I kept walking round and round, taking in its unique chrome edged twin-kidney grille flanked by the most distinctive headlight treatment I've seen, quite possibly ever. Subtle details such as the engine vents just aft of the front wheel arches are beautifully executed, and the delicately folded crease that starts at beltline and stretches forward, spanning both sides of the long, elegant hood.
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| As amazing as the 645 Ci looks on a pedestal, it looks even better on the road. (Photo: BMW AG) |
It looks even better on the road. BMW had arranged an assortment of 645 Ci's for press drives, all featuring gray exteriors. I opted for the 6-speed manual first off, with both the 6-speed automatic with Steptronic manual mode and paddle-shift sequential manual gearbox (SMG) left to the side to be driven later. Three transmission choices might make for a difficult decision if I was laying down cash, but for me no such long-term considerations were necessary.
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| The new 6-Series packs a 4.4-L V8 engine, providing a formidable 333-hp available at 6,100 rpm and 332 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. (Photo: BMW AG) |
A light rain was falling, unusual for Spain, especially factoring in how far south the event was being held. Still, despite the 4.4-L V8 engine's formidable 333-hp available at 6,100 rpm and 332 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm, I didn't expect traction to be a problem. And it wasn't, for the most part. Of course, only fools or World Rally Championship drivers attempt to go as quickly in the wet as they do in the dry, so I took my time testing the coupe's limitations, after negotiating my way through one of the worst traffic jams I've ever experienced that is.
Fortunately for me Spaniards are car fanatics, with the majority pointing, mouths agape at our lovely coupe, being that it would have been the first opportunity even these Europeans would have had to see one in the flesh. I took full advantage, jutting into open spaces left by overcome motorists, a turning circle move I quickly learned in my quest to find freedom in what had become automotive bondage. Once past the final roundabout, a fairly vacant freeway was all that stood between the 645 Ci and the mountains. I made haste.