BMW styling has been controversial lately, to say the least, and no doubt the new 6 will continue feeding the verbal void in lunchrooms across the nation. Personally, though, I like what the Chris Bangle led design team has done with its latest model, giving it a great deal of personality. Some of the angles are unorthodox for sure, especially where the downward sloping reverse teardrop taillights meld into the abrupt, 'whale tail' rear decklid. That last point in mind, from certain viewpoints the sloped C-pillar combined with the rear fascia almost looks like a Porsche 911 Turbo, rear spoiler and all.
 |
| The new 6-Series sports some unorthodox Bangle-angles, one of the most striking is the 'whale tail' which is reminiscent of a Porsche 911 Turbo. (Photo: BMW AG) |
The BMW 645 Ci's trademark twin kidney grille is nicely executed, flanked by two highly distinct headlamp clusters that pay tribute to the taillight design of the Z4. The coupe sits in a hunkered down, animalistic stance, wide and aggressive but still classically proportioned. And for the most part these last two words speak for the car overall. It is elegantly low and athletically lean, gorgeous, but more exotically so like supermodel Iman rather than singing sensation Britney Spears.
 |
| Similar to the 7-Series and new 5-Series, BMW has gone with a minimalist, yet opulent interior design for the 6-Series.(Photo: BMW AG) |
Inside BMW has instituted a similar minimalist motif to what it has recently done with the 7-Series and new 5-Series. Probably slightly more Z4 in execution, the 645 Ci doesn't let the mind wander too far from its sporting mission. What is wood veneer in the 7 is covered in a metallic finish in the 6, with rich leathers and premium level plastics appearing to have raised the bar in its personal coupe category once again.
Like it or not, BMW is sticking to iDrive for most ancillary equipment control. The system is getting more intuitive with every update, most recently only taking seven steps to program a radio station. To be fair I go through this process every week when I get a new test car, while most drivers will only need to preset stations once. Fortunately calling a favorite station up from iDrive takes much less energy. On the positive iDrive offers an enviable level of personalization, something BMW believes its executive class clientele appreciate. It's also kind of fun, in a guy-with-new-gadget way.