BMW440I Msport
FIRST DRIVE High-spec coupé is handed a 20bhp power hike
LAST year, BMW replaced its top-spec 3 Series, the 335i, with a more powerful 340i. Now it’s the 4 Series Coupé’s turn for an upgrade, with this 440i getting an extra 20bhp from its six-cylinder turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol engine.
Developing 450Nm of torque, our automatic model will go from 0-62mph in five seconds flat and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. It’s not all about the numbers with this car, though, as the way the straight-six delivers its power quite quickly becomes incredibly addictive.
Despite being turbocharged, it loves to be revved. Overtaking in-gear is easy, but the real joy comes when you extend the engine right out to its 7,000rpm limit.
It sounds fantastic, if a little muted in the cabin, and there’s not so much power that you’re going too quickly too soon – the 440i really does hit a sweet spot when it comes to performance. Take it easy, and power delivery is smooth and easy at low revs, too, while at motorway cruising speeds, the engine fades away – it makes it a competent cruiser despite the impressive performance numbers.
It’s available with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox. We tested the latter, and it’s brilliant, shifting smoothly and quickly. If you spend a lot of time driving in traffic, the automatic is a solid choice.
Economy of 42.8mpg in the auto model is also rather impressive for a 322bhp petrol coupé, but for those wanting a more frugal alternative, BMW will still sell you a 435d diesel. It offers near-identical performance at a similar price, but with economy of 50.4mpg. For some, though, the smooth and refined nature of the petrol-engined 440i will outweigh the higher fuel costs.
The excellent performance goes hand-in-hand with the 4 Series’ great handling balance, too. The steering is a bit light in Comfort mode, but put it in Sport and it weights up nicely, giving the car a stronger sense of precision in tight corners. There’s a little bit of body roll, but the car settles during the corner and feels well balanced.
The rear-wheel-drive chassis makes it great for powering out of slower bends, and the ride is well judged, offering plenty of support on rough roads without feeling harsh or uncomfortable. It’s not as smooth as a Lexus RC, but the BMW is still a comfortable car for cruising, although large bumps shudder into the cabin due to the large wheels and low-profile tyres.
Where the range-topping M4 offers a pumped-up look, with its quad exhausts and huge air intakes, the 440i provides something a bit more subtle, which adds to its appeal. It’s still a sporty-looking car, with an aggressive front bumper design and a wide stance, but the twin exhaust pipes look classier than the M4’s quad tailpipe set-up. Similarly, the 4 Series has a smart and well designed interior, although it’s not as sophisticated as a Mercedes C-class Coupé.
The dials are a highlight, and the large display screen on top of the dash looks good, too. The front seats are comfortable, but hop in the back, and the lack of head and legroom will be a problem for adults.
Our car’s white leather looks modern and smart when it’s clean, yet trying to keep it bright and showroom fresh will take regular care and effort.
The BMW’S idrive infotainment system remains as intuitive and easy to use as ever – it’s by far one of the best set-ups on any car at any price. The rotary controls in the centre console make it easy to input addresses into the sat-nav, and there’s no fiddly touchscreen controls to grapple with when on the move. The head-up
Newcars “The excellent performance goes hand-in-hand with the 4 Series’ impressive handling balance”