BMW 650i Gran Coupe quick spin review

The car: BMW 650i Gran Coupe

The price: from $238,900 (plus on-road and dealer costs)

The vitals: 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol; 330kW; 650Nm; 8-speed automatic; 8.8L/100km; rear-wheel drive.

What is it?

The 650i Gran Coupe is the sporty four-door 'coupe' that sits above the two-door coupe and convertible models in the 6-Series line-up. In essence, it's a trophy car for those who wish to stand out from the (well-heeled) crowd.

What isn't it?

Dull. While 'luxury limousine' hardly screams excitement, the 650i occupies a special place in the segment thanks to a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 which injects a heady mix of performance and soul.

What does it say about me?

That you're enjoying the fruit of your labours. The 6-Series is limited to a small but exclusive selection of Australian buyers, with about 130 examples sold locally each year. Half of those are the Gran Coupe variant tested here.

Who else is buying it?

BMW likes to use the term 'accomplished buyers': professionals entering the prime of their life. While the six-cylinder 640i is the biggest seller in the range, the V8 version is seen as a go-to option for those who really want to treat themselves.

What colours does it come in?

There are 13 different hues to choose from including the dazzling metallic Tanzanite Blue adorning our test car, one of four standard colours. The other nine colours will cost you as much as $9500 extra.

Why would I buy it?

Because you can. There are more accomplished sports cars at this price, just as there are more accommodating luxury sedans. But the 650i Gran Coupe sits somewhere in between – it is both an engaging driving machine and a pampering and opulent daily ride.

Best bits?

The V8 soundtrack is thoroughly addictive, tempered by excellent outside noise suppression and a cosseting and serene ride despite 20-inch run-flat tyres.

Worst bits?

Despite its length (5.07 metres), the Gran Coupe isn't strictly a five-seater. Instead, BMW terms it a 'four-plus-one' seating layout: the middle rear seat is compromised by a highly set climate control panel and a high, narrow seat. That said, the Gran Coupe's 460-litre boot is fairly accommodating.

How's the cabin ambience?

Put it this way – BMW reportedly responded to criticism of its interiors by really lashing out with the updated 6-Series. And it shows, with sumptuous materials and workmanship throughout, plus ambient lighting, soft-closing doors and even velour floor mats. It feels like no expense has been spared. The interior is equally functional thanks to BMW's clever rotary-dial menu and clear instrumentation. The only gripe is thin door pockets.

Does it cost too much?

The simple answer is yes. There are a few middle men before the final transaction at the dealership, but the most astounding cash grab is the Federal Government's Luxury Car Tax, which constitutes $41,509 of the final drive away price ($255,545). There's also a circa-$10,000 sting for stamp duty.

Is it safe?

The Gran Coupe is loaded to the hilt with safety equipment, including eight airbags, ABS, traction and stability control, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, lane change warning, parking assistant, emergency call and forward collision warning.

Will I get a deal?

The 6-Series is freshly updated, so don't expect huge savings.

Does it go?

For something that isn't wearing an official M badge, yes. The 650i clips the 0-100km/h ticket in just 4.6 seconds – quite impressive considering it weighs about 1800kg. There is grunt everywhere, with peak power and torque outputs achieved from 5500rpm and 2000rpm respectively.

Does it like corners?

The 650i hunkers down in corners for a committed and engaging drive. The steering is well weighted and body control is suitably restrained given its luxury premise. Five different driving modes are offered including two sport modes which weigh up the steering, beef up the V8 soundtrack and spice up the engine and transmission.

What about bumps?

There is a sporty premise to the 650i's ride, compounded by run-flat tyres, but it is still supremely comfortable and quiet on Australia's pockmarked roads. Small road imperfections are ironed out, while larger undulations are never crashy.

What about service stations?

Recent efficiency revisions along with the inclusion of a 'coasting' mode and existing stop-start technology have brought the official fuel claim down to 8.8L/100km. We used closer to 13.0L during 500km of mixed driving.

Any features I can brag about?

Any car that gets a TV as standard is fairly brag-worthy. Housed in a high-clarity 10.2-inch display screen, the entertainment system also comprises digital radio and a Harman/Kardon surround sound system. The instrument cluster is also fully digital, and glows fully red with Sport mode engaged, or blue in Eco mode.

Would you buy one?

It's hard to contemplate accumulating enough wealth to even consider the 650i Gran Coupe. But it would be high on my list if I ever did.

What else should I consider?

The so-called four-door coupe segment is teeming with options such as the Audi A7 Sportback, Porsche Panamera and the Maserati Quattroporte. Then there's also the car the spawned the segment, Mercedes' venerable CLS500.

The spin

Designed to inspire.

The translation

Designed to make others envious.