BMW Faqs

Before you invest $77,000 (or $84,000 for this convertible), you may want to ask why. The 645Ci is a driver’s car that you will enjoy in the city and on the highway but will totally love if you ever get it on a racing track. It has looks that are luxurious. While the humpish “whale tail” could be rethought, overall, the exterior lines are pleasing to the eye. Inside is a different story.

There is nothing wrong necessarily. The cabin is spacious but spartan in feel, and some of the instruments and controls seem too simple. Then there is the iDrive, the electronic system that runs everything, which will drive you mad trying to figure it out. However, once in, buckled up and familiar with systems, the fun starts.

The car is sure footed and handles and corners beautifully. Acceleration is good and braking is simply sensational. BMW has come up with a racy specimen with precise steering that won’t skid.

Despite its sports car pedigree, the ride is not that rough and enables you to thoroughly enjoy it as an everyday car. With good trunk space, it is perfect for weekend trips sans kids. All this excitement in driving comes at a much lesser price than an exotic and will give you the reliability of a BMW.

Standard features of note include: Digital Motor Electronics engine-management system with adaptive knock control; Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with electronic brake proportioning; Dynamic Stability Control with Dynamic Traction Control; Anti-lock Braking System with Dynamic Brake Control; Vehicle-speed-sensitive, variable-assist, variable-ratio rack-and-pinion power steering, Active Roll Stabilization; Active Roll Stabilization; Rain-sensing windshield wipers; and Park Distance Control.