The BMW 650i Convertible’s specs suggest a superior driving machine – twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 with 407bhp, 600Nm, an 8-speed automatic and zero to 100km/h in 5 seconds versus naturally aspirated 4.8-litre V8 with 367bhp, 490Nm, a 6-speed auto and zero to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds. In the looks department, the new soft-top 650i is also hotter than the old number.
But on the road, the newcomer feels a little less compelling than its controversial forerunner. The styling might be swoopy and all, but it’s far safer than the earlier Bangle metal and thus has less character. The capable new engine is more forceful than before, but also less soulful.
The BMW 650i Convertible’s cabin is slightly more practical now; Cinnamon Brown leather reflects heat from sunlight.
You feel the huge torque across the rev range, but you never hear the turbos whooshing while pushing the car hard. Drop the top to enjoy more of the refined V8 and its muffled exhaust, but the drivetrain provides background music at best.
Do the same in the former BMW 650i cabrio and it’s a rock concert, with the driver in a front row seat. Imagine Metallica and Iron Maiden together on the same stage that is the engine bay, playing live and loud at some Nascar race.
In every other aspect, the new BMW 650i makes a better convertible. Its two rear seats, for instance, are more comfortable now (although they are still surprisingly snug considering the exterior dimensions), and dashboard stowage has been improved.
The multi-layered cloth roof, which continues to boast distinctive “flying buttress” architecture and a powered rear glass window that serves as a wind deflector in alfresco mode, is not only quieter when doing its topless thing but also faster – 19 seconds to stash the hood and 25 seconds to raise it, versus 24 and 26 seconds previously. As before, the roof can be operated at speeds up to 40km/h.
At double, or even triple, that speed, this natural boulevard cruiser turns into a supernatural bruiser. Switch the Adaptive Drive mode to Sport or the even snappier Sport+, and it does an earnest impersonation of a sports car – steering, accelerating and gearshifting with (electronically) unbridled gusto.
It powers convincingly through corners, but there is a point in its powerful handling envelope where the 650i feels big and heavy (over 1.9 tonnes).
The tai-tais and towkays destined to drive this new BMW will probably be more interested to know how it rides, and here is our verdict: good over smooth tarmac and generally well-insulated. Everything is user-friendly (including the fancier gadgets such as the head-up display and rear-view camera), but the boot lid is not the easiest to lift open.
Adventurous skydrivers will enjoy the latest BMW 650i convertible – as long as they cannot remember (or choose to forget) its thumping predecessor.
BMW 650i Convertible 4.4 (A)
ENGINE 4395cc, 32-valves, V8, turbocharged
MAX POWER 407bhp at 5500-6400rpm
MAX TORQUE 600Nm at 1750-4500rpm
GEARBOX 8-speed automatic with manual select
0-100KM/H 5 seconds
TOP SPEED 250km/h
CONSUMPTION 9.3km/L
PRICE INCL. COE $422,800 (as of September 2011)
Check out the BMW 6 Series Convertible
BMW 6 Series and 6 Series Gran Coupe deliver a coupe de grace
