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BMW 650i Coupe review: Sleek and effortless cruiser with supercar-shaming performance

BMW 650i 4
The BMW 650i Coupe. The version we reviewed was the M Sport auto

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29 May 2015

BMW 650i Coupe review

What is it?

IF the idea of a Porsche 911 isn’t exotic enough or a Maserati GranTuirsmo not compelling enough, the recently facelifted BMW 6 Series Coupe could be the car for you.

This range topping BMW 650i Coupe comes with the heart of an M6 but the without the ostentatious exterior styling.

However, you’ll be hard pressed to note the visual changes over the previous model, with a new LED headlamps and only nine rather than ten bars in the kidney grille making up the bulk of exterior changes.

BMW has instead focused on the greasy bits beneath the surface, with the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 now developing 444bhp – a 40bhp increase. That may still be 100bhp down on the ballistic M6 but there’s plenty of oomph in reserve to fire you along at pace.

The BMW 650i Coupe under review here is the M Sport auto version.

What’s good?

  • There is plenty to like about the new 650i. Firstly, the engine is a peach. It’s the same basic unit as that in the M6 but comes without the bespoke turbos and various other mechanical magic.
  • Both produce – roughly – the same amount of torque, so there’s ample shove from low revs. Bury the throttle and there’s little hesitation from the engine when picking up speed.
  • It sounds great, too. BMW has fitted a new sports exhaust to the 650i which delivers a deep burble under hard acceleration and pops and bangs when you lift off. It’s addictive, but doesn’t do the fuel economy any favours.
  • The 6 Series is only available as an automatic, but that’s no bad thing as the eight-speed auto is a delight. Changes are smooth and effortless when you want them to be and snappy and urgent when you need them to be.
  • The optional adaptive dampers, which offers up ‘comfort’, ‘sport’ and ‘eco’ alters the ferocity of the gear changes. It also adds weight to the steering and sharpens up throttle response, too.
  • The powertrain combination makes the BMW 650i Coupe one of the most relaxing cruisers around. It’s hushed and muted when pottering along but a couple of clicks on the left paddle raises the volume and speed at the blink of an eye.
  • If the svelte Coupe doesn’t serve up enough space, BMW also offers a larger four-door Gran Coupe as well as a convertible version.
  • The cabin is beautifully appointed, with lashing of leather and trick digital dials.

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