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2012 BMW 650i Coupe-New Car Review By Marty Bernstein +VIDEO


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2012 BMW 650i Coupe

1997-2012 BMW Buyers Guide - BMW Specs, Reviews, Comparisons and Prices

THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE BRAND’S
ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE

By Marty Bernstein
Editor-at-large
The Auto Channel


Let’s face it; German motor heritage is close to unmatched anywhere, at any time and their Autobahn highway system is the best in the world. So what follows is frankly a gushing review of one of the best German vehicles I have ever driven – the 2012 BMW 650i coupe. This review may make a teenage love note blush but it’s made possible by BMW’s seamless blending of road expectations and refined engineering to create this coupe.

This car has it all, the flair of ultra contemporary styling outside and because beauty is only skin deep. Under the hood of this magnificent vehicle is an engine that is breathtaking; 4.4 Liter, 32-valve V-8 engine with TwinPower Turbo technology. What this means to the lucky driver is raw power has been harnessed and the reins handed to you in the form of a key fob.

Power is important, but the critical component of the ultimate driving experience is handling, a goal the engineering team at BMW never lost sight of and have achieved. The 650i has BMW’s dynamic stability control technology that is paired perfectly with the impressive 4-wheel, ventilated anti lock brakes with dynamic brake control that is standard.

The model I drove also had the optional M Sport package, including the 20” wheels and performance tires, that will run you an extra $5,700, but once behind the wheel you will know where the extra money went. It’s an ‘ah-ha’ moment if there ever was one from the first time you start the car and every time thereafter. Honest. The sound is extraordinary and you know what follows.


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Driving, the 650i was an amazing experience! On the freeway or backing down the driveway the car effortlessly meets your requirements. The interior cabin is appointed with all the amenities we have come to expect and then some -- including the luxury seating package ($2,000). There’s room for 2 adults and while there was what appeared to be seats behind me, there was only enough space for some “stuff” in back. Besides, two’s company and three’s a sedan.

However, even when by yourself, you will never be alone again thanks to the interconnectivity of BMW Assist that allows you to access your smart phone or other device. More importantly BMW’s iDrive system has finally been engineered for use by the rest of us. The iDrive system provides interface with the audio, navigation, communications and climate control through a single knob that controls everything. The optional head-up display assures you know the speed of the vehicle and if the navi-system has been employed you have visual icons to guide you.

There are a few safety features that are standard and worth noting on this vehicle including the Xenon Adaptive headlamps, rear view camera and front seat side-impact airbags. The optional Driver Assistance Package ($3,700) includes the Lane Departure Warnings that I have come to appreciate. This is one feature I would advocate being applied to every single car sold. It’s that effective in eliminating the dreaded “blind spot”.

If you have to ask, you can’t afford it. If you can, you should get behind the wheel of the 650I at your local BMW dealer and enjoy the ultimate driving machine for yourself.

Michael Bernstein contributed to this review.


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