BMW pulls a sneak preview for the new 2012 650i Convertible, which goes on sales early in 2011.
The much-anticipated L.A. Auto Show preview of the 2012 BMW 650i Convertible may have happened but no one seems to know where. Despite a press release suggesting the debut took place, the German maker didn’t show up on the media preview schedule, nor did it pull it off a surprise unveiling by, say, hijacking some other manufacturer’s timeslot.
That said, we’ve got the details and pictures of the 6-Series drop-top and are pleased to pass them along.
Set to launch next year as a 2012 model, the next-generation cabriolet is a decidedly cleaner and more elegant-looking offering than the old 6-er convertible. The basic dimensions are classic BMW, with the long hood, rear-set passenger compartment and muscular fenders. The vehicle is a bit larger than the outgoing convertible in most dimensions, the overall length, for example, growing 2.9 inches, to 192.6 inches.
Though some had thought the Bavarians might opt for a 3-Series-like folding hardtop, BMW has kept the basic ragtop approach it used for the last-gen 650i Convertible. The cloth top can be opened in just 19 seconds. Closing it requires an extra 5 seconds – but the top can be operated at speeds up to 25 mph, so you won’t have to come to a complete stop if you get caught in a sudden rain squall.
The passenger compartment will be familiar to those who’ve seen or driven the latest large BMW sedans, such as the new 5- and 7-Series models, and is essentially identical to the 6-Series Coupe revealed at the Paris Motor Show. Among the most prominent features is the 10.2-inch, high-res navi display. There’s also an updated version of the Head-Up Display system that BMW previously offered only on the 6-er line.
Though a variety of powertrains will eventually be offered under the new 6-Series’ hood, the show car features a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 making 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. Drivers will get a choice of a 6-speed manual gearbox or the new 8-speed Sport Automatic, with its manual override.
That powertrain will deliver an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph and launch from 0 to 60 in 4.9 seconds. Even so, a variety of BMW’s Efficient Dynamics technologies, such as brake regeneration, will boost fuel efficiency – though we’ll have to wait for final EPA mileage numbers – and a MSRP price.