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The latest BMW 650i facelift gives an indication on how the times are a changing. It's no so much as face lift as a techno upgrade. The last freshen-up before a new model is released in 2012. Some might say it's overdue, but the 650i remains one of the most impressive looking grand tourers on the road and the updates in 2008 and 2009 have kept it fresh.
Right now the buzz word with manufacturers is `efficiency'. Mercedes has Blue Efficiency, Audi talks efficiency in every media release and BMW calls it's take on the subject, EfficientDynamics. In a nutshell all manufacturers are looking at ways to get more efficient cars and engines with fewer emissions without sacrificing performance.
To do this they are employing a variety of methods to allow vehicles to conserve power, reduce emissions and improve economy, and slip through the air with more ease. BMW's update of the 650i includes Brake Energy Regeneration, which can drop fuel consumption by up to 6.8 per cent. It works by generating power from energy otherwise wasted as lost heat in the braking system.
As a result the sexy sports coupe records a 5.4 per cent reduction in fuel use, and now claims 10.5 lites/100 km, down from 11.1 litres/100 km. It's a small, but significant gain as a result of looking at the whole-of-car potential to become more efficient. It's also a trend that is seeing smaller, more powerful, and efficient engines being fitted to Europe's most exclusive marques.
The second techno upgrade is the fitting of the latest generation iDrive system with a new high-resolution 8.8” monitor with navigation, high-definition TV and 80GB hard drive. Audio files can be up to 12 GB, or hundreds of your favourite songs. Best of all the navigation data is stored in the navigation system itself and the navigation DVD is no longer needed. To update the navigation program BMW dealerships upgrade the data by using the vehicle's USB interface.
While these are tangible modernisations, the 650i also gets an upgrade to add visible appeal to carry the car – and sales – through to the next generation. There's a new bonnet with arrow-shaped character lines, new 19 inch alloy wheels replacing the old 18 inch wheels, fitted with low profile tyres, tail pipes in dark chrome and a new, purposeful, exhaust note.
What has not altered is the magnificent 4.8 litre, 32 valve V8 that is at ease pushing around this 1650 kg machine. The engine boasts 270 kW of power and 490 Nm of torque which propel the car from 0-100 km/h in a mere 5.2 seconds. Docile it isn't.
We really like the interior with it's contoured seats - just four of them - with matching contoured interior. This is a really feel-good place to be while driving. The interior is high-tech, but simple, which may sound like a contradiction. The reality is that it is a simple interior, not cluttered by too many guages, switches and other bits and pieces that some manufacturers put in place to impress buyers. At $227,300, 650i buyers are astute enough to know what is, and isn't, necessary. The interior matches the car's classic, clean exterior lines.
This upgrade freshens up a car that really is almost timeless in it's design and significant in performance as a grand tourer. There's a lot to like about it and nothing of consequence to question.
MODEL RANGE AND PRICING
BMW 650i Sport Coupe $227,300*
BMW 650i Sport Convertible $245,100
(*Does not include dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory or dealer charges)
FEATURES
ABS Brakes: Standard
Air Conditioning: Standard
Automatic Transmission: Standard
CD Player: Standard
Central Locking: Standard
Cruise Control: Standard
Dual Front Airbags: Standard
Front Side Airbags: Standard
Stability Control: Standard
Traction Control: Standard
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE:
Capacity: 4.799 litres
Configuration: V8
Head Design: 32 Valve
Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
Bore/Stroke: 88.3 mm x 93.0 mm
Maximum Power: 270 kW @ 6300 rpm
Maximum Torque: 490 Nm @ 3400 rpm
DRIVELINE:
Driven Wheels: Rear
Manual Transmission: N/A
Automatic Transmission: Six speed with paddle shifters
Final Drive Ratio: 3.46
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4820 mm
Wheelbase: 2780 mm
Width: 1855 mm
Height: 1374 mm
Turning Circle: 11.4 metres
Kerb Mass: 1650 kg (1860 kg convertible)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 litres
SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:
Front Suspension: Double joint spring strut front axle
Rear Suspension: Spring strut
Front Brakes: Ventilated discs
Rear Brakes: Ventilated discs
PERFORMANCE:
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 5.2 seconds
FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Type: RON98
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 10.5 L/100km
GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:
Greenhouse Rating: 5/10
Air Pollution Rating: 5/10
STANDARD WARRANTY:
3 years/ unlimited km |
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