2004 BMW 545i 6-Speed Road Test

And what about Dynamic Drive? It effectually flattens out curves, adjusting to road surface imperfections before the actual

Dynamic Drive effectually flattens out curves, adjusting to road surface imperfections before the actual heaves and undulations occur. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

heaves and undulations occur. The 545i's ride is not only smoother than most competitors' sport sedans, but the car's ability to remain horizontal to the road surface and therefore keep as much of the tire's contact patch attached to the pavement improves grip and therefore handling.

I couldn't help but chuckle during the spiral onto the highway, so amazed was I at the car's lateral tenacity. But my focus on the job at hand soon resumed, and with it my good 'ole boy stock car grin immediately soured to Marcus Grönholm-like rally sport concentration. Slipping the buttery smooth 6-speed manual into 3rd gear (a 6-speed manual-mode automatic and 6-speed SMG sequential manual gearbox are also available) I sped onto the freeway, charging to the posted speed and beyond with the flick of the wrist into 4th gear. Fifth gear arrived prior to climbing up and over a 6-lane bridge I've come to know intimately over the last forty or so years, and before I could say hello it's down the other side to the next off-ramp. While the highway looked beckoning I

The 6-speed transmission of the BMW 545i is buttery smooth to say the least. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

unfortunately wasn't on my way out of town, but rather directly into and across it.

I arrived at Shawn Pisio's place in a matter of minutes, the guy who keeps our growing journalistic concern together in more ways even he realizes by the way. Today he's Robin to my Batman impression, and the Batcar is hauling like it never could in Adam West's day.

Despite now being within the inner city, traffic was still relatively light allowing me to keep up the pace I needed to make my plane. Shawn grabbed the "Oh my!" handle, four of which are conveniently located above each door in all BMWs, expressed a few muffled expletives and finally buckled down for a ride he soon wouldn't forget.