The Bmw 645ci. Just the name evokes images of sleek lines, German engineering, and spirited drives along winding roads. But does this luxury coupe live up to the hype, or is it more about style than substance? Let’s delve into the driving experience and see if the 645Ci truly earns its stripes as an “Ultimate Driving Machine.”
From the moment you press the accelerator, the 645Ci makes its intentions clear. Under the hood lies a potent powerplant, eager to unleash its horses. The 4.4-liter V8 engine delivers a robust 325 horsepower, propelling this grand tourer with surprising urgency. It’s a surge of power that plants you firmly in your seat as the speedometer climbs rapidly. BMW’s engineering prowess is evident in the engine’s responsiveness, thanks to features like the stepless intake manifold and double VANOS variable valve timing. This technology translates to impressive acceleration, with the 645Ci reaching 60 mph in a mere 5.5 seconds, a remarkable feat for a car weighing in at 3781lbs. This BMW isn’t just quick; it’s relentlessly eager, always poised to unleash its power with even the slightest prod of the throttle. You might find yourself constantly managing the throttle to avoid triggering the traction control, a testament to the engine’s eagerness to put power down.
However, when it comes to handling and steering feel, the BMW 645Ci presents a mixed bag. The variable assistance steering system, while aiming for ease of maneuverability, unfortunately sacrifices crucial feedback. The steering wheel feels heavy and somewhat vague, especially when cornering. It lacks the tactile connection to the road that driving enthusiasts crave. Imagine trying to navigate a twisty road through a video game – that’s the level of detachment the 645Ci’s steering can impart. This can leave the driver feeling somewhat disconnected from the driving experience, hindering the sense of precision and control.
Adding to this sense of detachment is the active suspension system. While it admirably keeps the car flat and composed through corners, it does so at the expense of driver feel. The system is so effective at minimizing body roll that you lose the subtle cues and feedback that body roll typically provides, making it harder to judge the car’s limits and grip levels. A touch more body roll could actually enhance the driving experience, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of the chassis dynamics.
Engaging the ‘Sport’ mode only exacerbates these issues. While it sharpens throttle response and firms up the suspension further, it pushes the car’s handling characteristics further away from driver engagement. The gearbox becomes hyper-aggressive, and the already minimal body roll is virtually eliminated. This can lead to a feeling of being overly insulated from the driving experience, where mechanical harmony is replaced by raw, sometimes overwhelming, power. Ultimately, the 645Ci’s handling can be described as an invitation to misjudge corners and potentially lose traction. While familiarity with the car improves confidence, it doesn’t necessarily translate to enhanced driving pleasure for those seeking a truly connected driving experience.
Where the BMW 645Ci truly shines is in its design. Love it or hate it, the Chris Bangle era at BMW produced some undeniably striking designs, and the 645Ci is arguably one of its high points. Unlike some of Bangle’s more controversial creations, the 645Ci’s design elements come together harmoniously. From the distinctive “shark eyes” headlights to the sculpted “flame surfaced” side panels and the polarizing “bustle-back” rear, the 645Ci exudes a sense of pace and elegance that is hard to deny. It’s a design that commands attention and sets it apart from its rivals.
The interior of the 645Ci is equally impressive, a testament to BMW’s commitment to luxury and craftsmanship. The cabin is swathed in high-quality materials, with brushed aluminum accents and supple leather creating an atmosphere of sophisticated understated elegance, akin to a high-end Manhattan penthouse. The steering wheel is a standout feature, perfectly sculpted with ideal thickness and texture, equally comfortable for relaxed cruising or spirited driving. Even the cupholder design is noteworthy, arguably worthy of display in a modern art museum. While the infamous iDrive system, in its earlier iteration, might still require some acclimatization and perhaps a quick glance at the owner’s manual, and the sloping roofline compromises rear passenger headroom making it best suited for children, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise exceptional cabin. Nestling into the driver’s seat of the 645Ci is akin to entering a luxurious, high-speed vault.
In conclusion, the BMW 645Ci is a beautifully crafted and undeniably stylish luxury coupe. It delivers impressive straight-line performance and exudes German build quality and prestige. However, for driving purists seeking dynamic exhilaration beyond sheer acceleration, the 645Ci might leave something to be desired. Its handling and steering, while competent, prioritize comfort and stability over driver engagement and feedback. If you prioritize head-turning looks, a luxurious interior, and effortless cruising ability, the 645Ci is a compelling choice. However, if you crave a 6-Series with handling prowess to match its athletic appearance, waiting for the higher-performance M6 variant might be a more rewarding path. The 645Ci is ultimately a statement of style and grand touring capability, best enjoyed with a relaxed approach to driving, perhaps just being mindful of those curbs.
