Just two months ago, we introduced you to the 2004 BMW 645Ci, an all-new grand touring coupe that brings the esteemed 6-Series line into the 21st century. And now the second 6-Series shoe has dropped with the 645Ci convertible. It’s a top down GT for BMW lovers both old and new and takes the 6-Series fans even further into this new era, but this time with the sun on their faces and the wind in their hair.

Like the coupe, the 2004 BMW 645Ci convertible emerges from Chris Bangle’s controversial styling hotbed as one of the must have cars of the season. And sure, he’s taken some heat in the past, but this 6-Series drop-top really is his hottest effort yet!

After a 15-year hiatus, the 6-Series is back with that same timeless BMW heritage. And what could be better than this new convertible model with its elegantly shaped power soft top, which can be raised or lowered when the car is moving up to 20 miles per hour. BMW departed from normal soft top design by mounting the glass rear window to the body, not the top. When the top is down, it can be raised for wind deflection. When the top is up, it can be electrically lowered for flow-through ventilation. Pretty slick.

Aside from its obvious sharp looks, mechanically the coupe and convertible 645Ci are much the same. Both ride on a modified 5-Series sedan platform, and pack the same power under the hood. The rear wheels and aluminum driveshaft are turned by BMW’s ultrasmooth 4.4-liter dual-overhead-cam V8. It generates 325 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, and dropping the top only enhances the lusty purr of the V-8.

Transmission choices are a 6-speed automatic, a 6-speed paddle shifted Sequential Manual Gearbox, or SMG, and our car’s pure 6-speed manual. Together, this dynamic duo form a drivetrain that took 6.9 seconds from 0 to 60…that’s 9 tenths more than the lighter coupewith a quarter-mile run of 15.3 seconds at 96 miles-per-hour. The 4.4-liter V8 is seamless and delivers a power band both wide and flat. Save a shift linkage that doesn’t promote rapid gear changes, we still found the manual far more enjoyable than the SMG tranny we tested in the coupe.

Adding to the 6-Series praise is its stiff chassis. With a lightweight aluminum strut 2-link front and 4-link rear suspension, plus electronic stability and active roll control, the 645Ci is sharp and well balanced. Through every turn this big convertible stayed glued, being nearly neutral with only slight push on entry. Overall, this 645Ci is extremely responsive for a drop-top. Steering is quick and linear, and the Sport Package adds Active Steering to help reduce oversteer in emergencies. It does compromise steering feel, but the connected assurance is worth it.

Brakes also preformed well, with stops from 60 averaging a fine 122 feet. The all-vented discs with ABS and brake assist delivered typical BMW smooth and solid stability. The 645Ci convertible’s standard suspension calibration makes for a firm but conforming road ride, and is bested only by the convertible’s excellent interior noise control.

Like the coupe, the convertible’s interior is modern classic BMW, with graceful, stylish lines, and a slew of sophisticated systems. And though the complex I-Drive system does rear its head once again, familiar analog gauges and comfy 12-way power leather buckets soften the blow. In our 635Ci coupe test, we mentioned the snug confines for passengers, both front and rear, and the same holds true for the convertible. As for the trunk, cargo space maxes out at 12 cubic feet with the top up! One of our staff even managed a week’s groceries.

And speaking of saving the bread, how much dough will you have to roll out for this sleek soft-top? Base price for the 645Ci convertible is $76,995, or seven grand more than the coupe.

After its long awaited return, the 645Ci is well worth standing in line for. Both coupe and convertible are gourmet recipes for automotive delights, recipes that blend automotive technology with distinctive style and BMW’s secret ingredient for success!

Specifications

  • Engine: 4.4-Liter Dohc V8
  • Horsepower: 325
  • Torque: 330 Lb Feet
  • 0-60 MPH: 6.9 Seconds
  • 1/4 Mile: 15.3 Seconds @ 96 MPH
  • 60-0 MPH: 122 Feet
  • EPA Mileage: 18 MPG City 26 MPG Highway