Autumn 2005 saw BMW launch a new product offensive the like of which Exotic Car Rentals ever witnessed. The roller doors opened at Munich and out spewed the 318d, the 318i, the 330d, a whole new M-Sport trim for the 3 Series, the 540i and the 550i, a revised 530d, X3s 2.0i and 3.0d, upgrades to the 1 Series and, finally, the car we examine here, the 650i.
As with the 645Ci (BMW have dropped the C now), two bodystyles are offered in 650i guise, a coupe or a convertible. Perhaps feeling that the 645Ci was trying to cover too many bases, BMW has allowed the 650i to become more of a specialist player. The standard car is an unashamed GT vehicle, and a Sport model has been slipped into the line up to offer a more focused version. Think of it as 80 per cent of an M6 and youre not far off the mark.
While keeping the same basic styling, the Sport models feature unique multi-spoke 19-inch alloys, an M leather Sports steering wheel, sports seats, an anthracite coloured headlining, BMWs high-gloss exterior trim pack and dark birch interior finish. Where the 650i really scores over its predecessor is in sheer grunt. Although few felt that the 328bhp served up by the 645Ci was in any way limp-wristed, the appearance of some seriously powerful Mercedes and Audi models has prompted BMW to join the horsepower race. An increase in engine capacity to 4,799cc sees power jump to 367bhp and torque to 361lb.
This latter figure is virtually on par with the M6 and gives some hint as to how muscular this car feels especially at higher speeds. It has that feeling of unflagging acceleration at legal speeds that only a really deep-chested engine can deliver.
"Press the throttle pedal and the 650is acceleration shows no sign of flagging until youre at custodial speeds"
With a car like this, a sprint to 60mph figure is largely academic, but the 650i manages to knock a couple of tenths off the 645Cis mark, registering a 5.2 second showing on the way to its 155mph electronically limited top speed. BMW insiders reckon that without the limiter, this is a car that will nudge the double ton a testament to the engines strength and the aerodynamicists toils. There are prices to be paid for that extra sinew though.
Core driving functions are located in or around the steering wheel and a simplified version of the iDrive system offers a still enormous amount of driver control with just a few nudges, taps and twists of the serrated metal mouse. The iDrive system has been simplified a little and the interior of the 650i gets the almost obligatory Start/Stop button. BMW has also revised the options list, introducing refinements such as High Beam Assist, a system that adjusts to the optimum level of main beam illumination depending on oncoming traffic. Monaco Blue and Barbera Red are also added to the 6 Series exterior colour palette.
The BMW 6 Series isnt an easy car to love but its impossible not to admire what it has become. The 650i is a serious undertaking, although its unlikely to shift too many units in the UK, where it looks set to be outsold by its 630i sibling and overshadowed by the M6. If you do fall into the gap between these two models, the 650i is waiting for you.
