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The 2012 650i Convertible again features an electrically powered soft-top
roof with flying buttress architecture. The multi-layer canvas roof -optimized
in terms of its acoustic properties and structural rigidity - offers outstanding
thermal insulation and thus enables the new convertible to be used comfortably
all year round. The buttresses project out along the flanks of the 650i into its
rear section, accentuating the car's gracefully sweeping silhouette and giving
it an unmistakable appearance. The transition of the roofline into the rear end
flows as smoothly as on a hard-top coupe.
The heated, vertical glass rear
window, which is situated just behind the rear seats, is retracted independently
from the soft top itself. This reduces the volume of the soft-top components
that need to be stowed in the soft-top compartment, leaving more room for
luggage in the low-profile trunk of the new BMW 650i Convertible. The
independent rear window also allows just the right amount of fresh air to be
admitted to the car, when desired. Conversely, leaving the rear window up while
lowering the top keeps air turbulence in the rear to a minimum.
The
automatic opening and closing operation for the roof is activated by holding a
button on the center console. Opening the roof takes 19 seconds, the closing
process 24 seconds. Importantly, as with the preceding generation, both
operations can be activated while on the move at speeds up to 25 mph (40 km/h).
The roof of the new BMW 650i Convertible is available in two colors,
including new beige. Two non-metallic exterior paint colors and seven metallic
shades are available. Exclusive Nappa leather is standard in the United States,
and can be ordered in four color options (Vermillion Red, Ivory White, Cinnamon
Brown, and Black). The instrument panel, center console, and the upper sections
of the rear door panel and side trim can also be lined with Nappa leather with
contrasting stitching as an option.
BMW's Traditional Driver-Oriented
Cockpit
The 2012 BMW 650i Convertible is designed to be a 2+2-seater.
Its interior offers individually tailored seats for the driver, front passenger
and rear passengers. High-quality materials, carefully coordinated colors and,
once again, meticulously formed surfaces combine to produce an ambience defined
by luxury, sweeping style and Teutonic functionality. A hallmark BMW element of
the interior design is the driver-oriented cockpit layout. The central section
of the instrument panel, containing the iDrive system's Central Display, the air
vents and the controls for the audio system and air conditioning, are all angled
slightly towards the driver. Added to which, the gearshift lever and the
switches for the parking brake, roof operation and Driving Dynamics Control are
located on a surface that opens out towards the driver and is set lower than the
front passenger side of the center console.
The front passenger area is
bordered by a surface curving elegantly from the armrest over the side edge of
the center console, upwards and outwards into the instrument panel and then
horizontally into the door trim. This provides a harmonious surround for the
front passenger area, creating a feeling of exclusive security. The contour of
the rear waistline surface, which extends slightly into the interior between the
head restraints, highlights the individual seat layout of the rear.
The
2012 BMW 650i Convertible is fitted with newly developed lightweight seats with
an integrated seatbelt system and standard 20-way multi-contour adjustability
and adjustable lumbar support. Optionally, the Luxury Seating Package adds front
ventilated seats and active fatigue reduction can be added.
V-8 Engine
with High Precision Direct Injection and Turbocharging
The 4.4-liter
V-8 engine develops a maximum 400 hp between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm, and makes peak
torque of 450 lb-ft between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. This unique "reverse-flow"
engine, whose turbochargers are positioned in the V-area between the cylinder
banks, produces an instantaneous and sustained wave of power, making it an
energetic delight for the enthusiast driver.
Instantaneous power and
torque are the stand-out features of the V-8 engine available of the new BMW
650i Convertible. The engine combines sporting character with outstanding
smoothness, linear power delivery, and exceptional efficiency. The engine can be
paired with either BMW's new 8-speed Sport Automatic gearbox or BMW's
traditional 6-speed manual transmission, quite popular with North American
enthusiasts.
The 2012 BMW 650i Convertible completes the sprint from 0 to
60 mph in 4.9 seconds with the manual transmission (4.9 seconds with the 8-speed
automatic), and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. This engine also
boasts extraordinary efficiency for a model in its output class. EPA figures
will be available closer to the on-sale date in 2011.
8-Speed Sport
Automatic Transmission
The 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission
fitted to the 650i Convertible boasts a perfect combination of speed,
flexibility, sportiness, and efficiency. Its minimal torque converter slip and
rapid gear changes set it apart. An innovative gear set configuration allows
this transmission to offer eight gears, optimizing the sprinting power yet
allowing the driver to save fuel by driving at low revs. Naturally, the driver
can choose to select gears manually via shift paddles on the standard Sport
leather steering wheel.
In addition to the efficiency of the engine and
8-speed Sport Automatic transmission, an extensive range of BMW
EfficientDynamics measures contribute to reducing fuel consumption and
emissions. Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand operation of ancillary
components, intelligent lightweight construction and extensive aerodynamic
refinement ensure maximum efficiency.
Freestanding Central Display
With Flatscreen Design
The black-panel instrument cluster of the new
BMW 650i Convertible combines the traditional sports car circular instruments
with state-of-the-art display technology. The Navigation system, telephone and
entertainment functions are operated using the iDrive control system, whose
Central Display boasts an innovative design. The on-board monitor takes the form
of a freestanding display for the first time in the new BMW 650i Convertible.
The standard 10.2 inch screen features a high-quality galvanized chrome
surround. The shallow depth of the display gives it a modern character.
Transreflective technology ensures the display remains easy-to-read in bright
sunlight. The new arrangement of the Central Display - which now reaches further
into the passenger compartment -influences the architecture of the instrument
panel, which rises steeply in front of the driver and front passenger.
This impression is further enhanced by the structure of the door trim panels.
Their surfaces have a powerfully taut look and, like the black waistline
surface, pull in and rise up to create a smooth transition into the instrument
panel, giving the interior the effect of wrapping around the driver and front
passenger.
BMW ConnectedDrive
The 2012 650i Convertible is
available with a great variety of driver assistance systems and mobility
services from BMW ConnectedDrive. The comprehensive Driver Assistance Package
includes Automatic High Beams, Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot
Detection, Rear and Top View cameras, Parking Assistant, and a new
three-dimensional, full-color Head-Up Display. Also available are BMW's Night
Vision with Pedestrian Detection, Active Cruise Control with stop-and-go
capability.
World Debut of New-Generation Head-Up Display
Like its predecessor, the new 650iConvertible is the only vehicle in its class
with an optional Head-Up Display system. By projecting important information
onto the windshield, directly in the driver's line of sight, the Head-Up Display
minimizes distraction from the road and traffic. The new-generation system
brings a further improvement in display quality: the symbols are projected as
three-dimensional graphics and in ultra-clear resolution onto the windshield.
Full-color capability makes the road sign symbols even more realistic. At the
same time the Head-Up Display is now able to present a wider range of
information. Depending on vehicle specification, guidance information supplied
by the Navigation system, Check Control messages, status messages from the Lane
Departure Warning System and warnings from the BMW Night Vision system can all
be shown in the Head-Up Display. The positioning of the messages on the
windshield is highly ergonomic, so that drivers are aware of them without having
to refocus or take their eyes off the road.
The intensity of the
projection automatically adjusts to the ambient light level, and the brightness
setting can be adjusted via the iDrive menu. The driver can also choose what
information will appear in the Head-Up Display in addition to road speed and
warnings from the driver assistance systems.
Rear-View, Top View, and
Side View Cameras
To supplement the standard Park Distance Control,
which uses ultrasonic sensors to monitor distance from objects in front or
behind, the 2012 650i Convertible also features a standard rear-view camera. The
camera is integrated in the trunklid under the BMW "roundel" badge, which
protects it from dirt. When the rear-view camera is activated, the roundel badge
pivots up out of the way to expose the camera lens. The perspective-corrected
color images are relayed to the Central Display. Superimposed on the images are
interactive tracking lines which indicate the optimal steering angle for
parking, as well as the tightest turning circle.
The optional Top View
system with Side View provides an even more comprehensive picture. In addition
to the rear-view camera and the PDC sensors, this system also uses a fish-eye
camera in each of the side mirrors. The data acquired by Top View is relayed to
a central computer which generates a bird's eye view of both vehicle and
surroundings and presents the image in the Central Display. This view allows the
driver to maneuver precisely in confined spaces.
The Side View function
uses two cameras integrated in the front fenders to provide an improved view of
cross-traffic at speeds below 10mph. These images are relayed to the Central
Display where they may give the driver an early idea of what is happening on the
road to the left and right of the car when pulling out from narrow and concealed
gateways or car park exits.
Chassis Management and Optional Integral
Active Steering
Cutting-edge chassis technology gives the new BMW
650i Convertible the tools to provide both sporty handling and exceptional
comfort. The double wishbone front axle and the multi-link rear axle are made
predominantly from aluminum. The chassis is geared to the requirements of
drivers with sporting intentions, although the dampers also respond sensitively
to bumps in the road surface under high lateral acceleration. The optional
Active Roll Stabilization combines with the standard Dynamic Damper Control to
offer the driver even more precise responses and perfectly flat cornering
ability. The electronically controlled shock absorbers adapt to the road surface
and the driver's style to perfectly control the car's body motions.
The
new BMW 650i Convertible is the first car in its class that can be equipped with
Integral Active Steering. This system combines the Active Steering system for
the front axle (available on the previous generation 6 Series Convertible) with
a new, steerable rear axle. Precisely harmonized steering angle movements at
both axles create a virtual lengthening or shortening of the vehicle's
wheelbase, which fosters greater high-speed stability and enhanced
maneuverability for parking and city use.
Driving Dynamics Control
With standard Driving Dynamics Control, the dominant virtues of athletic
driving sportiness and ride comfort can be chosen by the driver as situations
demand. The driver can choose settings of COMFORT, NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+
modes using the large rocker switch on the center console. Affected parameters
include the tuning of the throttle response, power steering assistance, shock
absorbers, roll stabilization (if equipped), Integral Active Steering (if
equipped), and automatic transmission shift characteristics. In SPORT+ mode, the
Dynamic Traction Control mode of the standard Dynamic Stability Control system
is activated, raising the thresholds for stability intervention in the most
sport-oriented driving circumstances.
BMW 650i Convertible: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications