A Week With: 2022 BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe

Prestige and performance have long been among the elements carmakers use to make their products more appealing to enthusiasts. Few companies have been as successful at combining these elements as well BMW. 

The BMW’s M-Series, which is probably the peak of the very select performance and power segment, is turning 50 this year, and BMW continues to bring out unique vehicles, such as the M440i xDrive Gran Coupe.

Overview

The 2022 BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe has all essentials to go with its famous M-Badge, including plenty of power, impressive driving dynamics and the very latest technology to help keep the driver and passengers safe.

It’s a very impressive piece of automotive engineering and design. It’s built on a sturdy chassis BMW has continuously tweaked and refined throughout the years, much to the delight of BMW fans and enthusiasts all over the world. The appeal of M440i is never in doubt even if it isn’t the most practical car we have ever driven.

Exterior

The silhouette of M440i embraces classic BMW lines. While the M440i xDrive is described as a Gran Coupe because it has four doors, so it fits nicely into the standard BMW profile with its sleek rear window that sweeps all the way down to the extended, wing-like edge, jutting out from the rear deck lid. 

The reverse grille is long gone, a casualty of the demands put on design from the wind tunnel and the requirements aimed at protecting pedestrians. BMW certainly worked at giving the front fascia of the 2022 M440i xDrive Grand Coupe a unique face, complete with big air vents designed to better cool the brakes, and whether it works probably depends on the observer. But the puddle lights, wheel designs and special badges tucked into the door give the vehicle a touch of glamour and class.

Interior

The cabin of the M440i adopts a set of BMW design cues, which includes luxury touches such as leather pieces on the door cards and a leather-wrapped instrument panel as well as bright accent pieces. One of the clever features is the way the vehicle information center behind the leather-wrapped steering wheel seems to blend in with the touchscreen in the trapezoidal-shaped frame in the center stack, which is tilted toward the driver. 

Controls, which are a combination of buttons and knobs, are also in easy reach of the driver. There also is an i-drive knob for control of the navigation and entertainment systems. The seats are comfortable and supportive and visibility from the driver’s seat is good even though its down low. One thing I didn’t understand though, why the seat was equipped with an old-fashioned mechanical seat adjuster instead of the electronic or electric controls particularly since the M440i comes with a 48-volt battery.

Powertrain

The BMW 440i xDrive Gran Coupe is equipped with 3.0-liter, in-line 6-cylinder engine, and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The combination produces 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. It’s acts like a four-wheel drive as needed and the 48-volt battery produces an extra jolt of power as required. 

The Environmental Protection Agency gave the M440i a combined rating of 25 mpg, including 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg in the highway. The powertrain also is equipped with multiple driving modes, including sport.

Safety and Technology

The vehicle is equipped with advanced airbags for protection in frontal collisions as well as knee airbags and a head protection system. It also is equipped with seat-mounted airbags for protection in side-impact collisions. 

The M440i also is equipped with front-collision warning, active driver assistance feature, including blind-spot detection and lane-keeping assist. It is also equipped with LED headlights, parking assistance, wireless charging, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity features.

Driving Impressions

The M440i is equipped with M-Series Sport Suspension. M Sport ventilated disc brakes and dynamic stability control all of which combine to enhance the car’s driving performance, which a probably very close to the best you can find on a dealer lot. 

The ride and handling a very impressive as it can handle tight curves coming off the freeway, varied surfaces and quick stops in heavy traffic with aplomb. It also has plenty of power for quick acceleration and can jump to speeds in excess of 90 mph in what seems like less than an instant. The car is a genuine pleasure to drive any distance — even as the price of gasoline continues to climb.

2022 BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe Specifications

Wrap Up

Let’s face it, the M440i isn’t for everyone. It costs almost $70,000 and even with four doors and the nominal seating for five, it is not all that versatile or practical. But, as I discovered, it is enormous fun to drive in and out of traffic or on the open road. Plus the BMW M Series badge comes with a substantial amount of prestige, which I suppose rubs off on the person behind the wheel.

2022 BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe — Frequently Asked Questions