It seems that words like refinement and elegance have largely disappeared from the vocabulary of someone who observes the auto industry. But then good taste and refinement have become scarce commodities in the contemporary world as a whole. Big, boxy McMansions—10,000 sq. ft. monstrosities designed so a childless couple can enjoy eight bedrooms and a gourmet kitchen that nobody uses—define high-end housing in most of the country. Pop stars are showing it all off without a modicum of style. And the automobile industry now produces ungainly trucklike vehicles with all the grace of a grocery sack. 

What we’ve lost in the auto industry is the four-seat coupes and convertibles that used to define style in the auto industry. From the 1920s until late into the 20th century, the industry produced millions of these luxury vehicles so that discerning owners could travel in style. Maybe that’s why I love to visit classic car shows reflecting that bygone era.
But wait, BMW is reviving a model that hasn’t been seen in the states for about 15 years. Yes, the classy 6-Series has been reborn and is raring to go. And wonder of wonders, the 6-Series arrives as both an elegant four-seat coupe and convertible model. And because the new models wear the BMW loge, they land with strong performance potential. Talk about having it all. Now all you need is a lot of cash or great credit. The price of entry is about $70,000 for the coupe model, the subject of this report. We’ll review the convertible when the weather gets warmer. It should be just the ticket for a romp down California Highway One, overlooking the cool Pacific.

As one might expect in an upscale German automobile, the new 635Ci coupe is loaded with technology. But most buyers will make their decisions based on styling and performance. 

Overall, I like the exterior design of the 645Ci coupe. Seen from the front
it exhibits a sleek hood and a wonderful integration of headlights, grille 
and bumper. BMW designers spend an inordinate amount of time on the integration theme in the attempt to seamlessly merge one form into another. The large wheels and wheel openings add a note of boldness to 
the smooth side view. I have one reservation and that’s the read deck. 

Consistent with the profile introduced in the 7-Series sedan a few years ago, the 6-Series wears its trunk lid high. Seen from a distance the form isn’t too objectionable, but on close inspection from the rear, it looks inordinately large and protruding. I’d say the design team achieved about 75 percent of the goal of designing a really stunning automobile.

The interior of the new 645Ci is understated and very elegant. If one is looking for a sea of rare walnut, as exhibited in an English Jaguar or Bentley, disappointment will reign. Rather the 6-Series is very restrained.
I was particularly taken with a model that featured a charcoal grey interior with deep plum-colored leather seating and accents. The effect is that the interior feels restful and reserved, rather than shouting that you’ve just spend a lot of money. 

As far as performance goes, the new 645Ci coupe goes in a hurry. Powered by BMW’s sterling 4.4-liter V-8, the car equipped with the automatic transmission will glide from zero to 60 miles per hour in well under six seconds. But the transition from slow to very fast is so smooth and effortless that it belies the huge performance potential of the car. 

BMW has introduces a high-technology suspension system called Active Roll Stabilization. The goal is to control the amount of body lean induced 
by centrifugal force encountered when a car goes around a fast turn. The technology maximizes the car’s resistance to roll, without affecting ride quality and actually increases steering response. The result is a luxury coupe that handles as well as a sports car. 
 

Vehicle: BMW 645 Ci
Price as tested: $69,995
Type: 4.4-liter V-8
 Horsepower: 325 @ 6,100 rpm
 Torque: ft.-lbs @ 330 rpm
Fuel economy, automatic transmission
 City – 18 mpg
 Highway – 26 mpg
Curb Weight: lbs. 3,792