[mdosu]

I got to test drive the 2012 650i Convertible at a BMW event yesterday.

The power deliver on the car is fantastic. At 400hp, the pull was hard and fast, not M3 fast, but plenty fast for most people. There is absolutely no turbo lag and there's instant power at any rev range, just mash your foot and the car accelerates with no hesitation.

The transmission was automatic. (I don't think it's DCT) The upshifts are very quick and direct. The system also offered rev match downshifts and frankly I couldn't tell the big difference between it and a DCT equipped M3. There were some delays for some downshift, but nothing unbareable. I experienced some delays and "wind up" when downshifting a DCT M3.

The interior fit and finish is spot on. The new electronic gauges look fantastic and the start up and shut off presentation is entertaining. I'm not so sure if I'd like it on the new M5/M6 as I prefer analog gauges. But BMW has tended to move along to more "high tech" cockpit experiences and I don't oppose that, but please keep it out of the M cars.

The only dissappointing feature of the car is the noise or lack of. I want to hear the V8 everytime I mash my foot, but I can't hear it. Even with the top down, I can't hear anything, only did I move to the back seat (to allow my friend to drive) did I hear the exhaust noise. I hope the M-Sport version offers a revised performance oriented exhaust.

Overall, would I drop $100k for it? Not in my life. The price creeps pretty close to the new M5 price and though it's a different car, I'm looking for a more sharper performance ride. This car will make a great GT car for mid-life crisis folks and MILFs.