BMW has made huge strides with this handsome grand touring car inside and out.  While still heavy and muscular, the exterior design has stepped out in vogue with sexier lines and curves, a low roofline and a wider stance.

The interior is gorgeous.  Long gone are the Spartan conditions of earlier generations.  Enveloped in luxurious, soft-as-butter, 20-way adjustable nappa leather seats behind a leather covered gauge cluster with alcantara overhead, what Mom would not feel indulged?  Wood finishes on the dash and gear shift box give it an added richness.  It looks, smells and feels good.  Equipped with extras like the M Sport package, 20 inch wheels, LED adaptive headlights (they really are cool), and premium sound system, going about one’s business goes from routine to absolute pleasure.

Being one who is slightly feeble when it comes to technology, I’m not the one to appreciate all the 650i offers.  Yet with advanced technology, I was still able to negotiate my way through the formerly cagey iDrive, and use all of the climate, radio and suspension functions easily.

Driving the 650 delivers the classic BMW road feel experience.  The twin-turbocharged V-8 engine is smooth and powerful.  The only drawback…..its weight can make running around town feel cumbersome.  On the other hand, it absorbs road bumps with composure.  Get it out on the highway and the car does what it does best…. soars like a rocket off the line.   Like a boxer in a higher weight class the 650i may not be as playful in the ring, but it’s rock solid and packs a powerful punch.

Getting a rear-facing car seat in and out of a coupe is always more challenging, no matter what the model.   So after a few airplane-like twists and turns, I settled my daughter in.  Once she was there, we had plenty of back seat room for a comfortable ride.  A forward facing seat would be far easier.  Latches were easy and accessible.   And for a sporty, luxury coupe, I was impressed by the cargo area.

An exceptional drive, with a melt your stress away interior, the 650i offers more Mom factor than meets the eye.

Some Basics
MSRP:  $86,000
engine: 4.4L,  V-8 twin turbo
hp/torque: 400 hp/450 ft-lb.
drivetrain: AWD
fuel economy:  15 city/20 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating:  not yet rated

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
luxury, touring coupe

What’s the best thing about it?
exceptional interior

What’s the biggest drawback?
its weighty, not a gas saver

Mom-friendliness score: B+

Driver-friendliness score: A-

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“Welcome driver, to the good life.”