Second, the 645 Ci's overall balance means it can handle anything the lackadaisical Ontario and Quebec road engineers can throw at it. At the same time, the ride doesn't fall to pieces once you hit some bad pavement, which during my morning run, was more often than not. BMW's oft-criticized Active Steering consists of a small, electrically controlled gearbox mounted at the bottom of the steering column that increases the amount of rotation that occurs when you turn the steering wheel. It takes into account how stable the car is traveling, the type of road surfaces, and
your speed. The extra assistance is gradually reduced as your speed increases, until the ratio becomes "conventional" at about 140 km/h. Having driven a 545i with Active Steering, and now the 645i Ci, my only complaint is a susceptibility of the system to overcompensate for any crosswinds. Other than that, Active Steering is transparent.
For the driver, the optional sports seats provide enough lateral support for the twisties, and are also comfortable, and wide enough, to handle cruising mode. However, make sure you call "dibs" on either one of the two seats up front; there you'll find plenty of room in all directions, compared to the backseat that is best for kids, or kid-sized adults.
But tap the throttle, and any ergonomic or space utilization concerns with the 645 Ci drift away as quickly as the scenery behind you. With a thoughtfully tuned exhaust note, the experience from the driver's seat is of an engine that roars like a lion propelling a car that runs like a cheetah.
Speaking of cats, you can't swing one in a Mercedes-Benz showroom
these days and not hit some kind of two-door. Which is one of the reasons why arch-rival BMW resurrected the 6 Series in 2004 after a fifteen-year hiatus joining the 3 Series and Z4 in BMW's coupe group. The 645 Ci is really more of a 2+2 than a bona fide four seater. And with a base price just nipping in under 100 big ones, the 645 Ci is both sized and priced between Mercedes' CLK 500 ($78,800) and their grander CL 500 ($138,750).
Compared to competitors from Mercedes, the Lexus SC430 ($89,770), Maserati's Coupe ($121,105), or the soon-to-be-replaced Jaguar XK8 ($96,350), the synthesis of the BMW 645 Ci's rip-roaring engine, athletic chassis, and the unique-for-this-class six-speed stick, means that it's the car zealot's choice if you're in the mood for a big, vee-eight engined 2+2 coupe.
Just the facts...
Build quality 5/6
Features 5/6
Performance 5/6
Fun-to-drive 5/6
Overall value 3/6
Vehicle Type: Front-engine, rear-drive, 2+2-passenger, 2-door coupe
Engine: Variable DOHC, 4398cc V-8
Horsepower: 325 bhp @ 6100 rpm
Torque: 330-lb.-ft. @ 3,600 to 4,250 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Curb Weight: 1,724 kilograms
0 to 100 kms/hr: 5.5 seconds
Wheels & Tires: Front ,19-inch 245/40; Rear: 275/35 run flats
Base price: $99,000
Optional Equipment: Executive Package ($6,400.00)
Price As Tested: $105,400.00
photo:John LeBlanc
 |
| 2005 BMW 645Ci (Photo: John LeBlanc, straight-six.com) |
For the driver, the optional sports seats provide enough lateral support for the twisties, and are also comfortable, and wide enough, to handle cruising mode. However, make sure you call "dibs" on either one of the two seats up front; there you'll find plenty of room in all directions, compared to the backseat that is best for kids, or kid-sized adults.
But tap the throttle, and any ergonomic or space utilization concerns with the 645 Ci drift away as quickly as the scenery behind you. With a thoughtfully tuned exhaust note, the experience from the driver's seat is of an engine that roars like a lion propelling a car that runs like a cheetah.
Speaking of cats, you can't swing one in a Mercedes-Benz showroom
 |
| 2005 BMW 645Ci (Photo: John LeBlanc, straight-six.com) |
Compared to competitors from Mercedes, the Lexus SC430 ($89,770), Maserati's Coupe ($121,105), or the soon-to-be-replaced Jaguar XK8 ($96,350), the synthesis of the BMW 645 Ci's rip-roaring engine, athletic chassis, and the unique-for-this-class six-speed stick, means that it's the car zealot's choice if you're in the mood for a big, vee-eight engined 2+2 coupe.
Just the facts...
Build quality 5/6
Features 5/6
Performance 5/6
Fun-to-drive 5/6
Overall value 3/6
Vehicle Type: Front-engine, rear-drive, 2+2-passenger, 2-door coupe
Engine: Variable DOHC, 4398cc V-8
Horsepower: 325 bhp @ 6100 rpm
Torque: 330-lb.-ft. @ 3,600 to 4,250 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Curb Weight: 1,724 kilograms
0 to 100 kms/hr: 5.5 seconds
Wheels & Tires: Front ,19-inch 245/40; Rear: 275/35 run flats
Base price: $99,000
Optional Equipment: Executive Package ($6,400.00)
Price As Tested: $105,400.00
photo:John LeBlanc
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