2004 6-Series
After a lengthy stay away from the market BMW decided to bring back the big coupe in 2004. The all-new BMW 6 Series delivered stellar performance, brilliant handling, and that arrow-like stability that marks this marque as unique. The new 645Ci is a Grand Touring coupe. It’s one of the most unique vehicles in the current BMW lineup. Though it has recently expanded its line to cover a broad range of vehicles, BMW has usually been known for its sports sedans. Its coupes and convertibles date back to the late 1930s, however.
They started with the beautiful 1938 327 Coupe with sweeping fenders and available two-tone paint. That was quickly followed by a specially built 328 coupe that won the prestigious Mille Miglia in 1940. For most Americans, however, this new BMW recalls coupes of the mid-1970s: the 1968 2800 CS Coupe, the 1975 3.0 CSi, the 3.0 CSL, and the 6 Series cars that debuted in 1976. The highly regarded 635CSi was a member of this last-generation 6 Series. And the 8 Series coupes of the early 1990s are also considered part of BMW’s big coupe lineage.
Now, a decade later comes this new line of 6 Series cars. The 645Ci coupe and 645Ci convertible models are essentially hard top and soft top versions of the same car. Bristling with the latest in technology, they are based on the superb new 5 Series chassis but are not simply two-door versions of the sedans. The 6 Series cars are modern GTs, or Gran Turismo cars. They offer greater luxury and comfort than the Z4 sports car, yet with higher performance, more agile handling, and sportier styling than the 5 Series sports sedans. The 645Ci Coupe and 645Ci Convertible each qualify as an ultimate driving machine, yet can be driven all day in perfect comfort. Though launched as 2004 models, the new 6 Series cars are for all practical purposes 2005 models.
The BMW 6 Series coupe and convertible are comfortable cars that encourage the driver to take the joy of driving seriously. The seats are comfortable and supportive, more comfortable than the ultra-firm seats found in some of BMW’s sports packages. You feel safely ensconced in this car, partly because of its high waistline. The 6 Series iDrive system is similar to the setup in the 5 Series sedan. A big knob mounted on the center console controls navigation, the audio system, climate controls, and other secondary functions. Various functions can be selected by sliding the big knob left or right, forward or aft, then turning it like a knob to work through menus displayed on a monitor on the center stack. The big knob doesn’t move diagonally as in the 7 Series cars, which may simplify things, but we recommend sitting in the driveway with the owner’s manual to master this system.
An optional head-up display projects speed, navigational information, cruise control status and other data onto the windshield. The trunk is relatively large and can hold two sets of golf clubs. The BMW badge on the rear serves as the latch for the trunk. Press the button on the remote and the trunk lid pops open fully, nice when you’re running through the rain with an armload of groceries. Gooseneck hinges are employed, but are shielded from the inside cargo bay, eliminating concerns of crushing things. The coupe has a larger trunk (13 cubic feet) than the convertible.