BMW 6 Driving Impressions I

The BMW 6 Series is smooth and precise. Always poised, it is easy to drive smoothly and quickly. The ride is taut but not harsh. The engine is silky smooth and tractable for easy going around town or in stop-and-go traffic. Yet you're rewarded with immediate response whenever you press down on the accelerator. This car immediately becomes and extension of the driver, smoothly and flawlessly executing his or her wishes. It's easy to modulate the brakes and throttle and the steering is very precise, all making for a smooth driving experience.
BMW's 4.4-liter V8 delivers 325 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque to the coupe and convertible. The 3,781-pound coupe with the manual or SMG can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph is 5.5 seconds, according to BMW. The convertible is heavier and about a half-second slower. The 32-valve V8 benefits from Valvetronic variable valve timing and variable lift; breathing is controlled entirely by the valves. There is no traditional throttle, so that pedal on the right is more accurately called an accelerator pedal. It's a fascinating engine for engineers and car buffs with technological marvels such as its Double VANOS steplessly variable intake manifold. But the bottom line is that there's lots of power throughout the rev range, so the 645Ci responds quickly and precisely in any situation. It's also an efficient powerplant, so energy is not wasted but is instead channeled into fuel-efficient power. The engine sounds great, emitting a guttural roar under hard acceleration through its nicely tuned exhaust system.