Tested: 2021 BMW M440i xDrive

Traditionalists will say the new 4-series maintains only a passing resemblance to a BMW, like an unlicensed rendering in a video game. They’ll also note the attention-snaring vertically oriented grille. But what’s most disappointing is that it’s not as good to drive as we’d expect a sporty BMW coupe to be.

The 4’s redesign catches it up to the current G20-generation 3-series. Although the two cars share a 112.2-inch wheelbase, the coupe is an inch or two longer, wider, and lower and has a wider rear track. That growth brings a larger rear seat that’s tolerable for average-size adults. In profile, the 4 looks almost like a scaled-down 8-series, yet unlike the 8, it doesn’t look quite so much like a Ford Mustang.

The update adds to the 4’s check weight. It’s as of now basically a two-ton vehicle in the M440i xDrive trim, with our test vehicle setting 53.8 percent of that mass on its all front wheels.Indeed, even with 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires (18s with all-seasons are standard), it oversaw just 0.91 g of skidpad grasp, and understeer overwhelms. We’ve recorded more stick from the freshest 3-arrangement and even some family cars, despite the fact that our vehicle halted from 70 mph in a short 149 feet.

The M440i’s variable-proportion controlling is lacking in physicality and has a practically rubbery development of power as you turn askew. The rack’s fairly brisk proportion just intensifies its fake feel. Factor in the agreeable ride from the versatile dampers and the 4 has veered into fabulous visiting an area. It’ll still cheerfully hustle down a difficult street, however the experience isn’t as fulfilling as it used to be.

The M440i xDrive is still fast—3.8 seconds to 60 mph—on account of the 382 pull from BMW’s magnificent turbo 3.0-liter inline-six. Another 48-volt engine generator adds a few pounds yet contributes up to 11 ponies to help the motor before the turbo awakens. Slack is pleasantly relieved as demonstrated by the armada 4.6-second time in our dispatch free five-to-60-mph test. Unfortunately, a manual is did not offer anymore, yet ZF’s universal eight-speed programmed trades equips as pleasantly as could be expected.

This being our first turn with the new 4, we’re trusting different forms offer a closer association. Our expectation is the four-chamber 430i model, which comes standard with non-variable directing and uninvolved dampers, will convey the BMW elements light of yesteryear. It is right now the main 4-arrangement accessible with back tire drive, however a back drive six-chamber model will be added later.

The searing exhibition of the most recent M3 and M4, the two of which receive comparable vertical grilles, should assist us with adapting to the dubious plan. Be that as it may, the milder character of the M440i xDrive makes it intense to ignore the 4’s new face.

Specifications

2021 BMW M440i xDrive

VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe

PRICE AS TESTED
$69,770 (base price: $59,495)

ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
183 in³, 2998 cm³
Power
382 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque
364 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm

TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.7-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, F: 225/40R-19 93Y ★ R: 255/35R-19 96Y ★

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.2 in
Length: 188.0 in
Width: 72.9 in
Height: 54.8 in
Passenger volume: 87 ft³
Trunk volume: 12 ft³
Curb weight: 3986 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.8 sec
100 mph: 9.6 sec
130 mph: 17.1 sec
150 mph: 25.7 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.6 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.4 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.1 sec
1/4 mile: 12.3 sec @ 112 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 157 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 149 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 299 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.91 g
Standing-start accel times omit of 0.3 sec. 

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 25/22/31 mpg