It is noted
The latest generation of the classic BMW sports car derived from the 3 Series sedan is distinguished by the enlarged double kidney grille that dominates the front powerfully, adding a nastiness absent in the previous one. BMW 4 Series Coupe. To give this two doors more character, however, a consolidated sobriety has been retired. A choice confirmed by the treatment of the sides which, abandoning the traditional BMW ribbing, presents smooth surfaces, with muscular rear and bumpers. An eye-catching look, therefore, which, underline at BMW, is linked to the past in some details. This is precisely the case of the grille, whose generous vertical development is inspired by that of the famous BMW 328 of the 1930s and another coupé of the 1960s: the 2000 CS. The dimensions also change: the new BMW 4 Series Coupé is 13 cm longer than the previous one, for a total of 477 cm.
Wide choice
The new BMW 4 Series Coupe is already on sale with prices starting at 50,750 euros for the 420i with the 2.0 turbo petrol engine with 184 hp. The same engine is also available with 258 hp while the only diesel and light hybrid unit is the 2.0 with 190 hp. The M440i xDrive in the test has a 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder connected by belt to a small 11 hp electric unit, which makes this coupe a “mild hybrid”. With 374 hp its power is second only to the sportier 480 or 510 hp M4. There BMW M440i Coupé xDrive that we drove costs 77,000 euros, which include the aesthetic kit signed by the sports department of the house, with specific bumpers, and a more fun-oriented setup in driving: it includes the 1 cm lowered suspension with 18 “rims, the brakes increased, a fourth driving mode (Sport +) which leaves more freedom to the driver by limiting the intervention of electronic aids (such as the Esp) and variable reduction steering: once the first degrees of rotation of the steering wheel have passed, the command becomes more direct and in tight turns or in maneuvers, you work less with your arms. Conversely, small movements of the steering wheel when it is in the center, for example when traveling on the motorway, do not cause sudden changes of direction, with advantages in terms of comfort and safety. The three-zone air conditioning, full LED headlights and navigator are also standard, but driving aids, such as adaptive cruise control and the assembly of the blind spot of the mirrors, are paid for 2,360 euros (in the Driving Assistant Professional package).
Cozy interior
For a sports car, the interior of the BMW 4 Series Coupe it is spacious and can accommodate two adults no taller than 170 cm at the back. Finished with quality materials, but with some shortcomings such as the soft lining for the pockets in the doors, the interior effectively blends sportiness with elegance. The low, relaxed driving position is comfortable and the bucket seat with width-adjustable side bolsters is standard. As per tradition, the M versions have a steering wheel with a thicker crown, which offers a grip that is not congenial to everyone. Considering the price of the car, we would have expected Live Cockpit Professional as standard: for 1,600 euros it includes the 10.3 “screen (8.8” the standard one) for the multimedia system and the 12.3 digital dashboard. ”(Analogue as the standard one) which, however, is not easy to read and not very customizable: for example, the graphics that reproduce the speedometer and the large-format tachometer on the sides of the monitor cannot be changed. More convincing, the infotainment system with various functions, which can also be managed remotely, and finally equipped with Android Auto (as well as Apple CarPlay). Among other things, it provides an operator for remote assistance 24 hours a day. For a coupe, the trunk is large: 440 liters per sofa in use (it can be folded to expand the load capacity), just 40 liters less than the BMW 3 Series sedan.
Fast without overdoing it
Driving the BMW M440i Coupé xDrive you appreciate the smoothness and roundness of operation of the 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder. The 374 hp are ready and push vehemently, but in a velvety way, at any speed. The all-wheel drive, then, always guarantees the necessary grip: even on the slippery surfaces on which part of the test took place, the car remained stable. Agility is good, despite the car’s not very low weight (1740 kg). The eight-speed automatic gearbox, complete with levers behind the steering wheel and the new Sprint function, lives up to the situation: pressing the lever on the left of the steering wheel for about a second downshifts several ratios at a time and the lowest possible gear is engaged to get an even more ready shot thus facilitating overtaking.
The steering response is progressive and direct just enough not to make it nervous. Even in the sportiest driving modes, the “heaviness” is not too consistent, benefiting comfort without limiting the precision of the command. Speaking of comfort, the car is well soundproofed and, thanks to the electronically controlled suspension (620 euros), the bumps in the asphalt are well absorbed. As for the consumption of BMW M440i, during the test on winding hilly roads the on-board computer indicated about 11 km / l.
In our opinion
Benefits
> Comfort. The car is quiet, with the electronic suspension it collects holes well and, for a coupe, the cockpit is large.
> Multimedia system. Finally equipped with Android Auto, it offers several features.
> Engine. Pasty and without vibrations in the delivery, it has a full-bodied response to all regimes.
Defects
> Dashboard. In addition to being sold at a high price, the digital one is not easy to read and offers limited customization possibilities.
> Safety. Though expensive, the car lacks driving aids such as adaptive cruise control and rearview blind spot mounting as standard.
> Steering wheel. In this design, M has the thickest crown, which may not please everyone.
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