First Drive: 2021 BMW M440i xDrive Review

At seven years old, I lost both my front teeth to impending adolescence. Rather than hiding my face in awkward embarrassment, I strutted around proudly displaying my fine gap-toothed grin. The BMW 4 Series has now reached that same coming of age, and in its second generation, sports an elongated kidney grille consuming much of the front end. The design, which was first seen on the Concept 4 at last year’s Frankfurt Auto Show, has quickly become the subject of mirth across the world, with countless memes mocking and forums deploring it.

But, and colour me controversial here, in person it doesn’t actually look too bad. Maybe I’m nostalgic for my own childhood, or perhaps, with the black outline and a number plate planted squarely across the middle, it really just isn’t as awful as the motoring masses have made out. And anyway, looks certainly aren’t everything for the new 4 Series, which features mild hybrid technology for the first time, a cutting-edge, weight-saving chassis and BMW’s novel M Sport Pro Package.

Initially, it will be available in five engine configurations – two four-cylinder and one six-cylinder petrols, and two diesels. At the bottom end of the budget are the 187PS 420i and 193PS 420d M-Sports (at £39,870 and £42,440 respectively), while the range topping 380PS M440i, as driven here, will weigh in from £52,100. In March next year two further diesels will join the line-up – the 290PS 430d xDrive M Sport and the 345PS M440d xDrive.

Whereas some modern cars have digressed significantly from their roots, the 4 Series still bears the familiar silhouette of the first-generation model that debuted back in 2014. Admittedly, it’s ever so slightly larger than its predecessor, at 128mm longer (now 4,768mm), 27mm wider (1,852mm) and 6mm taller (1,383mm). The wheelbase has grown by 41mm to 2,851mm, while track width is up 28mm at the front and 18mm at the rear. 

It’s sleek, with short overhangs and frameless windows, while sharp lines sweep back from that controversial grille, joining with the flowing roofline to lend the illusion of speed. The bumper itself is busy, with aggressive air intakes incorporating the daytime running lights, and a pair of LEDs sat atop. 

The M-Sport package brings larger air intakes, a rear apron and metallic grey trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes. Further trim elements mark the models out for their performance orientation, while an M Carbon exterior package can be specified, adding a lightweight rear spoiler among other upgrades. 

Coming straight from driving the more subdued 420d, the M440i was like downing a double espresso followed by several star jumps. With development influence from BMW’s special racing division’s, the M440i’s 3.0-litre straight-six six-cylinder turbo petrol engine is the most powerful in the range, putting out 380PS (279kW) and 500Nm (370lb ft) of torque through an eight-speed ‘Steptronic’ automatic transmission.

Weight-optimised pistons and con rods, a twin-scroll turbocharger with indirect charge air cooling, and a water-cooled exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head are just a few up the uprated internals, which allow the car to sprint from 0-62mph in only 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 155mph. The engine is free-revving, and so smooth as it picks up pace, the slick gearbox like a knife through butter. On occasion it seemed to hold on to gears for a fraction longer than I would have liked, but the subtle flappy paddles were well-placed to overcome that. Thanks to the introduction of mild hybrid technology BMW claims an average fuel consumption of between 39.8 and 41.5mpg – a figure which you’re certainly unlikely to see with a bit of spirited driving.  

BMW’s all-wheel-drive system features as standard on the six-cylinder variants, as do a host of M-derived goodies, including the electronically controlled M Sport differential, which constantly adjusts the distribution of power between the wheels, to improve handling in and acceleration out of bends. A 21mm lower centre of gravity, widened tracks and a stiffened body are conducive to hard driving, and combined with the M Sport suspension with electronically controlled adaptive dampers, make for minimal body roll, with the G22 coupe holding its position on the road well. The steering is responsive and precise, thanks to the speed-sensitive power assistance and variable sport steering, which operates via a ratio that adjusts with changes to the steering angle.

Upon pressing the start button, the exhaust lets out a pleasant, if slightly exaggerated, growl, and the pedals firm up. Four modes of Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Adaptive feature, (with standard, plus and individual settings in each) lending the car a different character in each. As you would imagine, Sport was our default, lending an urgent feel and a sharp response. It may be balanced and composed, but the M440i is most certainly not afraid of a flat-out sprint. Comfort, meanwhile, does what it says on the tin – things soften up, and while it can still run for the finish line, it feels like your average Sunday park runner compared to Usain Bolt. Adaptive is perhaps the most sensible all-round option, with the steering, suspension damping, accelerator and transmission intuitively adjusting to suit the driving style. M-Sport brakes stop it sharp and straight, with that aforementioned diff also kicking in to improve stability when changing lanes under braking.

While initially overwhelming, the wonderfully soft red-clad cabin in my test model soon grew on me, the M Sport detailing a nice finishing touch. Quality has certainly improved in this guise, with tactile materials and no undesired creaking noises.  

Encompassed by the bolstered sport seats, you’re met with the sleek and familiar driver-focussed facade, with an instrument panel based around horizontal lines. ‘BMW Live Cockpit Professional’ comprises a 10.25-inch centre console screen, and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, the former of which can be adjusted via touch, a dial or speech commands. Featuring BMW’s Operating System 7, it is user friendly and fast.

In terms of the interior ride, the M440i is quiet and smooth and wonderfully executive. While it may have all the trimmings of a performance-focussed coupe, it would also prove a worthy mile-muncher – if you can bare to keep it in Eco or Comfort all the way.

For its price, the new 4 Series comes dripping in tech, with countless more options available to specify. Notably, it’s the first BMW to be available with the specialised M Sport Pro Package, which adds M Sport elements including the brilliant Sprint function.

Included in the standard suite is intelligent driver assistance, which uses camera, radar and ultrasonic feedback to establish potential hazards and react accordingly. Meanwhile, cruise control with braking, collaborate with the steering and lane control assistant to make driving effortless.

The new 4 Series has come along in leaps and bounds, and not just in terms of looks. With upgraded chassis, engines and tech, it’s sportier and more refined and comfortable than ever. And if you can get over the controversial façade, will make a worthy addition to any garage.

The M440i, with its powerful straight-six, spearheads the range, but will be far surpassed in terms of sales by its more sensible siblings. At £52,100, it’s a big commitment, but if the few short hours I spent in it on launch are anything to go by, it’ll be well worth it