Review 2010 BMW 650i Convertible: fast, slick and in command

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Now in its seventh year, the BMW 650i is available as a coupe and convertible. It will likely impress BMW fans and alienate car buyers
who wonder why so much fuss is made about the popular Germany automaker's offerings.

There's no denying the 2010 650i is attractive. It debuted in 2004 and was updated in 2006 and in 2008. The current edition offers smooth body lines not to dissimilar from the look of classic Porsches.

The weekly driver I tested during a 500-mile, round-trip trek from Sacramento to Carmel, Ca., for the yearly Concours on the Avenue, was a pleasant journey of confident, largely major auto route driving. That's BMW's place to shine, and the 650i did ― even if we opted for the "easy way" and had the top up.

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The Ratings

Acceleration (8)
What's not to like? 360 horsepower 4.8-liter V8 with 19-inch high performance wheels
($1,300 option). The 650i isn't categorized as a sports car but it questions the definition between luxury coupe and sports car. The coupe is rated from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The convertible is slightly heavier and thus slightly slower.
Braking/Steering/Handling (7)
These are BMW trademarks and so there's not a lot to fault. It's a heavy vehicle and requires heavier braking. And like all BMWs, the steering is rigid and wonderfully efficient.

Cargo Room (4)
Adequate room for suitcases and/or groceries, but the convertible top has to go somewhere and that function cuts into space allocated for cargo. The 650i also has a higher entry ledge. It's not bad, but it requires an extra effort with luggage.

Controls (6)
The one major technology improvement BMW is touting is the new iDrive with on-board computer, controller and six memory buttons. It's located between the two front seats. It all still looks complicated and I didn't test it. Clean, visible lines on odometer, speedometer and intuitive radio and other controls.

Details (6)
Classic BMW look ― sleek, masculine, good interior/exterior color coordination. BMW does exterior paint welcome, and the Atlantic Blue Metallic is handsome yet understated. It's almost as nice as BMW's finest exterior color Deep
Sea Blue Metallic. The convertible has a heated, glass rear window that retracts or stays up independently from the top. Retracting the top took 25 seconds in several tests. There's also only one cup-holder, attached oddly . . . like perhaps it was an afterthought.

Front Seats (6)
Well-designed, comfortable and adjustable in numerous positions. But for the car's price point, the seats fall well shy of plush.

Fuel Economy (3)
With its power engine, heaviness and big wheels, the 650i isn't on the radar of eco-friendliness. It shouldn't really be expected to be, either. But, geez, the gas needle and digital display are constantly busy. EPA estimate averages are 15 mpg (city) and 23 mpg (highway).

Quietness (7)
Cloth-top convertibles aren't known for particularly quiet driving, but the 650i's lack of freeway noise is commendable with the convertible top and contoured body keeps the wind rush in good control with the top down.

Rear Seats (2)
There are two seats and they're easy to access, but with front-seat occupants in no more than a mid-range position, there's no leg room in the back.

Ride Quality (7)
Hey, it's a BMW. Solid all the way around, more on the highway when the car's personality comes to the forefront.

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Total (56 out of 100)
Class ― Luxury coupe/convertible.

Primary competition ― 2010 Nissan GT-R.

For safety features/standard equipment/option package information, visit: www.bmwusa.com.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price ― $85,300.00.

Price As Driven ― $92,670.00

Mileage Estimates ― 15 mpg (city), 23 mpg (hwy).

Warranty ― Bumper-to-bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Drivetrain, 4 years/50,000 miles; Roadside assistance, 4 years/unlimited miles; Corrosion, 12 years/unlimited miles.

What Others Say:

"Elegant cabins match lofty pricing with top-notch materials and assembly. However, all the high-tech electronics give us cause for concern. On one test coupe, pressing the keyfob's trunk-release switch regularly set off the alarm system."

—- Consumer Guide.com

The Weekly Driver’s Final Words ― When the 2010 scoots down the road, heads turn. With the top down, it's a well-contoured sports car in which passengers (no more than two) can't help but have fun. The 650i is fast, slick and in command. But it's also categorized as a four-passenger car and it does have four seats. But with a base price of $85,000 shouldn't there be some place for back seat occupants to put their legs?

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James James, a journalist since 1976, is co-author of Tour de France For
Dummies. He owns several websites, contributes to many print and online
publications and is also the editor of TheWeeklyDriver.com. A long-distance runner for nearly 30 years, Raia also rides his bike — to nearby coffeehouses. E-mail: james@byjamesraia.com.