2012 BMW 650i Convertible Review by InsideLine

InsideLine, an automotive publication in the U.S., gives us a new test drive review of the 2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible. By now, we are already familiar with the design language of the vehicle. InsideLine brings us where it all matters: the driving experience. Here is an excerpt of their review:

“The 2012 BMW 650i Convertible’s on-road character is determined by BMW’s DynamicDrive system, which alters the setting of the springs, shock absorbers, antiroll bars, throttle mapping, gearbox shift points, weighting of the electromechanical steering and, on our test car, the optional rear steer system. It’s all controlled by a button on the dash that offers a choice between Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus modes — the latter of which also delays the intervention of the stability and traction control systems.

Handles Well for a Big Fella
We found the Normal mode best suited to most conditions, although there’s no doubting that Sport mode turns the new BMW into a surprisingly adept performer. The new chassis, much of which is shared with the latest 5 Series, shines through, offering a surprising amount of feedback. And even with that big engine sitting up front, the inherent balance makes it feel alive and responsive to every movement of the wheel. All this in an open-top car that weighs more than 4,200 pounds.

The 2012 BMW 650i Convertible is deceptively quick over winding mountain roads. The abundant front end grip and terrifically secure rear end allows you to thread it effortlessly through tightening-radius corners at speeds that might have you feathering the throttle in some open-top rivals. The inclusion of rear-wheel steer ensures excellent response as you turn in and with hydraulic motors acting on the antiroll bars there’s precious little body roll as lateral forces begin to build.

For such a big lump of a car, overall agility is very impressive. Weight it seems is no match for BMW’s vast array of dynamic enhancing systems. Despite the firm qualities of the springs and dampers in Sport mode, the 2012 BMW 650i isn’t overly harsh or unforgiving. Only hard struck corrugations prompt a shudder through the chassis, and even then they are well controlled; the upmarket open top settles superbly after initial shocks, requiring just one extra compression to dissipate energy.”

Source: InsideLine