'Bim' Me In: BMW 650i Convertible

errr.. not quite.

Apologies in advance for not waxing lyrical about the car...

as much as i tried to enjoy the V8-hearted 6-Series convertible, it wasn't as elemental as I'd hoped for. In fact, the earlier 645i seemed more potent in the a-b stakes. Like the 335i, the 650i is undoubtedly quick, but there's something sorely lacking in both cars: character.



my pick of the lot would have to be the 630i, which boasts an engine that seems perfectly suited to the car, with characteristics that surpass the engine's other applications (oddly enough). and the good news is, there's a power hike to accompany the recent revision of the 630i.

of course, there will be the usual 'fanboys' who only look for the biggest, newest, shiniest models even though they may be flawed. in this case, the 650i doesn't impress us as much as the 645i did when it was first introduced.

it's a great car to cruise (pose) in and garners its fair share of attention wherever you go, good or ill. it also seemed to evoke the worst in human nature with the occasional animosity directed towards what some felt was a display of conspicuous consumption.



the car picks up some styling elements from the M6, including LED bits and clear clusters etc. new aluminium-effect trim adorns the cabin, which boasts a solid build quality that oozes a premium feel.


the V8 sounds fantastic but we experienced some bog-down when moving off at low speeds or from stand-still. also the car is a great cruiser but not as nimble nor as balanced as we would have liked. Off-the-line acceleration is stupendous though, with the 100km/h sprint dispatched in under 6 seconds.


With 'sport' mode engaged, throttle response is sharpened and shift-times become faster.


Roof off, the car looks fantastic; it's just a pity it takes such a long time to deploy.

sexy bottom includes a more prominent boot-lip with integrated brake lights.


*excuse the 'clear' photos, the darn P1i is dead, so i'm stuck shooting with the trusty dslr for these pix...

Fast Facts: BMW 650i Convertible
Engine: 4799cc, V8,
Maximum power: 367bhp at 6300rpm
Maximum torque: 490Nm at 3400rpm
Transmission: 6-speed Auto
0-100km/h: 5.8 seconds
Top speed: 250km/h
LxBxH: 4820x1855x1374 mm
Wheelbase: 2780mm
Kerbweight: 1935kg
Price: $363,800 (with COE)
Agent: Performance Motors Limited