BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe – Worldwide sales of BMW vehicles in the last quarter of 2021 have shown the strongest growth in percentage terms for electric vehicles.
But the brand sales numbers are still dominated by internal combustion engines, with top spec models representing traditional performance cars.
The M440i Gran coupe is a four-door car based on the 3 series platform with a 3-litre twin turbo 6-cylinder engine pushing out ample power of 285 kw.
There are a few quirky things about the 440i: your hand often slips out of the thin door handle when opening; there is not a lot of room in the back; and the appear is distinctive with an oversized grille that is fortunately divided by a numberplate across the middle.
But it is a great driver’s car.
With AWD and adaptive suspension, even on wet roads it gripped with the utmost assurance.
With 500 Nm of torque it did not require a frantic search for the exact gear, to ensure a surge of power. There are paddles to work the 8-speed gear box but in sport mode the car picks the gears well, For example when breaking for a corner it drops into lower gears.
It is a vehicle that has great technology that is at your command when on a spirited drive.
It is prices, before on road costs, at $119,000.
TO LISTEN TO THE BMW M440I RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW
The new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé has a low centre of gravity and almost 50:50 weight distribution.
Bespoke body struts at the front end and in the rear axle area contribute to the car’s outstanding handling agility and precision.
An active air flap control system comprising flaps at the top and bottom, as well as air curtains and an almost completely sealed underbody, optimise the car’s aerodynamics.
BMW M440i Sophisticated chassis technology with model-specific tuning
The two-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle have likewise been engineered to reduce weight while increasing rigidity. Standard-fitment lift-related dampers enhance both sports performance and ride comfort. Depending on the spring travel, these provide extra damping to control body movement when driving over large bumps, as well as preventing excessive dive.
The system reacts to minor imperfections in the road surface with low damping forces that produce high levels of comfort.
The Adaptive M suspension offered as standard on the 430i and M440i xDrive combines the dynamic characteristics of M Sport suspension with electronically-controlled dampers to offer the widest possible range of driving experiences.
Variable sport steering is standard equipment on all three locally-delivered variants, while M Sport brakes are fitted as standard on the 430i and M440i xDrive and can be optioned on the 420i.
The new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé comes with 19-inch light-alloy wheels across the line-up.
This is a Motoring Minute
Im David Brown
Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.
Our Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners and they are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.
Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program, which is broadcast through the Community Radio Network across Australia