2011 BMW 650i Convertible Miami FL

January 22, 2010   By Brian Alexander, Road Test Editor

2010 BMW 6-Series

2010 BMW 6-Series
DriverSide Overview
If you are unsure just what exactly the BMW 6-Series is, chances are you’re not alone. A giant, somewhat aggressive looking car with a whole lot of literal presence, in pictures it can appear to be more of a sports car than a pampering tourer, but up close you begin to realize that dizzying amounts of comfort are what it’s all about. Because of this, the 650i represents one of the few cars on the market that’s arguably better as a convertible than it is as a coupe – the previously compromised backseat has a usable amount of headroom with the top down and any suspicions of it being a driver’s coupe are thrown out the window. Of course, there is the noticeable issue of a $7,100 premium to be paid for the convertible version, but if the 650i falls within your price range to begin with, chances are the nine percent increase in cost won’t be too much of an issue. Pair this with a silky-smooth 4.8-liter V-8 and lavish-yet-simple BMW luxury and the 6-Series convertible adds up to a thoroughly enjoyable vehicle. Plus, unlike most convertibles, it manages to look decent with the top up, too.








What's to Like
BMW provides free scheduled maintenance for the first four years or 50,000 miles, so you don’t have to worry about a surprise bill for brake pads, oil changes or scheduled inspections. The new iDrive is not only easier to use than its much-maligned predecessor but manages to be, in fact, likeable in many ways, most notably its graphical presentation.

What's Not to Like
It’s easy to accept the high base price given the market the 650i Convertible competes in, but some of the options seem like they should come standard, such as heated seats (considering it’s a convertible) and smart phone and iPod/USB integration. The convertible weighs a hefty 450 lbs more than its coupe counterpart, thanks to the convertible roof and motors, as well as various chassis bracing.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
At 190 inches long, the 650i lies at the opposite end of the spectrum from BMW’s small, agile Z4. On the road, it manages to shrink around you to some extent, but you never forget that you’re behind the wheel of something that weighs over two tons. Despite the car’s heft, the 4.8-liter engine has little issue providing acceleration at any revs, thanks to its low peak torque, all 360 lb-ft of which come on at a rather low 3,400 rpm. The steering rack is accurate and weighty, though perhaps not as much so as smaller BMWs, and gear changes are as smooth as you would expect them to be in a German GT. Drop the top on a sunny day, bask in the V-8’s bellow and you’ll understand what the 650i is all about.

Engine and Drivetrain
The 650i gets its power from a smooth-revving 4.8-lite...

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