2022 BMW M440i Coupe: Now Available As A Rear-Wheel Drive Only Model

 

Highlight: There is also a convertible version of the 4 Series model.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $65,370 (Base Model: $46,795)

Seating Capacity: 5 (really a 2-seater… no rear seat room for adults)

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; a rearview camera; parking distance control; a radar activated cruise control system; automatic high beams; automatic closing of moonroof and windows in case of an accident; a lane departure warning system; a rear cross traffic alert system; pedestrian warning with braking; front city collision warning; and a city collision mitigation with braking; and a tire pressure sensor system

Standard Equipment (430i Base Model): 18-inch wheels; an 8-speed automatic transmission; a sport leather steering wheel; a power moonroof; an auto dimming interior mirror; power front seats with lumbar support; pseudo-leather seats; open pore oak grain trim; an automatic climate control system; LED headlights with cornering lights; and a navigation system

Standard Equipment (440i Base Model): 6-cylinder, 382-horsepower; 18-inch alloy wheels; run flat tires; sport brakes with blue calipers; sport differential; a variable sport steering; a keyless entry system; aluminum tetragon trim; sport suspension; M steering wheel; an aerodynamic kit; a rear spoiler; a shadowline exterior trim

Other Trims:

430i xDrive 2-Door AWD Coupe

M440i xDrive 2-Door AWD Coupe

Optional Features On Test Vehicle:  optional paint color; extended traffic jam assist; active driving assist (co-pilot assist); a heated steering wheel; heated front seats; a heads up display (HUD) system; gesture control; 19-inch wheels; and live cockpit pro including navigation

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: AM/FM audio with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes
                                                                                                        
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbo/255-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 25-city/34-hwy

What’s New: While an all-new second-generation 4 Series coupe joined the line up during the 2021 model year, new for this year is a non all-wheel drive version of the M440i coupe.

Why (based on test model): 

Rear wheel drive configuration is now available on the 440i Coupe, which equate to a lower price point

All-wheel drive availability

It’s a coupe

Stylish design

Blue sport calipers

Optional 19-inch wheels

Peppy 6-cylinder engine, which produces 382-horsepower

Optional driver-assist feature

An engaging driving experience with a variety of driving modes

Handles more like a luxury car

A heated steering wheel

Heads up Display (HUD) system optional

Gesture control system

Crystal clear sound system

Learning curve to understand operation of vehicle is minimal in comparison to a Mercedes

Apple and Android compatible

But: 

The oversized grille?

No power pull down trunk

Rear seating room is limited for adults due to being a coupe

The infotainment system seems dated, when compared to the Mercedes-Benz

No panoramic roof … only a traditional roof

Pricier than the Lexus RC

No ventilated seats

No in-vehicle wireless charging in review vehicle

No manual transmission

Verdict:  Despite the waning popularity of sedans, coupes and convertibles, BMW and a few of its luxury competitors have decided to remain in the game, especially, with its traditional coupe. As we all know, there is still that element of cool and freedom that escapes many of today’s trucks, SUVs, crossovers and minivans, that only a coupe or convertible can provide.

For the 2022 model year, BMW has added a rear-wheel drive configuration to its sporty 4 Series line up. When BMW launched its second-generation 4 Series model in 2021, the stylish German-engineered coupe, with its controversial oversized grille, was only available with an all-wheel drive system. Now, while its no secret that the all-wheel drive system provides better traction and handling, in terms of actual dollars in the bank, one can also equate it to mean a higher cost at the time of purchase and when its time for repair too. Most budget conscious consumers will appreciate the additional savings, especially in this current inflationary period, where every penny counts. In fact, the rear-wheel drive only models are priced $2,000 lower than the all-wheel drive models.

Furthermore, the 4 Series two-door model can be powered by a base 2.5-liter turbocharged engine or the optional peppier 6-cylnder engine, which pushed out 255 and 382-horspower, respectively. While we haven’t driven a 4-cylinder, we couldn’t imagine being behind the wheel of a sports coupe, with a history of providing a performance-oriented driving experience, pushing out anything less than 300-horsepower.

Moreover, in the M440i we tested, BMW optioned out the well-equipped vehicle with everything from 19-inch wheel to a heated steering wheel to a navigation system integrated into the traditional instrument cluster to gesture controls for the ventilation system to the latest driving assist features. Yes, there isn’t much more one wants to include in this snug-fitting BMW.

Lastly, we traded out of a $134,000 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 Sedan for the BMW coupe. Ironically, we found that the BMW drove more like a luxury car, as opposed to the AMG E63, with its stiffer suspension. Go figure?

So, for buyers who need to escape from being baseball dad, soccer mom or the PTA parent, they can temporarily release themselves from those day-to-day activities, while making a statement, just as those who are single, empty-nesters and couples without kids are capable of doing - when behind the wheel of the performance-oreinted, but somewhat pricey M440i. 

Competition: Infiniti Q60; Lexus RC; and Mercedes-Benz C Class Coupe