Thread: New BMW 650i

When you have achieved your goals, and it's time to indulge in an exceptional experience, you look for something that breaks the monotony; something that puts you in a new orbit; something that also tells the world that you are finally enjoying your hard earned success. And, if it's a car, it has got to be something that the average Indian can only dream about. It has to thrill, but not without transporting you in luxury. Basically, it has to be the BMW 650i; and for added effect, in convertible guise.

I had the pleasure of driving this masterpiece on roads which were anything but in one piece. And to my surprise, it handled the devilishly car hating Indian roads, pretty well. But, before we get there, let's just pause and appreciate the car's gorgeous design - if looks could ever kill, this car would be the first accused. It has the presence to make supermodels standing right next to it, look average. It looks at you like a hungry shark on the prowl- with the striking nose, the long and curvy hood, the sculpted flanks and the strong shoulder line, it looks like an athlete raring to go. Hail Chris Bangle.

It's a convertible, but instead of a heavy, expensive and space stealer metal top, it gets a fabric roof which looks aesthetically appealing. Under the long hood is a beast of an engine, a 4.8-litre V8. It is the lightest engine in the world in its class, and it feels like a cat on a hot tin roof; quick with such furious immediacy in power delivery that every time you blink, you are greeted by a different scenery. It beats all your calculations and expectations; this one is certainly not for the weak-hearted.



This gem of an engine is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission with adaptive, sport and manual controls. The steering wheel, besides controls for stereo also sports paddles shifts for the 'box. The gear changes, like the engine, have a spring in their step and never leave you wanting. However, with the roads (or the lack of it) we mostly had no choice but to underplay the machine. And, by underplay, I mean we were still hitting lSOkmph every other minute with barely a foot on the throttle. The 650i is a low car, but we were amazed with the ease it handled potholes, it almost had the same silken touch often associated with Zinedine Zidane, as if he was dribbling past Barca defence.

As you like it acceleration is both rapid and smooth, with the transmission changing gears seamlessly in automatic mode, although with paddle shifts take-off is considerably sporting. The ride quality is firm, but not harsh, and the handling will leave you awestruck; it almost made me feel redundant in the driver's seat. Inside, the cockpit is artistically designed. The driver sits low in the seat, almost as if you are parked in some dug-out keeping a watchful eyes on the enemy. But, here's the shocker - it can actually accommodate four adults with enough space for their limbs.