concept which it pioneered back in the '80s. On the inside, BMW has done well in making you feel like you're sitting on the inside of a premium cabriolet with a nearly half million dollar sticker price.
Settled into the driver seat, one is seemingly overwhelmed with the amount of adjustability the seat and steering wheel offers. Just the seat alone allows 20 different ways of seat adjustment. Enough to keep the obsessive compulsive disorder sufferers hours of entertainment or torture depending on your point of view. With the perfect position obtained, the three memory presets makes sure those hours of tickering doesn't go to waste.
Once in the perfect position though, the front driver and passenger seat is supportive in all the right places. One can imagine eating up miles upon miles (replace with SI units if necessary) of expressways without experiencing any strain. Something we tested having racked up nearly 200 kilometres overnight.
Opulence seems to be the word of the day as you enter the 650i's interior. BMW it seems has chosen to return to its roots with a wrap around driver-centric interior concept which it pioneered back in the '80s. On the inside, BMW has done well in making you feel like you're sitting on the inside of a premium cabriolet with a nearly half million dollar sticker price.
Settled into the driver seat, one is seemingly overwhelmed with the amount of adjustability the seat and steering wheel offers. Just the seat alone allows 20 different ways of seat adjustment. Enough to keep the obsessive compulsive disorder sufferers hours of entertainment or torture depending on your point of view. With the perfect position obtained, the three memory presets makes sure those hours of tickering doesn't go to waste.
Once in the perfect position though, the front driver and passenger seat is supportive in all the right places. One can imagine eating up miles upon miles (replace with SI units if necessary) of expressways without experiencing any strain. Something we tested having racked up nearly 200 kilometres overnight.
|
Dominating the centre console is the 10.2 inch iDrive screen that takes on the duties of displaying the car's systems and navigation. It is by far the largest screen on offer at the moment and gives both driver and passenger a very comfortable field of view. Especially when viewing maps in nav mode. With the transreflective coating, BMW has neutralized the need to have a hood over the screen and brings it much closer to the driver.
Despite its size, the length of the cabriolet doesn't translate itself into better rear seat occupancy. The rear seats remains for 'emergencies' only as legroom can be quite cramped with a tall driver at the helm. On extended drives, only Victoria's Secret models would find the rear seats comfortable. Perhaps BMW anticipated the rear seats would be used more often as an extension of the conservative boot in the back.
To mitigate the parking of this large cabriolet, BMW incorporated a reverse parking camera into the rear bootlid badge that pops out James Bond style when needed.
Despite its size, the length of the cabriolet doesn't translate itself into better rear seat occupancy. The rear seats remains for 'emergencies' only as legroom can be quite cramped with a tall driver at the helm. On extended drives, only Victoria's Secret models would find the rear seats comfortable. Perhaps BMW anticipated the rear seats would be used more often as an extension of the conservative boot in the back.
To mitigate the parking of this large cabriolet, BMW incorporated a reverse parking camera into the rear bootlid badge that pops out James Bond style when needed.
The Drive
Power is the operative word when it comes to this cabriolet and the 650i isn't short of it. The 650i hides a 4.4-litre V8 TwinPower Turbo under the bonnet that belts out 401bhp with a face ripping 600Nm of torque on tap from 1750rpm onwards. Driving the 650i is a simple point and squirt affair. Just aim towards the horizon and pray that no kamikaze soccer moms get in your way.
Acceleration in this large cabriolet is relentless with the century sprint dispatched in just 5.0 secs. Although in the real world, it feels much faster than that. Hitting Vmax with the 650i is effortless and brisk. Your brain hardly has time to register the violence (and potential incarceration) of that mighty V8 under the bonnet when you arrive at its electronically limited top speed.
Power is the operative word when it comes to this cabriolet and the 650i isn't short of it. The 650i hides a 4.4-litre V8 TwinPower Turbo under the bonnet that belts out 401bhp with a face ripping 600Nm of torque on tap from 1750rpm onwards. Driving the 650i is a simple point and squirt affair. Just aim towards the horizon and pray that no kamikaze soccer moms get in your way.
Acceleration in this large cabriolet is relentless with the century sprint dispatched in just 5.0 secs. Although in the real world, it feels much faster than that. Hitting Vmax with the 650i is effortless and brisk. Your brain hardly has time to register the violence (and potential incarceration) of that mighty V8 under the bonnet when you arrive at its electronically limited top speed.
|
Even on the top end, the locomotive shove of the V8 continues to be strongly felt and promises to take it well beyond the 250kmh limit if given a chance. All the while the rear trapezoidal tailpipes reward your ears with the knee weakening baritone throb of the V8 unhindered and unfiltered with the roof down.
Reining in the incredible power of that fabulous engine is the eight-speed automatic transmission that gains two more gear ratios than the previous model. The creamy smooth shifting pattern of this new gearbox is worthy of praise and begs the question of whether dual clutch gearboxes are really a necessity.
The 6-series is equipped with BMW's Drive Dynamic Control which alters the car's throttle response, steering and electronic dampers according to preset conditions. Switching between Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+ using a rocker switch located next to the gearshift.
In Sport mode, one can feel the large cabriolet firm up and the steering sharpen significantly. In the corners, the 650i remains planted but one inevitably notices the heft of the large cabriolet when tossing it from apex to apex. The electric steering tries hard to create steering feel but comes across as unnatural. Forcing you to take slightly more lock than you normally would when driving the car enthusiastically.
Reining in the incredible power of that fabulous engine is the eight-speed automatic transmission that gains two more gear ratios than the previous model. The creamy smooth shifting pattern of this new gearbox is worthy of praise and begs the question of whether dual clutch gearboxes are really a necessity.
The 6-series is equipped with BMW's Drive Dynamic Control which alters the car's throttle response, steering and electronic dampers according to preset conditions. Switching between Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+ using a rocker switch located next to the gearshift.
In Sport mode, one can feel the large cabriolet firm up and the steering sharpen significantly. In the corners, the 650i remains planted but one inevitably notices the heft of the large cabriolet when tossing it from apex to apex. The electric steering tries hard to create steering feel but comes across as unnatural. Forcing you to take slightly more lock than you normally would when driving the car enthusiastically.
With such strong performance under the hood, the V8 is invariably thirsty with a combined fuel consumption of 9.3km/L. However this figure drops dramatically when one engages in lead footed attempts at head butting the horizon. However, BMW's EfficientDynamics systems try to augment the poor consumption with its kinetic energy recovery during braking.
Conclusion
Despite the artificial steering and poor fuel consumption of that TwinPower Turbo V8, the 650i does the job of a long distance two seat Grand Tourer admirably well. With the new 6-series, BMW can rest easy that they've finally erased the Bangle era from its models.
While the 650i might not be the most dynamically gifted Cabriolet in the $400,000 range, it is however the best equipped and the most comfortable among the Porsche and Maserati crowd.
Now who says BMW has lost its style?
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
Despite the artificial steering and poor fuel consumption of that TwinPower Turbo V8, the 650i does the job of a long distance two seat Grand Tourer admirably well. With the new 6-series, BMW can rest easy that they've finally erased the Bangle era from its models.
While the 650i might not be the most dynamically gifted Cabriolet in the $400,000 range, it is however the best equipped and the most comfortable among the Porsche and Maserati crowd.
Now who says BMW has lost its style?
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Benjamin G, Kline
Car Information
BMW 6 Series Convertible 650i (A)
CAT B|Petrol|10.9km/L
Horsepower
330kW (443 bhp)
Torque
600 Nm
Acceleration
5sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used BMW 6 Series Convertible
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