BMW’s latest two door sports car, the brand new 6 Series, has arrived down under in convertible form, with the launch this week of the 650i Convertible.
Smoother and less confronting than the previous 6 Series, the new model of the 2+2 coupe shape is also lower and wider, featuring more deeply set headlights and more flowing curves. And yes, the boot lid looks like it was designed to be there in the first place.
Our first look at the 6 Series Convertible has been (literally) dampened by the pouring rain here on the Gold Coast, but underneath those drops of water we can see quite a good looking profile. The 6 Series isn’t just about styling, though; there’s plenty of mumbo to back it up, too.
Under the bonnet lies the now-familiar 4.4-litre, twin turbo petrol V8 engine, producing a healthy 300kW and a grin-inducing 600Nm. What’s really special is that peak torque kicks in at 1750rpm and doesn’t let up until it’s over 4500rpm.
Couple that with the ZF eight-speed automatic (with paddle shifters) and you’ll find there’s plenty of urge in every gear and at any speed. The benchmark sprint from 0-100km/h, for example, is dispensed with in just 5.0 seconds. The remarkable thing is it’s still rated at 10.7-litres/100km on the combined ADR fuel cycle.
Let’s talk standard equipment. The 650i Convertible comes with the following:
* 19” V-Spoke alloys
* Adaptive headlights
* Bluetooth
* Comfort seats with lumbar support, heating and cooling (sports seats are a no-cost option)
* Professional Navigation
* Rear View Camera plus Surround View
* Front and Rear Park Distance Control
* High-Beam Assist
* Internet
* Bi-Xenon headlights
* Cruise Control with brake function
* LED fog lights
* USB and iPod connectivity
* Dynamic Driving Control and Adaptive Drive (altering the car’s suspension and gearshift mapping)
* Alarm System
* Ambient Light for the interior
* Dakota leather upholstery
* Hi Fi loudspeaker system
* Metallic paint
* TV function
The 650i Convertible also debuts digital radio, as well as full colour graphics for the head-up display. And the price for all this goodness? BMW will be selling the 650i Convertible for $248,300. The turbocharged six-cylinder 640i Convertible will go on sale around August at a price of $194,300.
Tomorrow we’ll be putting the 650i Convertible to the test through the Gold Coast Hinterland and will bring you a full road test report shortly afterward. Here’s hoping the rain holds off.
SOURCE: caradvice
