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.

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.