Coupe or convertible, the BMW 6 Series offers a combination of comfort, luxury, sportiness, great performance and ease of operation that's hard to beat. The 650i delivers excellent handling, exhilarating acceleration and supreme stability, and it comes with the latest active safety features. It's not a four-seater, however, it's a 2+2; the rear seat might better be described as a pet or package shelf. If seating for four is not a priority, the biggest decision with the 650i is choosing between the coupe and the convertible. You can't go wrong there.
NewCarTestDrive.com editor Mitch McCullough filed this report from Beverly Hills.
Model Line Overview
Model lineup:
BMW 650i Coupe ($71,800); 650i Convertible ($78,800)
two-stage front-impact airbags; front seat side-impact airbags; front safety belt tensioners and force limiters; automatic-locking retractors on all safety belts and Isofix attachments for child restraint seats; Dynamic Stability Control skid-management electronics; ABS with electronic brake proportioning and dynamic brake control; BMW Assist telematics with automatic collision notification and SOS button
Safety equipment (optional):
head protection airbags (standard on coupe); rollover protection system (standard on convertible)
Basic warranty:
4 years/ 50,000 miles
Assembled in:
Dingolfing, Germany
Specifications As Tested
Model tested (MSRP):
BMW 645Ci Coupe ($71,800)
Standard equipment:
automatic dual-zone climate control with micron air filter; Dakota leather upholstery; moonroof; rain-sensing wipers; Park Distance Control obstacle sensing front and rear with graphic display; heated windshield washer jets; AM/FM/CD with 8 speakers; voice command system; power windows with one-touch operation; 12-way power driver's seat with 4-way power lumbar; three-position memory for driver's seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors; power tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel with multi-function controls; universal garage door opener; cruise control; Dynamic Driving Control with normal and sport modes; flat tire monitor
Options as tested (MSRP):
Sport Package ($1,800) includes sport seats, 19-inch sport wheels with performance run-flat tires and Shadowline high-gloss exterior trim; Active Steering ($1,250)
Destination charge:
($695)
Gas guzzler tax:
1000
Price as tested (MSRP):
$76,545
Layout:
rear-wheel drive
Engine:
4.8-liter dohc 32v V8
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
360 @ 6300
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
360 @ 3400
Transmission:
6-speed manual
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
16/23 mpg
Wheelbase:
109.4 in.
Length/width/height:
190.2/73.0/54.1 in.
Track, f/r:
61.3/62.7 in.
Turning circle:
37.4 ft.
Seating capacity:
2+2
Head/hip/leg room, f:
37.3/NA/42.0 in.
Head/hip/leg room, m:
N/A
Head/hip/leg room, r:
35.5/NA/30.1 in.
Cargo volume:
13.0 cu. ft.
Payload:
N/A
Towing capacity:
N/A
Suspension, f:
independent
Suspension, r:
independent
Ground clearance:
N/A
Curb weight:
3814 lbs.
Tires:
245/40WR19 / 275/35WR19 run-flat performance
Brakes, f/r:
vented disc/vented disc with ABS Dynamic Stability Control, electronic brake proportioning, dynamic brake control
Fuel capacity:
18.5 gal.
Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle.
All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) effective as of September 01, 2005.
Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges.
N/A: Information not available or not applicable.
Manufacturer Info Sources:
1-800-334-4BMW -
www.bmwusa.com
