2012 BMW 6 Series

The 2012 BMW 6 Series has been fully redesigned. Highlights for the coupe and convertible include sharper looks, larger wheels and a new twin-turbo V8 making significantly more low-end thrust. For now, only the 650i model is offered, but a six-cylinder model and high-performance M6 variant will debut later. A four-door 6 Series is a possibility as well.

The BMW 650i has a beautifully sculpted cabin with a more driver-focused dashboard than that of the old model. Along with the new 10.2-inch navigation display, it’s clearly evident through the attention to detail lavished on the instruments, controls and overall design that BMW has taken a good deal more time developing the interior than it did with its predecessor. As for the convertible, it continues to feature the clever rear window that’s separate from the folding top and can be lowered to allow the breeze in while still keeping the sun off.

Taken all together, the 2012 BMW 6 Series shapes up to be a very impressive grand touring coupe and convertible. There are a couple competing models to also consider, of course. With classic curves and a lightweight aluminum structure, the Jaguar XK is a competitor with character and performance in equal measures, while the Mercedes-Benz E550 offers comparable luxury for less, plus actual room for rear seat passengers. But imbued with new style and strength, the 650i is one of the most exhilarating luxury experiences you can have behind the wheel.

2012 BMW 6 Series 650i Coupe

The 2012 BMW 6 Series is currently offered as a 650i coupe and convertible only. Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, an adaptive suspension, adaptive xenon headlights, LED foglights, parking sensors, power-folding mirrors, a large tilt-only sunroof, 16-way power front seats, driver and passenger memory functions, leather upholstery, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, auto-dimming mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control and a rearview camera. Electronic features include Bluetooth, a nine-speaker sound system, a navigation system, voice controls and the iDrive electronics interface. The convertible has a power soft top with a glass rear window that can be raised and lowered independently.

The 2012 BMW 650i is powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 generating 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control is standard, and a six-speed manual is optional. Opting for the manual drops those to 15/22/17.

Standard safety equipment includes four-wheel antilock brakes with advanced standby and drying features, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags, active head restraints and BMW Assist. Pop-up roll bars also come standard on the convertible.

The 2012 BMW 650i interior offers top-shelf materials and craftsmanship in a fitting, cockpit-centric design. Depending on your preference, the center console’s high hip line may instill a sense of security or slight claustrophobia. Improvements to successive generations of iDrive make it one of the most intuitive interfaces for controlling phone, navigation and audio functions. The latest upgrade, featuring a 10.2-inch color display, makes cycling through essential menus even easier.

The 2012 BMW 650i makes few sporting pretensions, and while we wouldn’t call it athletic, it’s also not at all wayward or uncoordinated. The optional Active Roll Stabilization system keeps the brawny coupe composed through corners and helps it change direction quicker than its 2-ton heft would suggest. The steering changes weight depending on the driver-selected dynamic mode (such as Normal or Sport), but in all forms, it remains reasonably precise. Optional Active Steering also uses rear-wheel steering for low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability.