Technical
For 2005 and 2006, only one motor will find its way under the bonnet of the mighty 6. Shared with the X5, 5 and 7-Series, the 4.4L double-vanos DOHC V8 pumps out 325 hp at 6 100 rpm and 330 lb/ft of torque at 3 600 rpm. We will have to wait until 2007 for the all-powerful M6 featuring a
500 hp 5.0L V10. There are three transmission choices to join the V8 to the rear differential. All of them are 6-speed boxes: a manual, an automatic and a sequential manual shift called SMG. The SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) is basically an automatic that can be controlled manually via steering mounted paddles. Its principal advantage is the ability to shift through gears at a quicker rate than pretty much anyone switching gears on their own. Mammoth 4-wheel disc brakes and a Sport tuned suspension are standard.
On the road
After prodding the ignition switch, hearing the V8 come to life and then settling to a busy idle; it is difficult not to have a grin on ones face. The engine sounds powerful, hungry for tarmac and ready to go. At first, the 645Ci feels incredibly quick. The motor's massive torque propels the car forward and it is very gratifying. It will take a little time, but once this effect has worn off, the car looses some of its brilliance. You see, even if 2nd gear will shoot up to nearly 110 km/h, it still takes 5.8 seconds to get
to 100 km/h. As rapid as that may be, when compared to a Ford Mustang GT that sells for a third of the price and that will perform the same sprint in about 5.4 seconds, the glory tends to fade. Fuel consumption is rated at 14.3 L City and 8.6 L highway. I managed a medium of 14.81 L which I found to be fair considering the weight of the car and the size of the engine.
Where the car retains its superiority is in the ride and handling department. Rarely have I had the opportunity to drive a car that felt so composed and ready to pounce at the same time. Nary will a bump disrupt this car's tenacious grip and duty to travel in the direction that it is pointed towards. Even when fitted to the optional 19" alloys, the ride of the 645Ci remains controlled and I would easily add smooth. Like nearly all BMWs, the coupe's nearly 50/50 weight distribution allows it to have a very balanced drive.
As with all manual transmission equipped BMWs, the shifter is very notchy and the clutch pedal is heavy. For most drivers, including myself, it will take a few tries to get the synchronization perfect. Once this is achieved though, the level of satisfaction is equal to getting a birdie on a long par
4.
Our tester was equipped with the optional Active Steering. The response to steering wheel inputs to the front wheels is instantaneous and rewarding. The front tires bite hard into a corner and the rest of the car almost telepathically shoots into the desired direction. The Sport mode is something else. After a few take-offs to adapt to the new throttle settings, the coupe almost feels like an extra 50 hp have been grafted onto the flywheel.
For 2005 and 2006, only one motor will find its way under the bonnet of the mighty 6. Shared with the X5, 5 and 7-Series, the 4.4L double-vanos DOHC V8 pumps out 325 hp at 6 100 rpm and 330 lb/ft of torque at 3 600 rpm. We will have to wait until 2007 for the all-powerful M6 featuring a
 |
On the road
After prodding the ignition switch, hearing the V8 come to life and then settling to a busy idle; it is difficult not to have a grin on ones face. The engine sounds powerful, hungry for tarmac and ready to go. At first, the 645Ci feels incredibly quick. The motor's massive torque propels the car forward and it is very gratifying. It will take a little time, but once this effect has worn off, the car looses some of its brilliance. You see, even if 2nd gear will shoot up to nearly 110 km/h, it still takes 5.8 seconds to get
 |
Where the car retains its superiority is in the ride and handling department. Rarely have I had the opportunity to drive a car that felt so composed and ready to pounce at the same time. Nary will a bump disrupt this car's tenacious grip and duty to travel in the direction that it is pointed towards. Even when fitted to the optional 19" alloys, the ride of the 645Ci remains controlled and I would easily add smooth. Like nearly all BMWs, the coupe's nearly 50/50 weight distribution allows it to have a very balanced drive.
As with all manual transmission equipped BMWs, the shifter is very notchy and the clutch pedal is heavy. For most drivers, including myself, it will take a few tries to get the synchronization perfect. Once this is achieved though, the level of satisfaction is equal to getting a birdie on a long par
 |
Our tester was equipped with the optional Active Steering. The response to steering wheel inputs to the front wheels is instantaneous and rewarding. The front tires bite hard into a corner and the rest of the car almost telepathically shoots into the desired direction. The Sport mode is something else. After a few take-offs to adapt to the new throttle settings, the coupe almost feels like an extra 50 hp have been grafted onto the flywheel.