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February 19, 2021
A Superbly Crafted Car Overall—Test Drive of the BMW M440i xDrive Coupé | BMW
BMW M440i xDrive Coupé | BMW M440i xDrive Coupé
A Coupé with the Special Feel Only a BMW Straight-Six Can Provide
The second-generation "4 Series" underwent a full model change in June 2020 and was introduced to Japan in October of the same year. We test-drove the M440i xDrive Coupé, which features a flowing, beautiful body and BMW's traditional straight-six engine, in Hakone.
Text by OGAWA Fumio
Photographs by KAWANO Atsuki
Engineered for the Pure Enjoyment of Driving
If you're searching for a beautiful coupé, looking to BMW's lineup might be the quickest route. The "BMW M440i xDrive Coupé" (released in Japan in October 2020) emphasizes a personal feel, crucial for a coupé, with its flowing roofline. Simultaneously, it delivers a driving experience akin to a sports car.
BMW uses several "codes" in its model names. Enthusiasts are likely already aware of this. For instance, SUVs are designated with an 'X' followed by a single digit, while lifestyle cars like coupés use a three-digit number starting with an even digit.
Coupés are a tradition for BMW, dating back before the war, and post-war, they have produced masterpieces such as the 3.0 CS (1968) and the 6 Series (1976). The aesthetic appeal of this new 4 Series Coupé lives up to expectations, presenting a remarkably high standard. Furthermore, the prominent, enlarged kidney grille imparts a strong, aggressive impression.
The body style, sharing a family identity with the 8 Series (which also starts with an even number), combines a compact cabin with a long, sweeping tail. The rear fender flares powerfully, creating an impression of a car poised to launch forward.
The new 4 Series Coupé lineup consists of the 420i Coupé, featuring a 2.0-liter engine with 135 kW (184 ps) paired with rear-wheel drive, and the M440i xDrive Coupé we test-drove, equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 285 kW (387 ps) and all-wheel drive.
The latter, bearing the "M" designation signifying a sports model, is engineered for the pure enjoyment of driving. Its chassis exudes a substantial sense of rigidity, housing an exhilaratingly responsive engine. It delivers explosive acceleration with every press of the accelerator pedal, a significant draw for sports car enthusiasts.
Every Surface is This Car's "Place"
For car enthusiasts, BMW's inline-six engine is an experience worth seeking out. This car is equipped with a robust suspension, precise steering, and handling that allows for effortless cornering, all designed to let you fully enjoy its immense power. It is, in essence, a superbly crafted car overall.
At 4,775mm in length, the body is not excessively large, yet it avoids being so compact that it lacks elegance. Whether in the city, on the highway, or on mountain roads, every environment feels like the "place" for this car.
The engine, which produces its maximum torque of 500 Nm from 1,800 rpm, is easily manageable even at low speeds. With a fuel efficiency of 11.2 km/liter (measured under WLTC mode, closely approximating real-world consumption), it's also well-suited for long journeys. It promises to be an excellent partner for everything from a round of golf to extended travel.
Nowadays, even sedans are described as becoming "coupé-like." Previously, the basic sedan style involved three distinct boxes: the engine compartment, the passenger cabin, and the trunk. Now, whether it's a Rolls-Royce or a Crown, the rear quarter pillar of the cabin is extended towards the rear of the trunk, diminishing the perceived space for rear passengers.
In contrast, the M440i xDrive Coupé, as mentioned earlier, dramatically lowers the roofline from behind the front seats, making the rear seat area appear more compact. In reality, leveraging its 2,850mm wheelbase, the rear cabin offers ample space for two adults. However, it strictly adheres to a 2+2 style, a clever design choice.
The price is 10.25 million yen. This represents a significant price difference compared to the 420i Coupé, which starts at 5.77 million yen. However, the sense of exclusivity born from this difference is precisely what a BMW with a straight-six engine offers. It's a car whose qualities become clear once you drive it.
Spec
BMW M440i xDrive Coupé | BMW M440i xDrive Coupé
- • Body Dimensions | Length 4,775 × Width 1,850 × Height 1,395mm
- • Wheelbase | 2,850mm
- • Engine | 2,997cc Inline 6-cylinder DOHC Turbo
- • Max Output | 285 kW (387 ps) / 5,800 rpm
- • Max Torque | 500 Nm (51.0 kgm) / 1,800-5,000 rpm
- • Transmission | Electronically Controlled 8-speed AT
- • Fuel Consumption (JC08 Mode) | 12.4 km/ℓ
- • Drivetrain | 4WD
- • Tires | Front 225/40R19 Rear 255/35R19
- • Price | 10.25 million yen
Inquiries
BMW Customer Interaction Center
Tel. 0120-269-437 (Weekdays 9:00-19:00, Weekends & Holidays 9:00-18:00)
https://www.bmw.co.jp/
