2021 BMW M440i xDrive Coupe: A DriveWays Review…

by Frank A. Aukofer

For as long as anyone can remember, twin kidney-shaped grilles identified the vehicles from the Bavarian Motor Works. That continues with the redesigned 2021 BMW M440i xDrive Coupe, but you may have to look at least twice.

The kidney grilles are still there but swollen as if someone had slapped them around. Instead of their former familiar mien, they look like large, side-by-side maws aiming to gobble up anything in their path.

They also incorporate a system of automatic shutters that adjust airflow to the radiator. Unfortunately, the innovation appeared to have been crippled because the test car’s front license plate was mounted dead center across the two grilles, partly over a hidden bumper crossbeam but restricting at least some of the airflow. Plus, it looked ugly.

There doesn’t appear to be any other convenient place to mount a license-plate bracket and frame. So serious enthusiasts who hanker after this stylish high performer may want to move to Georgia or some other state that only requires rear license plates.

A few years back, BMW changed its nomenclature to distinguish its compact sedan from the coupe better. The 3 Series sedan may be the best known and loved of the entire lineup but take away two doors, and it is now a 4 series. Except for the number of portals, the 3 Series and 4 Series are mechanically identical and similarly equipped.

Moreover, this test car’s model designation starts with an M, which is BMW’s extra-high-performance moniker, similar to the AMG Mercedes-Benz, the S models from Audi, and Cadillac’s V versions.

Given the excellence of modern sports sedans, it’s a mystery to some observers that coupes survive, even as crossover sport utility vehicles eclipse sedans. The question is, why bother with the inconvenience of a two-door automobile. But preferences in motor vehicles are a varied as the people who buy and drive them.

Unlike some other coupes that look more like fastbacks, the M440i has a traditional coupe profile, which enables decent headroom in the two back seats, as long as the passengers are not Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks or some other National Basketball Association skyscraper. There’s also enough knee room for average-sized adults, but only if the driver and front passenger don’t run their seats back too far.

As with any compact coupe, settling into the back requires some agile ducking and twisting, and there are no inside roof-mounted assist handles to hang onto. It’s best to reserve the back seats for kids, athletes, or frustrated flagellants.

The M440i has sports car bones. Silky feeling and powerful, though noisy under hard acceleration, its turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine makes 382 horsepower and 364 pound-feet of torque, or twisting force, enabling this nearly two-ton machine to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, with a governed top speed of 157.

On the tested xDrive model (BMW-speak for all-wheel drive), the power gets to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode controlled by paddles on the steering wheel. The drive system also includes a mild hybrid setup with a 48-volt electric motor-generator that provides a boost off the line and helps avoid turbo lag.

There are four selectable drive modes: Sport, Comfort, Eco Pro, and Adaptive. This test stuck to Sport and Comfort. They were not sharply different from a handling standpoint with variable sport steering, which was secure but more oriented toward comfort. The Sport setting also held shifts to higher revs with ensuing cabin noise. The ride was supple but unsettled on rough roads.

Out back, there’s a decent-sized and well-finished trunk of nearly 16 cubic feet. There’s no spare wheel and tire; the M440i has run-flat tires on 18-inch alloy wheels, as well as adaptive shock-absorbers.

Equipment on the test car, some optional, included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, leather upholstery, Arctic Blue metalling paint, head-up display, automatic climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, navigation, gesture control of functions, Wi-Fi hot spot, wireless smartphone charging, SXM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system.

The M440i xDrive Coupe’s starting price came to $54,495, including the destination charge. Options brought the tested price up to $70,470.

Specifications

Model: 2021 BMW M440i xDrive Coupe four-passenger two-door.
Engine: 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder, turbocharged: 382 hp, 364 lb-ft torque. With 48-volt electric motor-generator.
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with manual shift mode and all-wheel drive.
Overall length: 15 feet 8 inches.
EPA/SAE passenger/trunk volume: 90/16 cubic feet.
Weight: 3,985 pounds.
EPA city/highway/combined fuel consumption: 22/31/26 mpg. Premium fuel required.
Base price, including destination charge: $59,495.
Price as tested: $70,470.