The all-new 2012 BMW 650i with the M Sport package is one of the most exciting vehicles ever tested. The new look produces the image of elegance and performance, with the big emphasis on performance. This car is not for everyone, not that the price tag at $103,000 will keep a few away, this car is all performance and is targeted for the automobile owner that probably already owns one performance model.
My first stop with the 650i was over to European Automotive Specialties in Modesto, where owner Travis Langhout did a walk through with me on the 49 onboard computer systems and explained some of the intricacies about the 400-HP, twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine. BMW's eight speed transmission delivers the power extremely smooth as it rockets from zero to sixty in 4.9 seconds. There's also manual shifting with the console shift handle or with the steering mounted paddle shifters. Hit the Driving Dynamic Control button to switch out of comfort mode and into the sport setting, and the automatic transmission, throttle, steering, and suspension turn naughty. Dampers stiffen, the engine becomes more responsive to the gas pedal, and the transmission is quick to downshift and holds gears longer. Opting for sport mode also increases the electric power-steering system’s effort.
As luck would have it, the week of testing BMW's 650i was a very rainy time period...the first rain of the season, which meant look out for super slipper road conditions. The traction control system, the Driving Dynamic Control feature, the Dynamic Stability Control with Start-off Assistant made wet weather driving and braking a real pleasure. In fact, take offs and stops were probably a little more abrupt than usually in an effort to push the performance envelop. The confidence of driving on rain soaked roads was amazing, the handling and cornering with no slippage even had one passenger asking if the car featured rear wheel steering like the Nissan Z car.
While driving during some rather heavy rain periods at night, the onboard Night Vision with pedestrian detection was activated. This display comes up on the large wide-screen dash mounted information center. Night Vision is BMW's amazing system that lets you see pedestrians or animals up to 328 yards ahead - in the dark. Using an infrared camera built into the front of the vehicle, you will be able to see potential road hazards displayed on your navigation system monitor, and avoid them well before they are visible to the naked eye. This optional feature makes night driving far more pleasurable and worry-free.
Everyone has experienced poor visibility during rain storms, especially trying to see the white lines on the pavement. BMW's Land Departure Warning system is available to aid the driver, although warned not to rely on the system during rainy periods, the system operated flawlessly during our rainy night test drive. This system identifies when the vehicle crosses over roadway lane markings or is changing lanes without signaling, and warns the driver by sending a mild vibration through the steering wheel. The system can be turned on and off via a button by the steering wheel.
Debuting in the all-new BMW 6 Series Coupe, bright LED illumination makes traffic signs and other objects along the road easier to see. This helps reduce eye fatigue and increase comfort during long-distance driving.
LED technology is used exclusively for both high and low beams, as well as in all four Corona headlight rings. At speeds of up to 35 mph, LED cornering lights automatically light up the side of the road when turning. At faster speeds, the Adaptive Headlights feature automatically swivels the headlights to illuminate the road around bends, based on your steering wheel movements. LED lights are also used in the High Beam Assistant feature and in the turn signal indicators.
Driving the 2012 BMW 650i was an amazing experience. While returning from a Bay area automotive event, it was around 8:30 P.M. as we approached the Modesto area, not wanting the driving experience to end, I dialed in Las Vegas on the GPS which quickly displayed that are estimated arrival time would be 3:55 A.M. I looked at my passenger and we both laughed..."well maybe in our younger days". BMW has definitely earned the right to label their cars as "The Ultimate Driving Machine".
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