The 2021 BMW M440i is equipped with a 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 cylinder engine producing about 382 hp and 364 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission which is sleek and performs just as intended. It comes with an xDrive system as standard, meaning all the power is transferred to all four wheels and helps with better traction on different types of surface conditions.
Overall, the power to weight ratio of the car is very good and it offers brisk acceleration without any delay. However, the turbo needs to kick in first to let you enjoy the full performance. To compensate for that delay, the BMW M440i comes with a 48V mild-hybrid system which helps with e-boost and improves efficiency too. The performance is good in routine urban conditions and the engine does not stress out in maintaining higher speeds on the highways.
Model
|
2021 BMW M440i xDrive
|
2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Coupe
|
2021 Audi S5 Coupe
|
2021 Lexus RC 350
|
MSRP
|
$58,500
|
$56,500
|
$52,500
|
$47,350
|
Engine
|
3.0L turbocharged Inline Six-Cylinder
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3.0L Twin-Turbocharged V6
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3.0-liter V6 turbocharged
|
3.5L V6
|
Drivetrain
|
AWD
|
AWD
|
AWD
|
AWD
|
Transmission
|
8-speed automatic
|
9-speed automatic
|
8-speed automatic
|
8-speed automatic
|
Power
|
382 hp @ 5,000 rpm
|
385 hp @ 6,100 rpm
|
349 hp @ 5,500 rpm
|
311 hp @ 6600 rpm
|
Torque
|
364 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
|
384 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm
|
369 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm
|
280 hp @ 4800 rpm
|
0-60 (seconds)
|
4.3
|
4.5
|
4.3
|
5.8
|
Quarter-Mile (seconds)
|
N/A
|
12.6
|
12.9
|
14.2
|
Top-Speed (MPH)
|
155
|
130
|
155
|
162
|
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 coupe is the most powerful of the lot and offers marginally higher firepower than the BMW M440i. However, the M440 XDrive performs slightly better than it in the acceleration tests. The Audi S5 coupe offers very identical performance as the M440i despite being less powerful than it. The Lexus RC 350 is the least powerful car in comparison and takes about 1.5 seconds more for a 0-60 mph sprint compared to the BMW and Audi cars.
How does the 2021 BMW M440i handle?
The 2021 BMW M440i xDrive is definitely an improvement over its predecessor and performs better than it. The lower center of gravity owing to a lower ground clearance helps with better handling. Also increased rear track and wheelbase help with better control over the car in spirited driving situations. The body roll is also bound to be a minimum around the corners.
The M-Sport suspension provides good ride quality over different road surfaces and the rear spoiler helps to keep the car planted at higher speeds. While the handling is good the steering fails to deliver good driver engagement. It feels numb and artificial. It is accurate and works just as intended but the direct feel is missing and we missed the previous BMW cars in this regard.
2021 BMW M440i xDrive Braking Performance
A car that goes fast needs to stop even more effectively and all that momentum needs to be stopped within the shortest distance. As per some reported data, the 2021 M440i is equipped with 15.0-inch rotors at the front end and 14.6-inch rotors at the rear end. Like many other BMW models, the brakes on the M440i xDrive are also confidence-inspiring and linear in operation. The anti-lock braking system and all four brakes work simultaneously to bring the car from 60 mph to a complete halt in about 109 feet. It cannot be considered as best especially when it is equipped with larger rotors than its competition.
Model
|
2021 BMW M440i xDrive
|
2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Coupe
|
2021 Audi S5 Coupe
|
2021 Lexus RC 350
|
Brake Front(in)
|
15.0*
|
14.2
|
13.8
|
14
|
Brake Rear(in)
|
14.6*
|
12.6
|
11.6
|
12.2
|
Curb Weight (lbs)
|
3,977
|
3,979
|
3,858
|
3,891
|
60-0 (feet)
|
109
|
109
|
111
|
112
|
*reported data
The 2021 BMW M440i XDrive is the second bulkiest car off the lot and that hampers its braking performance to some extent. The Mercedes-AMG C 43 coupe is the heaviest and offers a similar stopping distance despite being equipped with smaller rotors at both ends. The Lexus RC 350 loses the braking performance test and offers a higher stopping distance of 112-feet, which is more than other cars. It is followed by Audi S5 Coupe with 111-feet of stopping distance.