Summary of "1st Drive BMW M440i Gran Coupe xDrive - Not my cup of tea | 4K"

BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe (2024 Model) Review

Main Features

Engine & Performance

Retains the B58 3.0L inline-six turbocharged engine.
Produces 374 horsepower and 500 Nm torque.
Equipped with a 48-volt mild hybrid system.
ZF 8-speed automatic transmission (only gearbox option).
xDrive all-wheel drive system, primarily rear-wheel drive biased.
0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds; electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
Adaptive suspension standard.

Exterior

Press car finished in Aventurine Red paint — classy and contrasts well with the black leather interior.
Controversial large kidney grille (shared with the new 4 Series).
Frameless doors front and rear.
New door handles that look smart but may be tricky to operate.
Wheels fitted with Pirelli P Zero tires (reviewer prefers Michelin for aesthetics).
Extended shadow line package with blacked-out trim.
M-style door mirror caps (criticized as inappropriate for M-light models).

Interior & Practicality

Black leather interior with three-zone climate control.
Heated rear seats and USB-C ports in the rear.
Boot capacity: 470 liters, practical for loading awkward items such as mountain bikes.
Rear cabin space is cramped, especially for tall adults; limited legroom and headroom.
Interior feels smaller and darker than the 3 Series.
Latest BMW Operating System 7 with modern displays.

Driving Experience

Feels very similar to the M340i underneath.
Stiffer chassis than M340i, but not as sharp as the 4 Series coupe.
Slightly higher driving position compared to 3 Series and M3.
Good grip and handling, though less sharp than coupe.
Mild hybrid system improves low-end pickup.
Exhaust sound is better than expected with organic pops and crackles, despite heavy filtering.
Ride quality described as smooth (“magic carpet”) but not fully assessed on UK roads.

Pros

Powerful and refined inline-six engine with mild hybrid assistance.
Practical boot space for a coupe-style car.
Adaptive suspension as standard.
Good grip and traction from xDrive system.
Modern infotainment and climate control features.
Organic, pleasant exhaust notes despite restrictions.
Stylish Aventurine Red paint option.

Cons

Controversial and unattractive exterior design, especially grille and rear three-quarters.
Rear passenger space is cramped and uncomfortable for taller adults.
Door handles are tricky to operate.
Wheels and tire choice (Pirelli P Zero) not visually appealing to the reviewer.
More expensive (~£4,000) than the M340i saloon and touring variants.
Interior feels smaller and darker than 3 Series alternatives.
Rear visibility is limited.
Reviewer questions the value proposition compared to M340i models.

Comparisons

Versus BMW M340i Saloon and Touring:
- M340i is cheaper by about £4,000.
- M340i offers better practicality (especially touring).
- M340i is considered better looking by the reviewer.
- Driving dynamics feel very similar.
Versus Previous Generation 4 Series Gran Coupe:
- Previous generation was sold on looks alone, which the reviewer preferred.
- Current generation is less appealing aesthetically.
Versus M4:
- Compared for driving position and ride quality.

User Experience

Reviewer is 6‘4” and finds rear seats uncomfortable.
Driving position is good but feels higher than expected.
Enjoyed the exhaust sound and engine performance.
Found the car less exciting and less practical than alternatives.
Feels the car is overpriced for what it offers.

Verdict / Overall Recommendation

The BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe offers strong performance, a refined engine, and practical boot space for a coupe-style vehicle. However, its controversial styling, cramped rear seats, and higher price compared to the M340i saloon and touring models make it a less compelling choice.

The reviewer personally would choose the M340i Touring for its better practicality, aesthetics, and value for money. The M440i Gran Coupe is not recommended if practicality and styling are priorities, despite its capable driving dynamics and premium features.

Additional Notes

The reviewer had limited driving time (about 45 minutes).
Plans to do a more comprehensive review in the future.
Expresses frustration with restrictive emissions regulations affecting exhaust sound.
Notes that tastes vary and some may like the design more than he does.

Summary

A powerful and well-equipped premium coupe with practical boot space but compromised rear passenger comfort and divisive styling. Priced higher than comparable 3 Series models, it struggles to justify its premium except for buyers prioritizing coupe aesthetics and boot practicality. The reviewer favors the M340i Touring as a better all-round BMW package.