The BMW 650i

You’d never mistake this car for anything but a BMW states AutoCar (Oct. ’08). A demonstration of quality and precision, the car in question has a potent 4.8-litre V8 petrol motor that develops 367bhp and 49.9kgm of torque. What impresses is the sheer responsiveness of the engine, BMW claim a 0-100kph of a little over five seconds and it seems completely believable when you mash the throttle into the floor. A full assault on the accelerator paddle gives 210kph and a good 30-40kph after that at no extra effort.

The six-speed auto box with paddle shifts works smoothly, but rather unconventionally. You don’t get the regular pattern of ‘tap-the –left-one-to-move-down’ and ‘the-right-one-to-push-up’. You need to push down to downshift and tap behind to move up a gear on either one of the paddles. This takes some getting used says AutoCar (Oct.’08)

Inside the cabin, the leather seats are plush and superior. The plethora of seat and steering adjustments means that few drivers will complain about the driving position though the iDrive rotary control that works the climate, stereo, navigation and phone system takes some getting used to. The rear seats are ideal only for children due to inadequate legroom. The boot has limited space. Te soft-top isn’t so great at keeping noise out but the folding mechanism does work very well, you can’t argue with that reinstates AutoCar (Oct. ’08)

Overall, the 650i has a lot going for it. It’s got a jewel of an engine, it drives and feels like a BMW should and looks quite cool too. At Rs. 79.30 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) you can rest assured that it will provide the exclusivity that a few other cars can, ends AutoCar (Oct. ’08)