Test Driven: 2012 BMW 650i Convertible and 750i xDrive M Sport

The BMW 6-Series can be a tough car to really pin down.  Based on its market price and its layout, it is a direct competitor to cars like the Jaguar XJ and the Porsche 911.  That said, its size is on the big side for a personal coupe, yet it wears its size well.  I was at the Greenwich Concours and BMW had this and a 750i available for test drives, so I took the plunge and gave this rather expensive droptop a good shakedown.  Then, I got a chance to drive a 750i, equipped with xDrive AWD, the long-wheelbase body, and the M-Sport trim (an interesting combination that should definitely go over well in the Northeast, where AWD is an important selling point).  I took each out and asked myself a question: These two cars are based on pretty much the same platform in different lengths–which one does the job that it sets out to do in the better manner, and which one is actually better overall?  I was surprised by the results. Read the rest of this entry »