The BMW M440i soaks up the sun in Palm Beach County, FL.
Is the new BMW M440i Coupe a coupe, a sedan or what? At one point, BMW stated that 2-, 4- and 6-series vehicles were coupes. Later, Gran Coupe models threw that convention to the wind by offering a 4-series four-door. At the end of the day, most fans just tossed their hands in the air and dealt with it. Napleton News had a chance to give the M440i Coupe a spin recently. Here’s what we thought.
A premium sport/luxury coupe, the BMW M440i Coupe serves as a bridge between the more pedestrian 4-Series and the over-the-top M4 Coupe. To use some technical jargon borrowed from Goldilocks, this one is just right. It’s available as a coupe, convertible, or even the four-door Gran Coupe. The 4-Series is available with a choice of engines, including a 255-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, a 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 in the M4 pumping out 473-horsepower and a 503-horsepower 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 powering the M4 Competition. Our BMW M440i got its power from a 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 making 382 horsepower from its 48-volt mild hybrid power arrangement.
As an aside, all BMW 4-series vehicles match up to a standard 8-speed automatic transmission. The BMW M4 is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. All 4-series vehicles are equipped with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is an available option.
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room (Nostril-like grille? What nostril-like grille?) – we’re kidding here. It took a bit of getting used to, but we are finally on board with it. A quick side glance has seen spectators think they were viewing a Mustang. But that’s not the case. It’s much more than that, though. A bit is going on here with numerous intake openings and air skirts to smooth airflow over the front wheels.
Rising over the grille is a clamshell hood with multiple creases that clearly show attention to detail. The side flanks are conservatively styled and help the overall look of the fastback roofline. They end up at the trunklid, where a carbon-fiber rear spoiler finishes things off. Once inside, rear-seat passengers could sit down without touching the ceiling.
The BMW M440i Coupe is a techno showplace with the latest automotive gadgetry. This includes Live Cockpit Pro with a 12.3-inch gauge display and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. One of the most excellent features is the BMW Gesture control. Just rotate your pointer finger in front of the display to turn the volume up or down, and slide from left to right to change the screen or channel.
Our interior was shod in simulated leather throughout. The front seats were extremely comfortable, with just the right amount of bolster to keep us in place. Rear seat passengers will find the legroom a bit on the tight side, but if you are heading on a crosstown junket, they can just deal with it.
The M440i Coupe instantly reminds us why BMW is known as a driver’s car. It’s a lower ride and has a wider stance than its 3-Series sibling, but it’s one of the better-balanced sport coupes we’ve been in.
The M-tuned 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 is a jewel of a mill, with zero to 60 mph ticking off in 3.8 seconds. Top speed is an impressive 157 mph and traction remains stout thanks to the M440i’s M Sport differential.
The handling in the M440i is en pointe from the moment you flick the wheel. Exit a turn with positive throttle pressure. The Michelin 18-inch wheels hold firm and grip hard, allowing for a fast getaway that is exhilarating to the extreme. Pushed hard enough, this BMW might be up for a little bit of tail-wagging fun.
The BMW M440i Coupe is a solid-looking fastback German sports coupe (or convertible) that can tear it up on the street or the track.
| 2022 BMW M440i Coupe Specifications | ||
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine Type | 3.0-Liter turbocharged Inline-6 Mild Hybrid engine | |
| Horsepower | 382 hp @ 5,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 369 LB-FT @ 1,800 rpm | |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | |
| Fuel Economy | 28 mpg (25 city/34 hwy) | |
| Suspension | Strut / Multilink | |
| Turning Circle | 39.4 ft. | |
| Also Available | M4, M4 Competition, xDrive AWD | |
| Specs | ||
| Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | N/A | |
| Max Seating Capacity | 4 | |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 inches | |
| Overall Length | 188.0 inches | |
| Width | 72.9 inches | |
| Height | 54.8 inches | |
| Cargo (Trunk) | 12 Cubic Feet | |
| Headroom, Front | 38.0 inches | |
| Headroom, Rear | 35.2 inches | |
| Legroom, Front | 41.8 inches | |
| Legroom, Rear | 34.5 inches | |
| Shoulder, Front | 55.1 inches | |
| Shoulder, Rear | 51.0 inches |
This post was published on May 23, 2022
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