2005 BMW 645 Ci Road Test

While driving California's circuitous roadways, trimmed with majestic palms framing glorious seascapes, is a memory forever

Trunk space is generous for this class of car, at 450 litres (15.9 cubic feet). (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

etched into the recesses of my mind, I find tooling round Vancouver gave a better indication of the car's overall livability. To this end the 645 Ci offers comfortable accommodations for two, while its rear seats are great for kids and useful to a couple of extra adults in a pinch. Trunk space is generous for this class of car, at 450 litres (15.9 cubic feet), making the 6 ideal for getting away from it all; luggage in tow.

But truly, BMW's new coupe wasn't designed to be its most practical offering. It's a statement of personal style, most likely complementing an X5 or 7-Series parked in the adjacent stall. While all of BMW's vehicles are biased towards enthusiast driving, the coupe

The 6-Series' cabin is both elegant, in a contemporary Germanic way, and expertly put together. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

combines the compliant ride of a larger sedan with the handling prowess of a sports car. It's not as edgy as a Porsche 911, per say, yet delivers performance that will have many a Carrera driver eating humble pie.

And that from a cabin which is both elegant, in a contemporary Germanic way, and expertly put together. BMW has long been a leader in fit, finish and materials quality, with the 6 portraying some of its best work to date. Most surfaces are soft to the touch, switchgear unsurpassed in its segment, and ergonomically it is as well laid out as cars get. To that end the seats are very supportive, with effective side bolsters and multiple adjustments.