SIX MACHINE; 645Ci elicits high praise as the stunner of the Bangle bunch.(Auto File)(BMW 645Ci)

Say what you will about the much-maligned Bangle Butt, the BMW 645Ci represents the best application of the notchy design element to date. Most everyone-from owners who responded to our AutoFile request to the folks slaving away to bring you this magazine-concurs: The 6 looks killer. From its gracefully sloping coupe silhouette to its tasteful body sculpting, the car delights the eyes despite that angular derriere.

In fact, the 645Ci's squared-off trunk lid adds to the beauty of the design by accentuating the car's short rear overhang; we just wish the taillights were better integrated into the overall design. As it stands, the rear end in profile looks a bit like a Porsche 911's with a wedge of Double Gloucester tacked on.

"I have never gotten so many compliments from strangers on how cool the car looks,'' writes one owner, echoing the sentiments of everyone we heard from. And yet most found themselves pleasantly surprised with the level of the car's performance on the road, that the 6 isn't content with simply looking good.

"Very stable and extremely quiet at 100 mph-plus,'' says another owner.

"It's the best non-Porsche I've ever owned,'' a third owner writes.

Indeed, the 645Ci behaves well at the track, exhibiting just a bit of tail-wagging through the slalom with all its tractive prophylactics flipped off. It feels nicely controllable-the active steering proves responsive, well assisted but with good feedback-with its 19-inch Bridge-stone Potenza tires helping the car's reactivity immensely.

On the skidpad this BMW displays a mild understeer, handling almost neutrally, the front tires registering minor protestations.