I drove the new BMW 650i for about a week. Yes, it's a tough job, but somebody has to review these cars for you, right? It's all good, except for one small thing...Find out more by reading on.
BMW took the already cool 645, juiced it upward to a 4.8 liter V8, and renamed it the 650. I can't even count the number of people who have told me that they consider this by far the coolest looking BMW. Yeah, I'll agree with that. Its exterior makes it one of the hottest cars on the road. What's the drawback? I'll get to that eventually.
Power is no problem, that's for sure. Step on the gas, and hang on, because the 650 wants to run. It will cost you in gas mileage (and a gas guzzler tax added when you make the purchase). But few people worry about that when they're in the market for this kind of animal. Sporty handling is fantastic, a step up from the 5-series that this car is based on. Steering, braking, shifting, all taut and smooth.
The interior is obviously comfy, and there's plenty of room in the front...not so much in the back, but you didn't expect that, right? The overall experience made it hard to give this car back. So, what's the only negative?
The same negative that I've harped on for the last couple of years with BMW. That ridiculous iDrive knob on the center console makes me crazy. Sure, lots of people love it, but I'm not in that camp. Never have been, never will. It controls audio, climate, navigation, and more. And it's a pain. Sorry, BMW, but it is, and you know it. There were times I wished for a co-pilot next to me to handle the chores of surfing through the menus. I suppose one could get used to it...but why should we have to?
Other than that little complaint, this car is special, and looks it. Starting MSRP is in the 70s, but you get your money's worth. Test drive it today at your friendly neighborhood BMW dealer.