2010 BMW 6-Series,Review

The BMW 650i Coupe and Convertible receive the latest version of BMW's iDrive software and a hard-drive-based navigation system with 13 gigabytes of multimedia storage. For better or worse, the 2010 BMW 6 Series is a reminder of what happened on erstwhile BMW design chief Chris Bangle's watch.

Additional points in the 6 Series' favor include a choice of coupe and convertible body styles, a trick soft top with an independent power glass rear window on the convertible, and excellent ride and handling characteristics. Though you'll certainly want to check out Mercedes-Benz's new E-Class Coupe as well as the Jaguar XK-Series, this BMW continues to be a very appealing luxury sport coupe and convertible. Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 BMW 650i is available in coupe and convertible body styles.

Options include a Sport package that adds 19-inch wheels, sport seats, a sport-tuned suspension, a body kit, different exhaust tuning, a unique hood design, an Alcantara headliner (coupe only) and exclusive color options. Standard safety equipment includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes with advanced standby and drying features, stability control, front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags and active head restraints. The coupe features side curtain airbags while the convertible gets pop-up rollover hoops.

Both coupe and convertible have an easy-entry feature for accessing the rear quarters, but only the convertible's is power-operated. Driving Impressions The 2010 BMW 650i isn't as sporting as some other BMW models, but its well-controlled body motions and firm-yet-supple ride are certainly up to BMW standards.

2012 BMW 6-Series,Reviews

The 2012 BMW 6 Series has been fully redesigned. Taken all together, the 2012 BMW 6 Series shapes up to be a very impressive grand touring coupe and convertible. The 2012 BMW 6 Series is currently offered as a 650i coupe and convertible only. Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, an adaptive suspension, adaptive xenon headlights, LED foglights, parking sensors, power-folding mirrors, a large tilt-only sunroof, 16-way power front seats, driver and passenger memory functions, leather upholstery, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, auto-dimming mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control and a rearview camera.

The convertible has a power soft top with a glass rear window that can be raised and lowered independently. The Luxury Seating package adds a power rear sunshade and ventilated front seat with adjustable bolsters and a massage feature. Other options include 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, active steering, active roll stabilization, an infrared night vision display, BMW Apps enhanced smartphone integration, extended leather upholstery and enhanced interior trim materials.

Powertrains and Performance EPA-estimated fuel economy for an automatic-equipped convertible stands at 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined. Standard safety equipment includes four-wheel antilock brakes with advanced standby and drying features, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags, active head restraints and BMW Assist.

Interior Design and Special
Features It's not as elegant as the Jaguar XK's streamlined design, but the 2012 BMW 650i interior offers top-shelf materials and craftsmanship in a fitting, cockpit-centric design. The convertible's heated rear window retracts independently of the soft top, doubling as a wind deflector when the top is dropped.

Driving Impressions Optional Active Steering also uses rear-wheel steering for low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability.