Restyled, re-equipped and re-powered for 2012, the BMW 6 Series is entering its second generation with a laundry list of changes and updates.
Key among them?
New turbocharged powerplants, more digestible styling, and more high-tech goodies than ever. Oh and, of course, the droptop 6 Series Cabriolet model has made a return, too.
Classy yet again
The tested 650i convertible is a seriously classy piece of hardware. If the detailed and elegant body didn't give that away, plenty of things on-board will. Self-sealing doors, heated and chilled massaging seats, many square feet of stitched leather and a heated steering wheel were all fitted. Ditto a cabin air filtration system, dark wood trim and motorized or automatic everything. Heck, there's even a carpeted glovebox.
In typical BMW fashion, the 650i's cabin blends luxury and ultra high tech in a virtually seamless manner, with leather and contrasting stitching broken up with numerous control panels, displays and consoles.
Gadgets, anyone?
Some of these control such things as the 650i's adjustable drive mode selector, which allows switching between several comfortable or sporty vehicle calibrations on the fly. Or the various radar-guided warning systems. Or the all-commanding iDrive system. Or the Night Vision system, which uses thermal imaging for early detection of roadgoing creatures lurking just ahead of headlight range.
Extra points for the magnificent stereo system and massive infotainment screen, too.
Roof-optional driving
The tester's roof can be dismissed in a matter of seconds at the touch of a button, and operates in both directions at up to 40 kilometres per hour. Translation? If that traffic light turns green a little early, one needn't make motorists wait for the conclusion of their hardtop panel gymnastics display before taking off.
Top down, turbulence and noise in the front row of seating is kept surprisingly low until well over the speed limit. Conversations can be carried without raising one's voice, even at far higher-than-recommended speeds.
Back-seat noise and turbulence is more generous. The rear seats are comfortable once settled into, though they're of course intended for smaller, younger passengers.
Top up, the 650i's wind noise levels are on par with your average sports coupe. It's not as quiet as a hard-top luxury coupe, but it doesn't sound like a giant tent driving down the highway, either. On any road, the tester felt solid, heavy and bolted down while transmitting minimal suspension or tire noise into the cabin over most surfaces. Occupants sit low within the wide and spacious cabin, with a seating position like a proper sports car, despite roominess closer to that of a luxury sedan.
The 6's new 8
As nicely executed as the 650i is, two problems found on nearly all convertibles still apply. First, roof-up visibility is limited to the sides and rear of the vehicle. Second, birds only poop on convertibles. Anyone who owns one will back this up.
Should a flock of seagulls with diarrhea zero in on your Six, outrunning them is no problem - thanks to BMW's 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8. It drives the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic with paddle shift.
Yes, 8 speeds. This transmission is the smoothest and slickest I've ever used, period - and it shifts at lightning speed and with totally imperceptible smoothness, even for downshifts that send the tachometer towards the redline. Observed fuel economy is 12.5 L/100km.
You can even have the 650i with a six-speed manual transmission. You know, the kind with a shift lever and clutch pedal. Output? Four hundred horsepower.
Power delivery is more than generous, the exhaust burbles and pops gently during gear shifts, and the entire experience of the opened-up 650 is liquid smooth, quietly aggressive and very quick. Four-wheel steering and active motorized sway bars enhance agility and can make the 650i feel smaller and easier to drive.
Comfort first
This car isn't a corner-carving weapon first and foremost - and it's big, comfortable and heavy. Though it's willing to play ball if you toss it around, the 650i doesn't constantly encourage exploration of its limits like sportier BMW models. The 650i is more about relaxing, taking in the scenery, and looking good doing it.
So, how much? Carrying a list of options worth as much as a nice Honda, the tested 650i Cabriolet stickered at just over $129,000 worth of cutting-edge German luxury, performance and engineering advancements.
Just be sure to consider the Jaguar XKR as well. This British posh-rocket is your writer's favourite 6 Series competitor, and one that packs 110 more horsepower and a far more aggressive demeanor into the same pricing ballpark. The Jag is more old-school, but it is sexy as all heck - and has an exhaust note that could shatter nearby glass objects.
Still, the 650i Cabriolet is a must-drive for folks looking to invest their hard-earned hundred-plus grand on a drop-top that prioritizes comfort, technology, luxury and performance.
Be sure to give it a test drive alongside the aforementioned Jaguar XKR and Mercedes-Benz CL-Class or SL-Class. Having to choose a vehicle in this segment is a nice problem to have.
