Summary of "Full Verdict BMW M440i xDrive 2021"
BMW M440i xDrive 2021 Review
Main Features
Performance
- 0-62 mph in about 4.1 seconds (measured), outperforming BMW’s official claim of 4.5 seconds.
- Nearly 400 horsepower with an xDrive all-wheel-drive system that feels rear-wheel biased, delivering excellent grip and handling.
- Weighs just over 1800 kg but feels lighter thanks to a low center of gravity, wide track, and stiff chassis.
- Sport Plus mode and manual shifting available for an enhanced driving experience.
Design & Specification
- Exterior color: Black Sapphire metallic (standard, no extra cost).
- Interior: Tekora red leather, praised for both looks and comfort.
- Controversial large grille design, which is growing on many despite initial criticism.
- Blacked-out elements with Shadow Line Plus pack (black 791M alloys, black mirror caps, high gloss shadow line).
- Comfort Plus pack includes heated steering wheel, power boot lid with kick function, comfort access, electric front seats with memory and lumbar support, and extended storage.
- Tech Plus pack (£3,650) features Harman Kardon sound system, BMW drive recorder, gesture control, head-up display, and Driving Assistance Professional.
Driving Assistance Professional
- Semi-autonomous driving system best suited for quiet, well-marked roads.
- Active cruise control with lane-keeping and traffic monitoring reduces driver fatigue on long trips.
- Alerts the driver if hands leave the wheel for too long.
Fuel Efficiency
- Real-world average around 40 mpg with mixed driving.
- Up to 46-47 mpg on steady motorway cruising at 70 mph.
Interior & Practicality
- Spacious and comfortable front cabin, accommodating tall drivers (reviewer is 6’4”).
- Rear seats suitable only for smaller adults (up to ~5’8”/5’9”), somewhat claustrophobic due to small, tinted rear windows.
- Boot space is decent with rear seats folded, but the opening size limits loading large items (e.g., a large enduro bike requires front wheel removal).
- Operating System 7 with iDrive controller praised for usability; minimal touchscreen reliance.
Ride & Handling
- Ride is somewhat firm and harsher than the M340i, even in comfort mode.
- Comes with Bridgestone tires, considered average; upgrading to Michelin Pilot Sport 4 recommended for better grip and improved ride quality.
- xDrive system provides excellent grip on slippery or slimy roads.
Price & Value
- Base M440i starts at around £53,500 (UK).
- Reviewed car spec costs just over £61,000.
- Compared to the incoming M4 Competition (~£80,000 base), the M440i offers significant cost savings (~£25,000 less).
- Monthly finance: approx. £599/month for base M440i vs £950/month for M4 Competition (both with £4,000 deposit over 47 months).
- M440i is excellent value for a near-400 hp AWD performance GT car.
Pros
- Strong, quick acceleration better than official BMW claims.
- Excellent handling with rear-biased AWD system.
- Comfortable and spacious front cabin, especially for tall drivers.
- Good fuel economy for a performance car.
- Advanced driver assistance technology effectively reduces fatigue.
- Attractive interior with high-quality leather and intuitive controls.
- Reasonably priced compared to M4 Competition, with significant finance cost advantage.
- Practical boot space for most needs (except very large items without disassembly).
- Head-up display and other tech enhance the driving experience.
Cons
- Controversial grille design remains divisive despite growing acceptance.
- Ride quality is a bit harsh compared to less sporty variants.
- Tires fitted are average; upgrading recommended for best performance.
- Rear seats are cramped and not suitable for tall passengers.
- Boot opening limits loading of large items.
- Car weight is high (~1800 kg), though well managed.
- Comfort Access system can increase theft vulnerability.
- Current wheel designs are not very attractive (reviewer’s personal opinion).
User Experience
The reviewer spent 5-6 days and several hundred miles with the car, gaining a solid understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. They enjoyed the driving position, controls, and tech integration, finding the driving assistance system very helpful on long trips. The car’s blend of performance and practicality suits both daily use and spirited driving. A tire upgrade is suggested to improve ride comfort and grip.
Comparisons
-
M440i vs M340i: The M440i is stiffer and sportier with better performance but has a harsher ride.
-
M440i vs M4 Competition: The M440i is significantly cheaper (~£25,000 less), quicker on public roads in some scenarios due to AWD, and offers better value for money. The M4 Competition is initially rear-wheel drive only, affecting traction and real-world usability.
-
The M440i’s performance beats BMW’s quoted 4.5s 0-62 mph time, achieving closer to 4.1 seconds.
Additional Notes from Other Perspectives
- Social media feedback shows increasing acceptance and liking of the new 4 Series grille design.
- The reviewer respects differing opinions on styling but notes a positive trend in public perception.
- Tire quality and choice are repeatedly emphasized as critical for performance and ride quality.
- Finance costs are highlighted as an important consideration for buyers.
Verdict / Overall Recommendation
The 2021 BMW M440i xDrive is a highly capable and well-rounded performance GT car that blends strong acceleration, excellent handling, and advanced technology with daily usability and comfort. Despite some styling controversies and a firm ride, it offers great value compared to the pricier M4 Competition, especially considering its AWD system and real-world performance. The car’s fuel efficiency and driver assistance features make it a practical choice for longer journeys and everyday driving. It is recommended for buyers seeking a near-M car experience without the M-car price tag, particularly if willing to upgrade tires for optimal performance.
Summary
The BMW M440i xDrive 2021 impresses with quick acceleration (~4.1s 0-62 mph), sporty rear-biased AWD, good fuel economy (~40+ mpg), and a comfortable, tech-rich cabin. Some compromises include a firm ride, cramped rear seats, and controversial styling. It offers excellent value against the pricier M4 Competition, making it a compelling choice for performance enthusiasts seeking a practical daily driver.
Category
Product Review
