Expert Rating
Ann Job's Rating:
7 out of 10.
Bottom Line:
BMW revives the 6-Series with the 2004 645Ci Coupe and Convertible. V8 power and sounds are terrific; handling is pure BMW. But despite BMW officials' hopes, the styling and details may not give this 6-Series the status of a classic.
Pros: - Wonderful engine sounds
- Strong V8 power
- German road-handling
Cons: - Looks alone won't make this one a classic
- Unappealing large gaps between some body panels
- Confounding iDrive
Expert Review
I heard BMW officials boast about how the company's heritage is full of stylish performance coupes and convertibles that became classics of their era.
But you know, I'm not sure the new, 2004 645Ci Coupe and Convertible are up to the task.
The earlier BMW classics had a nearly avant garde
flair about them. Not so these 6-Series cars, whose looks appear to be a more-rounded and lowered version of the current generation 7-Series sedan. Worse, when viewed from the rear quarter panel angle, the 6-Series cars bear a distinct resemblance to Chrysler's LHS sedan, which is hardly a memorable or high-brow auto.
Yes, the large wheels and V-rated, all-season tires