HIGHS
Terrific engine and automatic tranny; styling gets you noticed. |
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LOWS
Lacks the handling finesse we expect of a BMW; styling gets attention because it is ugly; tiny back seat. |
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WHAT'S NEW
Introduced for 2004; got 35 more horsepower and a name change to 650i for 2006. |
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BEHIND THE WHEEL
The 650i is reasonably fast and hangs on well, but it rides stiffly and lacks panache. |
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CAPSULE REVIEW
There are few disappointing BMWs, but this is one of them. Based on the 650i Coupe, it features a neat power top, but recently came fourth out of five in a comparison test of high-zoot ragtops. It simply feels big, heavy, and clumsy compared with a Mercedes SL550 or Porsche 911. |
Editorial by: Car and Driver
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VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe
PRICE AS TESTED: $83,520 (base price: $75,475)
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 293 cu in, 4799cc
Power (SAE net): 360 bhp @ 6300 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 360 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 109.4 in Length: 190.2 in Width: 73.0 in Height: 54.1 in
Curb weight: 3857 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 5.0 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 12.3 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 20.7 sec
Street start, 5–60 mph: 5.5 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.6 sec @ 105 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 151 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 160 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.92 g
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 15/23 mpg
C/D-observed: 19 mpg |
