2009 BMW 650i convertible review, test drive

The iDrive rotart control that works the climate, stereo, navigation and phone systems take a bit of time to get used to. It has everything we love about BMW cabins. You will certainly feel exclusive here. The large XXL-sized front seats are exceptionally comfy and interior quality levels are top-class too. Everything is solidly built; the buttons function with a nice damped feel and apart from the wood inserts that for some reason look out of place, there are no complaints. Luggage space, despite the folded roof, is an impressive 300 litres.

We haven’t said a word about the soft-top, but that’s because roof up it’s not too far away from a coupé. At high speeds there’s a bit of buffeting and wind noise but it’s not excessive and you can have a conversation without having to raise your voice.

Drop the roof at the touch of a button, below 32kph however, and the character of the car changes completely. Country roads with trees fluttering past feel magical, the air rushes past at hurricane speeds without entering the cabin and long drives over country roads in cooler weather are nothing short of addictive. While legroom is tight at the rear, the high-mounted seats are actually quite comfortable once you are seated, allowing for four-up motoring.