2012 BMW 650i convertible
The flexibility of the 650i enables the four-seater to go toe-to-toe with a variety of competitors, namely the Jaguar XK convertible and Mercedes SL550 and at times, the Porsche 911 Cabriolet.
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The BMW’s interior features a navigation system with a massive 10.2-inch screen, 20-way power front seats, an adaptive cruise-control, nappa-leather seats and a rear-view camera.
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Called Dynamic Driving Control, this standard system provides drivers with four levels of electronic aids. Toggling up from Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus progressively dials up the traction control, steering, suspension, throttle and engine into their most aggressive modes. Also tunable is the eight-speed automatic transmission’s shifting characteristics. In addition to manual shifting and paddle shifters, the tranny has a Normal and Sport mode.
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Powering the 650i through, at or around such obstacles is an all-new, twin-turbocharged V-8. This 4.4-liter unit is good for 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. BMW says the car will get from zero to 60 in 4.9 seconds.
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A nifty feature carried over from the previous 650i is the glass rear window that can be operated independently of the roof’s position. What isn’t nifty is the frustrating dearth of visibility when the top is up. Above, the convertible draws attention at the Detroit auto show.
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