BMW 650i Sport review – price, specs and 0-60 time | evo

BMW has been getting itself in a bit of a fuddle with its model numbering system. It’s not the first time this has happened, but it’s just as serious as the last outbreak, which saw a 2.5-litre 323i and a 1.8 litre 316i. This time what should have been called the 648i has been given the 650i moniker. In old BMW speak, this would suggest a 6-series with a tasty 5-litre V12 under the bonnet; in fact, power comes from a 4.8-litre V8.

Engie and performance

Not that you should hold this lack of cylinders against it too much. It’s still a mighty fine engine, producing chunks more torque than the 4.5-litre in the outgoing 645i, as well as a useful extra 34bhp.

To my eyes the 6-series is still the best looking car BMW currently produces, and this classy look has been further enhanced with the introduction of a ‘Sport’ package, available across all variants of the Six range, including the Gaudi-influenced convertible. Sport models cost approximately £2000 extra, for which you get unique multi-spoke 19in wheels, an M Sport steering wheel and sports seats, plus some rather tasteless dark wood trimmings scattered around the cockpit.

The driving experience continues to be heavily influenced by what other options you choose, though. For example, our test 650i had the standard steering rack fitted, which is a dramatic improvement over the clever-but-flawed Active Steering option we had on our long-term 645i.