- Competes with: Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
- Looks like: BMW’s new design language can be gorgeous
- Drivetrain: 400-hp, turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8, six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission
- Hits dealerships: Spring 2011
When BMW rolled out the latest 7 Series — and subsequent 5 Series — its new design language was bold and stylish, but not necessarily drop-dead gorgeous. The canvas drop-top 650i convertible, however, could easily be considered just that, gorgeous.
Even its slightly larger proportions — it’s 2.9 inches longer, 1.5 inches wider — versus the outgoing 6 Series don’t dampen the sculpted looks in the least. The new-generation 6 Series is based on the same platform that underpins the new 5 and 7 Series, and it sports the turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 found in those models as well. In this convertible, the engine — whether it’s teamed to a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic — can get the 650i to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Selectable driving modes — including Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+ — are standard.
The cloth top takes 19 seconds to open and 24 seconds to close, and it can be operated while driving up to 25 mph, according to BMW. The top comes in black or beige.
The interior does not ape either the 5 or 7 Series. The center stack is topped by a huge stand-alone 10.2-inch screen; iDrive is standard. The rest of the stack has a counter on the right side that’s angled toward the driver.
A coupe version is expected to be announced in the coming months. For now, check out more images below.
