- Doors and Seats
2 doors, 4 seats
- Engine
4.4i, 8 cyl.
- Engine Power
245kW, 450Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (98) 10.9L/100KM
- Manufacturer
RWD
- Transmission
Manual
- Warranty
2 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2004 BMW 645Ci review
Styling aside, there's lots to like about BMW's 645Ci, says Jonathan Hawley.
For: Arresting looks, bountiful performance, great engine note, plenty of grip, accurate steering.
Against: Not pretty, poor cabin ergonomics, small back seat.
Score: 3.5 stars (out of 5).
You don't need to be a Nobel Prize winner to have noticed BMW's design department has taken a strange new direction over the past couple of years. Indeed, it has become almost cliched for the styling of every new BMW to be dissected at length and, more often than not, mercilessly pilloried.
Bulldog snouts, beetle brows over headlamps and bi-plane boot lids aren't the makings of the next automotive Miss Universe, yet some versions of these have appeared on the 7 Series, 5 Series and Z4. Different and courageous aren't synonyms for handsome or pretty and, while beauty may well be in the eye of the beholder, there's no doubt BMW has taken itself out on a limb in an aesthetic sense.
Why all this talk about how cars look instead of drive? After all, while the cliches are flowing, it's worth mentioning beauty is more than skin deep. It's just that the styling of the new 645Ci can't be ignored, given that with mega-expensive coupes and convertibles of its ilk, looks must surely be a major part of the purchasing decision. It's difficult to think how Jaguar could have sold many of its XK-series otherwise.
The 645Ci is based on the platform of the 5 Series sedan and uses many of its major mechanical components and electronic systems. So things such as the 4.4-litre V8 engine, six-speed automatic transmission, aluminium components in the front structure, variable-ratio steering, active stabiliser bars and even the iDrive system for major cockpit controls are common with the 545i. The uniquely styled two-door body is what's decidedly uncommon.
BMW has taken the unusual step of simultaneously launching coupe and convertible versions of the 6 Series. The former costs $203,000, the latter $220,000 with a six-speed automatic fitted standard or a manual with the same number of ratios as a no-cost option.
Unlike cheaper cars from the same manufacturer, the options list is relatively sparse, with all the items listed above included in the price. Also included is leather trim, 18-inch alloy wheels, the latest traction and stability systems, TV and satellite navigation system and even a fitted telephone. Things such as voice activation and a heads-up display are still optional if really needed.
The manual coupe tested here is the rocket ship of the range. The V8 pumps out a more-than-healthy 245kW of power and 450Nm of torque, but the clever use of lightweight materials, including aluminium and a few plastic panels, have also helped keep weight to a minimum. At just over 1600kg, the 645Ci coupe is lighter than a Ford Falcon XT and noticeably more powerful, so, when fitted with the manual gearbox, it should be no surprise that it really goes. BMW claims this car hits 100kmh from rest in 5.6 seconds and, indeed, it feels every bit that swift.
Just as impressive is the engine's mid-range and low-speed pulling power. With six gear ratios, there's never a shortage of surge for overtaking or hauling out of corners.
But the shift quality of the manual isn't anything special and anyone expecting the response of, say, a Porsche 911 might be disappointed with the slightly slow and ponderous change. Given the automatic is claimed to be only slightly slower than the manual, it isn't an option to be dismissed out of hand by performance buffs.
Despite wide and low-profile tyres, the 645Ci also rides reasonably well, with an inherent firmness but good compliance that's acceptable in a performance coupe. Grip on dry surfaces is absolute, backed by a traction and stability control system that hovers in the background and subtly adjusts engine power on slippery roads without becoming intrusive.
As with the 5 Series sedan, the active steering takes a little getting used to. It is very direct and lacking in some feel at lower speeds but frees up nicely on the open road. Less noticeable are the automatically adjustable stabiliser bars that keep the 645Ci's body flat in corners without ruining the low-speed ride.
Overall, it is a very comfortable and fast grand tourer, with the added sports-car edge to make it surprisingly nimble on tighter roads.
This might be a four-seater, but the rear seats are severely limited on leg room and there's almost no way four adults could travel comfortably. Offsetting this to some degree is a very large boot, although that has been achieved partly by the reliance on run-flat tyres, with no spare carried.
The cabin follows BMW's latest styling themes of having a convoluted dashboard, very little switchgear and most major functions for stereo, ventilation and other vehicle systems accessible via a central iDrive knob. It takes a lot of learning to operate, and even then is far more involved than simply punching a button for radio selection.
The large alloy knob also precludes any centre-console storage and the central bib is largely filled with the telephone, so there's precious little storage for oddments near the driver. Even the cupholder is a clumsy, removable affair that slots into position near where the passenger's right knee should be.
The 645Ci is a driver's car of towering ability, managing to combine effortless performance with refinement and uses the latest chassis technology to good effect. If the small rear seat is an issue, there's always the cheaper and mechanically similar 545i to consider, but then, you don't get the dramatic styling of the 6 Series.
Whether the way the 645Ci looks is to everyone's taste is debatable, but even for this considerable sum of money it's difficult to think of another large coupe that combines power, quality and control with such impressive balance.
BMW 645Ci
How much: $203,000 (manual and auto), plus on-road costs.
Insurance: Premium $1245 (RACV, 40-year-old rating one male driver, medium-risk suburb, $2200 excess).
Warranty: Two years/unlimited km.
Engine: 4.4-litre, DOHC, 32-valve V8, 245kW at 6100rpm and 450Nm at 3600rpm.
Transmission: Six-speed manual or automatic, rear-wheel-drive.
Steering: Variable ratio, 1.5-5 turns lock-to-lock. Turning circle 11.4m
Brakes: Ventilated discs front and rear. ABS standard.
Suspension: Front -- independent by MacPherson struts with stabiliser bar. Rear -- independent by multi-links with coil springs and stabiliser bar.
Wheels/tyres: 18 x 8-inch (front),18 x 9-inch (rear) alloy wheels, run-flat tyres 245/45 (f) and 275/40 (r). No spare tyre.
How heavy? 1615kg (manual).
How thirsty? 13.8 L/100km average. PULP, 70-litre tank.
Equipment: Driver airbag, CD player, side airbays, alloy wheels, ABS brakes, cruise control, remote locking, power windows, air-conditioning, leather trim.
Competitors:
Jaguar XK8 -- $188,000 -- 2 stars (out of 5)
Cheaper and better-looking, but needs the XKR's supercharger for decent performance. Handling and braking well below par for a modern coupe.
Maserati GT -- $208,500 -- 3.5 stars (out of 5)
Glorious engine has plenty of grunt, cabin is classy and it's fun to drive. Doesn't look overly special, clutchless manual can be jerky.
Prices and details correct at publication date.