he All-New BMW 650i Convertible.
With the BMW Concept 6 Series Coupe debuting at the 2010 Los Angeles International Auto Show as its backdrop, BMW announced today the production-ready BMW 650i Convertible. The new 650i Convertible will go on sale in the Spring of 2011 as a 2012 model for the United States. Final pricing, options, and packages will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
Words like “breathtaking” and “irresistible” punctuate the history of BMW Convertibles. Now, BMW has opened a new chapter in the tradition of open-top cars. The new BMW 650i Convertible fulfils the wishes of the most discerning automotive enthusiast as The Ultimate Driving Machine(r) with groundbreaking luxury and crisp good looks. In the premium convertible market, the 650i Convertible presents a convincing case with the most advanced chassis technology and most innovative comfort, infotainment and safety features
A sweeping hood, aft-set passenger compartment, long wheelbase and muscular profile embody the hallmark proportions of a BMW Convertible. The new BMW 650i Convertible combines these features with a classic soft-top roof with flying buttress design. Powerfully contoured surfaces of its lines promise the anticipated BMW driving experience. The luxurious ambience of the interior is highlighted by a driver-oriented cockpit which wraps the front and rear passengers in a feeling of aesthetic security. Nowhere is the high-class functionality of the interior underlined more prominently than in the redesigned freestanding 10.2″ Central Display of the standard iDrive control system.
V-8 engine with High Precision direct injection and turbocharging.
The 4.4-liter V-8 engine develops a maximum 400 hp between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm, and makes peak torque of 450 lb-ft between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm (preliminary). This unique “reverse-flow” engine, whose turbochargers are positioned in the V-area between the cylinder banks, produces an instantaneous and sustained wave of power, making it an energetic delight for the enthusiast driver.
Instantaneous power and torque are the stand-out features of the V-8 engine available of the new BMW 650i Convertible. The engine combines sporting character with outstanding smoothness, linear power delivery, and exceptional efficiency. The engine can be paired with either BMW’s new 8-speed Sport Automatic gearbox or BMW’s traditional 6-speed manual transmission, quite popular with North American enthusiasts.
The new BMW 650i Convertible completes the sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with the manual transmission (4.9 seconds with the 8-speed automatic), and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. This engine also boasts extraordinary efficiency for a model in its output class. EPA figures will be available closer to the on-sale date in 2011.
8-speed Sport Automatic Transmission.
The 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission fitted to the new BMW 650i Convertible boasts a perfect combination of speed, flexibility, sportiness, and efficiency. Its minimal torque converter slip and rapid gear changes set it apart. An innovative gear set configuration allows this transmission to offer eight gears, optimizing the sprinting power yet allowing the driver to save fuel by driving at low revs. Naturally, the driver can choose to select gears manually via shift paddles on the standard Sport leather steering wheel.
In addition to the efficiency of the engine and 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission, an extensive range of BMW EfficientDynamics measures contribute to reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand operation of ancillary components, intelligent lightweight construction and extensive aerodynamic refinement ensure maximum efficiency.
Chassis Management and optional Integral Active Steering.
Cutting-edge chassis technology gives the new BMW 650i Convertible the tools to provide both sporty handling and exceptional comfort. The double wishbone front axle and the multi-link rear axle are made predominantly from aluminum. The chassis is geared to the requirements of drivers with sporting intentions, although the dampers also respond sensitively to bumps in the road surface under high lateral acceleration. The optional Active Roll Stabilization combines with the standard Dynamic Damper Control to offer the driver even more precise responses and perfectly flat cornering ability. The electronically controlled shock absorbers adapt to the road surface and the driver’s style to perfectly control the car’s body motions.
The electronically controlled damper system in the new BMW 6 Series Convertible adjusts compression and rebound settings continuously and independently. For example, a stiff chassis setting can be combined with comfortable responses to unevenness in the road surface. The control unit of the damping system processes the data supplied by sensors on the lifting movements of the wheels and the ride height of the car. The driving speed and the damper setting chosen by the driver are also taken into account in calculating the damping force required for each individual wheel to even out body movements. This data is fed back to the damper units at intervals of just 2.5 milliseconds.
The Active Roll Stabilization feature (optional) reduces body roll in high-speed corners and in sudden changes of direction, or transitions. Sensors calculate the amount of body roll based on the driving situation at hand, and this is then counteracted quickly and precisely by hydraulic rotary actuators in the front and rear axle swaybars, leading to a significant improvement in body motion management.
The electric power steering features standard Servotronic vehicle-speed sensitive assistance, and serves up the familiar BMW recipe of precision, comfort and linear response.
The new BMW 650i Convertible is the first car in its class that can be equipped with Integral Active Steering. This system combines the Active Steering system for the front axle (available on the previous generation 6 Series Convertible) with a new, steerable rear axle. Precisely harmonized steering angle movements at both axles create a virtual lengthening or shortening of the vehicle’s wheelbase, which fosters greater high-speed stability and enhanced maneuverability for parking and city use.
Brakes, Wheels, and Tires.
The lightweight floating-caliper brakes with vented discs are easy to use with precision, and their effectiveness is reinforced by Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). DSC brings together technology such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), the Start-off Assistant, the automatic Brake Drying function and Brake Fade Compensation. Standard equipment also includes 8.5 x19-inch light-alloy wheels, with all-season runflat tires (size 245/40 R19) and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Driving Dynamics Control.
With standard Driving Dynamics Control, the dominant virtues of athletic driving sportiness and ride comfort can be chosen by the driver as situations demand. The driver can choose settings of COMFORT, NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+ modes using the large rocker switch on the center console. Affected parameters include the tuning of the throttle response, power steering assistance, shock absorbers, roll stabilization (if equipped), Integral Active Steering (if equipped), and automatic transmission shift characteristics. In SPORT+ mode, the Dynamic Traction Control mode of the standard Dynamic Stability Control system is activated, raising the thresholds for stability intervention in the most sport-oriented driving circumstances.
Unmatched chassis technology works with the cutting-edge engine to provide the driver with greater dynamic capability and improved ride comfort compared to the previous-generation 6 Series Convertible.
Design: Athletic elegance, natural sportiness.
The dynamic driving experience of the new BMW 650i Convertible is reflected by its athletic presence and sporty exterior design. A long hood, aft-set passenger compartment, long wheelbase and muscular profile create the proportions signature to a BMW Convertible. The precise interplay of eye-catching lines and meticulously sculpted surfaces help to give the new BMW 650i Convertible its show-stopping looks.
Like the lines projecting outward from the nose of the car and continuing along its full length, the harmoniously curved surfaces of the body take their cue from the movement of waves sent out by a the bow of a motor boat piercing the water. Continuing the theme, the waistline surface which leads the body into the interior mimics the character of a classic runabout.
The new BMW 650i Convertible introduces the viewer to its dynamic character through its front end design. The large, slightly forward-slanting BMW kidney grille – the “6 Series shark nose” as characterized by many enthusiasts – gives the car a sense of surging forward, while a broad air intake, strikingly contoured hood and muscular wheel arches hint at the powerful engine and athletic roadholding abilities. High-quality chrome elements positioned on the outer edges of the front apron further accentuate the width of the car. The standard LED foglamps are placed in front of these chrome elements.
The standard Xenon Adaptive headlights of the new BMW 650i Convertible pick up BMW’s familiar “twin round” headlamp appearance. An LED accent strip cuts across the top of them. The daytime running lights appear through familiar LED corona rings, whose bright white light illuminates the distinctive front end. A horizontal light strip below the corona rings, meanwhile, handles the turn signal duties.
Uninterrupted, flowing lines lend the silhouette of the BMW 650i Convertible a sweeping elegance. Powerful curves mimic the natural movement of waves. The hallmark BMW character line at door handle level is spawned in the front wheel arch gill – which houses the side indicator lamp – and extends all the way back to join the rear lights.
Another character line is released from the bulge of the front wing, stretching powerfully over the front wheel like a wave before dropping down and continuing horizontally to the rear. Together with the character line, it creates a dynamic wedge shape which emphasises the car’s forward-surging character.
Wide and flat surfaces define the rear of the new BMW 650i Convertible. The dominance of horizontal lines adds extra emphasis to the wider track of the new car compared to its predecessor. In addition, downward-converging lines underline the car’s focus on the road, echoing the approach at the front end. This distinctive V-shape is created by lines including the side edges of the trunklid, the license plate surround and the contours of the reflectors positioned in the bumper. The slightly concave lower section of the trunklid produces light and shade effects which lend an extra lightness to the rear of the car.
The two-part rear light clusters give BMW’s familiar L-shape a particularly sporty edge. Inside, two LED-powered light strips create the familiar BMW “bloodlines” night-time look. The indicators and brake lights are also LED units.
The new BMW 650i Convertible again features an electrically powered soft-top roof with flying buttress architecture. The multi-layer canvas roof -optimized in terms of its acoustic properties and structural rigidity – offers outstanding thermal insulation and thus enables the new convertible to be used comfortably all year round. The buttresses project out along the flanks of the 650i into its rear section, accentuating the car’s gracefully sweeping silhouette and giving it an unmistakable appearance. The transition of the roofline into the rear end flows as smoothly as on a hard-top coupe.
The heated, vertical glass rear window, which is situated just behind the rear seats, is retracted independently from the soft top itself. This reduces the volume of the soft-top components that need to be stowed in the soft-top compartment, leaving more room for luggage in the low-profile trunk of the new BMW 650i Convertible. The independent rear window also allows just the right amount of fresh air to be admitted to the car, when desired. Conversely, leaving the rear window up while lowering the top keeps air turbulence in the rear to a minimum.
The automatic opening and closing operation for the roof is activated by holding a button on the center console. Opening the roof takes 19 seconds, the closing process 24 seconds. Importantly, as with the preceding generation, both operations can be activated while on the move at speeds up to 25 mph (40 kmh).
The roof of the new BMW 650i Convertible is available in two colors, including new beige. Two non-metallic exterior paint colors and seven metallic shades are available. Exclusive Nappa leather is standard in the United States, and can be ordered in four color options (Vermillion Red, Ivory White, Cinnamon Brown, and Black). The instrument panel, center console, and the upper sections of the rear door panel and side trim can also be lined with Nappa leather with contrasting stitching as an option.
Interior with BMW’s traditional driver-oriented cockpit
The new BMW 650i Convertible is designed to be a 2+2-seater. Its interior offers individually tailored seats for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers. High-quality materials, carefully coordinated colors and, once again, meticulously formed surfaces combine to produce an ambience defined by luxury, sweeping style and Teutonic functionality. A hallmark BMW element of the interior design is the driver-oriented cockpit layout. The central section of the instrument panel, containing the iDrive system’s Central Display, the air vents and the controls for the audio system and air conditioning, are all angled slightly towards the driver. Added to which, the gearshift lever and the switches for the parking brake, roof operation and Driving Dynamics Control are located on a surface that opens out towards the driver and is set lower than the front passenger side of the center console.
The front passenger area is bordered by a surface curving elegantly from the armrest over the side edge of the center console, upwards and outwards into the instrument panel and then horizontally into the door trim. This provides a harmonious surround for the front passenger area, creating a feeling of exclusive security. The contour of the rear waistline surface, which extends slightly into the interior between the head restraints, highlights the individual seat layout of the rear.
Premiere: Freestanding Central Display with flatscreen design.
The black-panel instrument cluster of the new BMW 650i Convertible combines the traditional sports car circular instruments with state-of-the-art display technology. The Navigation system, telephone and entertainment functions are operated using the iDrive control system, whose Central Display boasts an innovative design. The on-board monitor takes the form of a freestanding display for the first time in the new BMW 650i Convertible. The standard 10.2 inch screen features a high-quality galvanized chrome surround. The shallow depth of the display gives it a modern character. Transreflective technology ensures the display remains easy-to-read in bright sunlight. The new arrangement of the Central Display – which now reaches further into the passenger compartment -influences the architecture of the instrument panel, which rises steeply in front of the driver and front passenger.
This impression is further enhanced by the structure of the door trim panels. Their surfaces have a powerfully taut look and, like the black waistline surface, pull in and rise up to create a smooth transition into the instrument panel, giving the interior the effect of wrapping around the driver and front passenger.
Dimensions and Storage.
At 4,894 millimeters (192.6 in.) in length, the new BMW 650i Convertible is 74 millimeters (2.9 in.) longer than its predecessor. Its extended wheelbase now stretches to 2,855 millimeters (112.4 in.). The car is 39 millimeters (1.5 in.) wider, measuring 1,894 millimeters (74.5 in.) across, while 9 millimeters (0.35 in.) have been shaved from its height (now 1,365 mm / 53.7 in.). These dimensions create a significantly more powerful and elegant impression, while taking interior spaciousness to new levels.
Despite its lower height, the new BMW 650i Convertible offers greater headroom in both front and rear seats. The height adjustment of the driver and front passenger seats also cover a greater range of travel. The increase in the width of the interior is noticeable from all four seats, and passengers in the rear seats benefit from additional legroom. The tilt angle of the rear seat backrest now achieves virtually the same angle as found in BMW Sedans.
A ski bag with a pass-through opening in the rear seat backrest is available as part of the Cold Weather Package (also adds heated steering wheel and heated front seats) and offers space for two sets of skis. The new BMW 650i Convertible boasts 300 liters (10.6 cu. ft.) DIN of trunk space with the convertible top open, allowing two 46-inch golf bags and a business case to be accommodated. With the roof closed, the variable soft-top stowage compartment can be folded up in a single movement to increase trunk capacity to 350 liters (12.3 cu. ft.) DIN. The principles of lightweight design were similarly followed in the construction of the soft-top roof, the stowage compartment for the roof weighing 50 percent less than its predecessor.
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