BMW 650i Coupe

Exterior

The most noticeable feature of the new generation 650i Coupe is the exquisite exterior design. Up front there is a large and slightly forward-slanting BMW kidney grille that gives the model a “shark nose” character, a V-shaped engine hood, high-quality chrome elements, and Adaptive Xenon headlamps as standard or Adaptive LED Headlights as an option.

The elegant lines also continue down the side of the car mimicking the waves in the ocean. Clearly defined lines guide one’s eye from the front wheel arch to the sporty gill feature and extending along the flank of the car to the rear. The door handles are integrated into the character line. A second defining line emerges from the swell of the front wheel arch and heads down between the gill and the door before leveling out towards the back of the car. The door sill line underneath it and an additional crease give the lower edge of the body a light and sporty appearance. The roofline of the new BMW 6 Series Coupe also swoops in an elegant, flat progression into the tail. All of the different and focused lines of the 650i Coupe undulate like the waves in an ocean in a clear and smooth pattern.

At the rear, the edges of the trunk lid and the license plate surround create a V-shape similar to the front, the trapezoidal exhaust outlets are positioned on either side of the air diffuser in the lower fascia, and the two LED-powered light strips generate the familiar BMW night-time look.

The car sits on powerful 8.5 x19-inch light-alloy wheels, with all-season runflat tires (size 245/40 R19) and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Interior

The interior also benefits from the increased size by offering more head and leg room for its passengers. Technology is also offered in abundance with extras such as BMW ConnectedDrive driver assistance systems,a rear-view camera, Surround View, Parking Assistant, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, a Lane Departure Warning System, a Lane Change Warning System, and BMW’s standard iDrive control system.

In order to ensure the utmost comfort for the driver, BMW has adjusted the iDrive system’s Central Display, the air vents, and the controls for the audio system and air conditioning so they are angled closer to the driver’s seat.

Engine

The new 650i Coupe is powered by a 4.4-liter V-8 engine that develops a total of 400 hp between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm, and 450 lb-ft of torque between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. Customers in the US will not be given the option for a diesel. The engine will be mated to one of two different transmissions: a new 8-speed Sport Automatic gearbox or BMW’s traditional 6-speed manual transmission.Either transmission will yield a 0 to 60 mph sprint of 4.8 seconds and a top speed limited to 155mph.

The new 8-Speed automatic transmission offers an innovative gear set configuration that allows the transmission to offer eight gears, maximizing acceleration at any road speed yet allowing the driver to conserve fuel by cruising at low revs. The driver can choose to select gears manually via shift paddles on the standard Sport leather steering wheel. The transmission is also combined with Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand operation of ancillary components, intelligent lightweight construction, and extensive aerodynamic refinement in order to ensure maximum efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.

Prices

The new 650i Coupe will go on sale in Fall 2011. With a starting price of $83,875, the coupe version is a few thousand dollars cheaper than the convertible version that is priced at $91,375

Competition

A much cheaper and mildly less powerful alternative to the 650i Coupe is the new Jaguar XK Coupe. The Jag is being offered with a 5.0-liter V8 engine that delivers a total of 385 HP and, as with 650i Coupe, comes with the disadvantage of having a top speed limited to 155 mph.

Another stitch on the XK’s side is the 6-speed automatic transmission, since the BMW 650i Coupe is already being offered with an 8-speed automatic transmission. That being said, the Jaguar XK is a bit more aggressive and sportier than the 6-Series so it just may be the perfect choice for those looking for sport rather than luxury. The Jaguar also starts in at about $83,000 and we expect the BMW to be priced a bit higher than that.