BMW 645Ci 2004 Review

Rarely do you read a searching "road test" of just about any other product or service.

But BMW Australia set new standards in launching its stunning new 645Ci last week by arranging for motoring writers to drive Coupe and Convertible models in no less than Australia's world standard tarmac rally, Targa Tasmania.

Okay, so it was in the Touring class and not full-on Competition but none-the-less this exercise allowed the nuts behind the wheel to test the ballsy Bimmer over the roads and conditions for which Targa is famous.

I was privileged to be the third car away at the start in downtown Launceston and drove the first two Targa stages, interspersed with transport (on open, not closed, roads) sections as well as an unforgettable sprint up Poatina mountain.

But first the bits and pieces – The 645Ci shares BMW's 7- Series 4.4-litre V8 which is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission (or a six-speed manual as a no cost option) along with the latest electronic chassis controls.

This has been packaged with the safety features and creature comforts come to be expected of BMWs top range and cloaked in a wickedly shaped body to which designer supremo Chris Bangle put his signature.

The Coupe, which I also got to drive, accepts four passengers no worries and boasts a 450-litre boot – big enough for two golf bags and a full-size suitcase, which general manager marketing and communications John Kananghinis assured was very important in the relevant $200,000 market.

"It (the ability to take a set of golf clubs) is crucial, he said. "It can make or break a sale. The Coupe sells for $203,000 and the Convertible $220,000.

According to BMW, the V8 pumps out 245kW at 6100rpm matched with 450Nm of torque from just 3700rpm, "providing a deep and exhilarating power band.

"The athletic V8 is not only a resoundingly satisfying powerhouse but it has a conscience, too. It sips fuel at the rate of just 10.9-litres/100km on the combined cycle, the blurb said.

"The Coupe with auto races to 100km/h from rest in 5.8 seconds, charges from 80-120km/h in fourth gear in 5.1 seconds and is electronically limited to a top speed of 250 km/h.

"The Convertible reaches 100km/h in 6.2 seconds and completes the 80-120km/h overtaking surge in 5.5 seconds in fourth and is also electronically governed to 250km/h.

"A twin chamber exhaust system liberates a rich, deep rumble at full throttle that races to a calmer burble at slower speeds.

No hyperbole, this – Out in the real world of Tasmanian back roads, over the dips and creases, along the straight bits and through the 90-degree corners and snaking esses, the 645Ci showed BMW practised what it preached.

And, yes, that bass V8 note bouncing off roadside cuttings and canyon walls is indeed music to the ear.

In summary, the 645Ci boasts the largest brakes in its class and perfect (50/50) weight distribution that invokes handling to kill for.

Add on Active Steering for go kart-like low speed traction, Traction Control to allow a higher slip threshold and Dynamic Drive which all but eliminates body roll when cornering, and you really have the dynamics that deliver top performance with optimum control.

To coin the contemporary vernacular – Awesome!