I consider myself a careful driver, someone who respects the road and definitely avoids clipping curbs. Yet, there I was, navigating traffic with assertive Rhode Island flair, when the telltale muffled thud of the Bmw 645Ci’s rear tire kissing concrete reached my ears. It’s a sound that clashes with the aura of a “$70k Ultimate Driving Machine,” instantly making you feel less than ultimate behind the wheel. But in this instance, I’m pleading not guilty – mechanical factors were at play.
The BMW 645Ci is undeniably quick off the mark. The moment you engage the accelerator, all 325 horsepower surge forward, eager to devour the horizon. While 325 hp might not scream ‘untamed beast’ in today’s world, in the 645Ci, it feels like more than enough to keep you perpetually engaged. Thanks to BMW’s engineering wizardry, including a stepless intake manifold and double VANOS variable valve timing, this luxury coupe, weighing in at 3781lbs, rockets to 60 mph in a mere 5.5 seconds. What’s striking is its eagerness to unleash this power at every opportunity. The traction control light becomes a frequent companion, flashing its Morse code of intervention as the car constantly seeks to deploy its power effectively.
However, the driving experience isn’t all exhilarating sprints and raw power. The 645Ci’s variable assistance steering system, while precise, offers a disconcerting lack of tactile feedback, reminiscent of arcade racing games where ‘heavy’ is mistakenly equated with ‘feel’. The steering is weighty and notchy at dead center, yet frustratingly numb when you navigate corners. For a car with such sporting pretensions, the steering disconnects you from the road, leaving you feeling like James Bond piloting his vehicle remotely via a PDA, rather than through a connected, communicative system.
Adding to this sense of detachment is the 645Ci’s active suspension. Designed to maintain a flat chassis in all conditions, it’s undoubtedly effective in keeping the car composed. However, it also contributes to isolating the driver from crucial feedback. While body roll is often seen as undesirable, a touch of it would actually be beneficial in the 645Ci, allowing a spirited driver to better gauge the car’s limits and grip levels. You’re left yearning for a more organic connection to the road, a clearer sense of what the tires are doing beneath you.
Engaging ‘Sport’ mode, paradoxically, seems to worsen the situation. Pressing the ‘macho’ button transforms the already responsive gearbox into an aggressively lunatic-oriented transmission and further stiffens the suspension, diminishing body lean even more. Any semblance of mechanical harmony vanishes in a cloud of tire smoke. The 645Ci’s handling, in essence, becomes an invitation to misjudge corners and overstep the mark. While time behind the wheel does improve driver confidence as you learn to rely primarily on visual cues, familiarity doesn’t translate into enhanced driving pleasure. Fortunately, the BMW 645Ci compensates in other areas, particularly in the realm of aesthetics.
When automotive design historians chronicle Chris Bangle’s era at BMW, the 645Ci will undoubtedly be celebrated as a high point. Unlike earlier Bangle designs that faced criticism – the controversial 7 Series, the fussy 5 Series, and the perplexing Z4 – the 645Ci seemed to bring all the elements together in harmonious fashion. Details that felt jarring in other models worked seamlessly here. From its distinctive ‘shark eye’ headlights to the dramatically sculpted ‘flame surfaced’ side panels, and the infamous ‘bustle-back’ rear, the 645Ci’s design exudes both speed and elegance, rivaling even Jaguar in its visual allure.
The interior of the 645Ci is equally captivating. The cabin, adorned with brushed aluminum and supple leather, possesses an understated elegance akin to a sophisticated Manhattan penthouse. The steering wheel is a masterpiece in itself – perfectly shaped, with ideal thickness and texture, equally suited for relaxed cruising or spirited driving. Even the cupholder design warrants a place in the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection, showcasing BMW’s attention to detail. Of course, the infamous ‘simplified’ iDrive controller remains a point of contention, a constant reminder that user-friendly ergonomics can sometimes be elusive. And the 645Ci’s sleek, sloping roofline renders the rear seats best suited for children, preferably those immune to claustrophobia and motion sickness. However, these are minor quibbles when you’re ensconced in what feels like one of the finest automotive sanctuaries available.
In summary, the BMW 645Ci is a meticulously crafted, premium coupe that prioritizes style and German build quality. It delivers exhilarating straight-line performance and undeniable curb appeal. However, for driving purists seeking dynamic engagement and tactile feedback, the 645Ci falls slightly short. Fortunately, BMW recognized this and offered the subsequent M5 without the criticized steering system and even provided an option to remove the iDrive controller. The anticipated M6 was expected to follow suit. Therefore, if you crave a 6-Series that combines its athletic aesthetics with genuinely thrilling performance, patience and a wait for the M6 would be advisable. However, if making a stylish statement and enjoying effortless power is your priority, the 645Ci is a compelling choice. Just be mindful not to let its considerable enthusiasm lead to curbing your own… or its wheels.
