2022 BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe

It may be hard to classify, and maybe even harder to explain its purpose, but the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is one stylish coupe/sedan/hatchback type vehicle that truly stands out, and is back for a 2nd generation.  So, let’s find out what it all means.

BMW sure knows how to maximize their efforts, with seemingly endless varieties of vehicles built on an equally wide range of platforms.  Look no further than this 2022 BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe. By nomenclature, this 2nd generation of BMW’s 4 Series Gran Coupe is a member of the Coupe family, but with a stretched wheelbase and a 5-door hatchback style that’s loved by some, loathed by others. It has grown a lot from when the 1st gen launched for 2015; almost 6-inches longer, 2-inches taller, and 1-inch wider. Longer doors and the flowing coupe-like roof distinguish it from its 3 Series sedan platform-mate. 

It’s certainly a practical vehicle, with almost SUV-like room among 2-row seating for 5 passengers. That’s 16.6 cubic-ft. for cargo, with a max of 45.6 cubic-ft. Plus, the 3-section rear seatback offers ultimate flexibility.  Perfect for all of that young active lifestyle stuff you want more than need.

BMW’s latest iDrive7 infotainment keeps you connected, while the 12.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional digital gauge display provides the necessary driver info and way more.  All in the usual driver-oriented arrangement.

The contradictory nature of the exterior styling carries over inside; as on the one hand, it borders on tech overload, and then at the same time, there are manual seats. Most odd in a car at this price point. But such things have less importance once you start driving it.  

The M440i comes with xDrive all-wheel-drive along with an 8-speed automatic transmission; while BMW’s 3.0-liter I6 turbo provides the motivation with 382-horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque; aided by a 48-volt mild hybrid system. A rear-drive 430i Gran Coupe is also available powered by a 255-horsepower 2.0-liter I4.  

At the test track, our M440i responded with some serious punch from the modest of throttle inputs, and it was all grip and go from there; leaping off the line with authority, and ripping to 60 in just 4.0-seconds flat. The engine makes some great noises, as the transmission ever so briefly interrupts things to fire off lightning quick shifts that rock the whole car. It may look like a laidback luxury-minded grocery getter with family hauler intentions, but there’s a snarling beast lying below the surface; grunting its way to consistent ¼-mile times of 12.5 seconds at 111 miles-per-hour and cutting through a cone course like Edward Scissorhands. Tremendous balance, perfect amount of grip, and minimal body roll as well.  

Even with the steering set at its most aggressive sport setting, it felt very light. We’d love a bit more feedback, but we were able to carry a great amount of speed through the cones, finding both minor understeer and playful amounts of oversteer at its limits. Adaptive M Suspension is optional with settings for Comfort and Sport, as well as an Adaptive mode that conforms to your driving style, and can even use GPS data to plan ahead for what’s coming down the road. The M Sport Differential works equally well, moving power to whichever rear wheel is getting the best grip, rather than using selective braking. Panic stops from 60 were so smooth, stable, and free of any ABS noise or pulsing that it took multiple runs for us to believe that yes, we were stopping in just 90-feet.  These M Sport brakes are no joke.

Somehow, with the additional size and practicality of the Gran Coupe, pricing actually comes in less than a base 4 Series Coupe, with a starting price of $46,195. You can then pay 2-grand more if you want all-wheel-drive, or just step up to our $59,195 M440i where it comes standard.    

There are not a lot of certainties in this world anymore, so it’s no surprise to see automotive segments getting blurrier. But we know a pretty good deal when we see one; and most people will certainly recognize the uniqueness of the 2022 BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe, even if it is just a smart-looking 5-door hatchback, that’s pretending to be a sedan, but just called a coupe. Go figure!