4 Series (G22) [Official] 2020 BMW 4 Series (G22)

[dalab]

^ I know some people will straddle two spaces to avoid door dings in car parks... but parking on the pedestrian walkways in an empty car park is just anti-social

Always, BMW Drivers .......

 

[Matski]

Always, BMW Drivers .......

Maybe he's about to ram-raid the office's behind him.

__

Anyway, looking at this pics and ones over in the M3/M4 thread, I'm wondering if one of the reasons I prefer the M's to the G22 is that they lack that eyebrow crease...

Quick bad photoshop to show what I mean...

 

[CrunchSlaughtered]

Maybe he's about to ram-raid the office's behind him.

__

Anyway, looking at this pics and ones over in the M3/M4 thread, I'm wondering if one of the reasons I prefer the M's to the G22 is that they lack that eyebrow crease...

Quick bad photoshop to show what I mean...

No, it makes it look angrier. It's one of the things that make the G22 look better IMHO.

 

[Matski]

No, it makes it look angrier. It's one of the things that make the G22 look better IMHO.

I suppose.. if you want an angry looking car.

 

[Rolf]

Car and Driver just tested the M440i, I think this must be one of the first performance tests on the new 4-series model.. From the tester comment the car is very heavy, 1808kg in test trim and the car was understeering a lot and didn't provide the driver enjoyment normally expected from a BMW. The performance is excellent though despite the heavy weight.

Tested: 2021 BMW M440i xDrive Noses Away From Its Roots
The M440i xDrive's spectacular inline-six can't quite make up for the rest of the car.

Traditionalists will say the new 4-series maintains only a passing resemblance to a BMW, like an unlicensed rendering in a video game. They'll also note the attention-snaring vertically oriented grille. But what's most disappointing is that it's not as good to drive as we'd expect a sporty BMW coupe to be.

The 4's redesign catches it up to the current G20-generation 3-series. Although the two cars share a 112.2-inch wheelbase, the coupe is an inch or two longer, wider, and lower and has a wider rear track. That growth brings a larger rear seat that's tolerable for average-size adults. In profile, the 4 looks almost like a scaled-down 8-series, yet unlike the 8, it doesn't look quite so much like a Ford Mustang.

The update adds to the 4's curb weight. It's now basically a two-ton car in the top M440i xDrive trim, with our test car placing a substantial 53.8 percent of that mass on its front wheels. Even with 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires (18s with all-seasons are standard), it managed only 0.91 g of skidpad grip, and understeer dominates. We've recorded more stick from the newest 3-series and even some family sedans, although our car did stop from 70 mph in a short 149 feet.

The M440i's variable-ratio steering is short on tactility and has an almost rubbery buildup of force as you turn off-center. The rack's rather quick ratio only amplifies its artificial feel. Factor in the compliant ride from the adaptive dampers and the 4 has veered into grand-touring territory. It'll still happily hustle down a challenging road, but the experience isn't as satisfying as it used to be.

The M440i xDrive is still quick—3.8 seconds to 60 mph—thanks to the 382 horsepower from BMW's awesome turbo 3.0-liter inline-six. A new 48-volt motor-generator adds some pounds yet contributes up to 11 horses to assist the engine before the turbo wakes up. Lag is nicely mitigated as proven by the fleet 4.6-second time in our launch-free five-to-60-mph test. Sadly, a manual is no longer offered, but ZF's ubiquitous eight-speed automatic swaps gears as sweetly as ever.

This being our first turn with the new 4, we're hoping other versions offer a closer connection. Our hope is the four-cylinder 430i model, which comes standard with non-variable steering and passive dampers, will carry the BMW dynamics torch of yore. It is currently the only 4-series available with rear-wheel drive, though a rear-drive six-cylinder model will be added later.

The fiery performance of the latest M3 and M4, both of which adopt similar vertical grilles, should help us acclimate to the controversial design. But the softer character of the M440i xDrive makes it tough to overlook the 4's new face.

Specifications
2021 BMW M440i xDrive
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe
PRICE AS TESTED
$69,770 (base price: $59,495)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
183 in3, 2998 cm3
Power
382 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque
364 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.7-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, F: 225/40R-19 93Y ★ R: 255/35R-19 96Y ★
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.2 in
Length: 188.0 in
Width: 72.9 in
Height: 54.8 in
Passenger volume: 87 ft3
Trunk volume: 12 ft3
Curb weight: 3986 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.8 sec
100 mph: 9.6 sec
130 mph: 17.1 sec
150 mph: 25.7 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.6 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.4 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.1 sec
1/4 mile: 12.3 sec @ 112 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 157 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 149 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 299 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.91 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rolloutof 0.3 sec.
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 25/22/31 mpg

 

[Serpens]

The C&D review was predictable. Both BMW and Audi seem to be really focusing on the classic GT experience for these mid-tier models. Mercedes seems to still be going in the other direction with very firm ride quality and direct steering in the 43/53 models.

 

[bmwz4coupe]

Car and Driver just tested the M440i, I think this must be one of the first performance tests on the new 4-series model.. From the tester comment the car is very heavy, 1808kg in test trim and the car was understeering a lot and didn't provide the driver enjoyment normally expected from a BMW. The performance is excellent though despite the heavy weight.

Tested: 2021 BMW M440i xDrive Noses Away From Its Roots
The M440i xDrive's spectacular inline-six can't quite make up for the rest of the car.

Traditionalists will say the new 4-series maintains only a passing resemblance to a BMW, like an unlicensed rendering in a video game. They'll also note the attention-snaring vertically oriented grille. But what's most disappointing is that it's not as good to drive as we'd expect a sporty BMW coupe to be.

The 4's redesign catches it up to the current G20-generation 3-series. Although the two cars share a 112.2-inch wheelbase, the coupe is an inch or two longer, wider, and lower and has a wider rear track. That growth brings a larger rear seat that's tolerable for average-size adults. In profile, the 4 looks almost like a scaled-down 8-series, yet unlike the 8, it doesn't look quite so much like a Ford Mustang.

The update adds to the 4's curb weight. It's now basically a two-ton car in the top M440i xDrive trim, with our test car placing a substantial 53.8 percent of that mass on its front wheels. Even with 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires (18s with all-seasons are standard), it managed only 0.91 g of skidpad grip, and understeer dominates. We've recorded more stick from the newest 3-series and even some family sedans, although our car did stop from 70 mph in a short 149 feet.

The M440i's variable-ratio steering is short on tactility and has an almost rubbery buildup of force as you turn off-center. The rack's rather quick ratio only amplifies its artificial feel. Factor in the compliant ride from the adaptive dampers and the 4 has veered into grand-touring territory. It'll still happily hustle down a challenging road, but the experience isn't as satisfying as it used to be.

The M440i xDrive is still quick—3.8 seconds to 60 mph—thanks to the 382 horsepower from BMW's awesome turbo 3.0-liter inline-six. A new 48-volt motor-generator adds some pounds yet contributes up to 11 horses to assist the engine before the turbo wakes up. Lag is nicely mitigated as proven by the fleet 4.6-second time in our launch-free five-to-60-mph test. Sadly, a manual is no longer offered, but ZF's ubiquitous eight-speed automatic swaps gears as sweetly as ever.

This being our first turn with the new 4, we're hoping other versions offer a closer connection. Our hope is the four-cylinder 430i model, which comes standard with non-variable steering and passive dampers, will carry the BMW dynamics torch of yore. It is currently the only 4-series available with rear-wheel drive, though a rear-drive six-cylinder model will be added later.

The fiery performance of the latest M3 and M4, both of which adopt similar vertical grilles, should help us acclimate to the controversial design. But the softer character of the M440i xDrive makes it tough to overlook the 4's new face.

Specifications
2021 BMW M440i xDrive
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe
PRICE AS TESTED
$69,770 (base price: $59,495)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
183 in3, 2998 cm3
Power
382 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque
364 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.7-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, F: 225/40R-19 93Y ★ R: 255/35R-19 96Y ★
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.2 in
Length: 188.0 in
Width: 72.9 in
Height: 54.8 in
Passenger volume: 87 ft3
Trunk volume: 12 ft3
Curb weight: 3986 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.8 sec
100 mph: 9.6 sec
130 mph: 17.1 sec
150 mph: 25.7 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.6 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.4 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.1 sec
1/4 mile: 12.3 sec @ 112 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 157 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 149 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 299 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.91 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rolloutof 0.3 sec.
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 25/22/31 mpg

So it is indeed a heavy pig....

 

[dalab]

The opinion of C&D is opposed to other publications such as Autoexpress that gave it 4 and a half stars, they liked the car a lot as well as Autocar, and many of the best known YouTube channels also coincide (from what I have seen so far)

 

[Rolf]

Motortrend had similar things to say in their road test that it is more like a GT.

2021 BMW M440i First Test: Not Just a Two-Door 3 Series
It drives better than it looks but doesn’t justify those M badges. Is that a bad thing?

Mt. Baldy road is hardly more than an hour's drive from downtown Los Angeles, yet it evokes European alpine passes—those that lead from metropolises to epic vistas and crisp mountain air. Breaking off from the freeway, it crosses a quiet suburb before opening into long sweepers weaving up the hillside. In the final climb, it crinkles into tight switchbacks before terminating at a tiny rural ski resort. It's the type of road cars like the BMW M440i xDrive were made for.


No longer is the 4 Series simply a two-door 3 Series. As that iconic sedan preserves its dynamic focus, the 4 Series evolves and now offers a blend of luxury and performance once reserved for BMW's highest-end models. It's a balance that'll leave some drivers in bliss and others wanting more.

Is The M440i Quick? Yes...
Behind those atrocious oversized kidney grilles is a smooth, turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 making 382 hp and 364 lb-ft of torque, sent through an eight-speed automatic to BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system. It's a potent setup. Using the sportiest drive modes and a bit of pedal overlap, the M440i leaps to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds flat, and cuts the quarter mile in 12.6 seconds at 110.2 mph.
Acceleration is the most M-ish thing about this car—to 60, it's as quick as an X3 M Competition and not far off the pace of the last-gen M3. Yet the M440i's engine is just as happy to calmly loaf about as it is to rush to redline. All the while it revs with a sweet (but perhaps digitally enhanced) growl.

Swat the paddle shifters and gears change obediently, even if they aren't dual-clutch fast. Grab an upshift under heavy throttle, and the car replies with a nice little kick. Or, just leave it in automatic and cruise, letting its computers softly select the right gear.
M-emblazoned brake calipers clamp ventilated rotors for a 109-foot stop from 60 mph. That deceleration splits other performance-oriented BMWs; the M340i stops in 111 feet and the M2 Competition in 106 feet. The brakes feel reactive and provide a linear buildup of stopping power. But pedal stroke is long, making it hard to gauge how much of a press is needed to get the desired effect. The reactivity makes them a bit grabby at lower speeds, while the long stroke didn't inspire confidence when approaching those mountain hairpins.
With MotorTrend test boss Kim Reynolds at the wheel, the M440i posted a 24.7-second, 0.78g-average lap on the figure-eight course. On the skidpad, it stayed stuck up to 0.93 g. That's impressive when put into context against other sporty all-wheel-drive cars. The Quattro-packing Audi S4 lapped the figure-eight in 25.2 seconds at 0.75 g. The Mercedes C43 with AMG-ified 4Matic did the same in 24.8 seconds at 0.77 g. Both circled the skidpad at 0.91 g. After assessing the 4 Series, Reynolds called it a "very powerful car that's propelled fast to the next corner with modest tail-out drift exiting."

...But Is It Fun To Drive? Not Quite.


True as that may be on the test track, don't expect the xDrive system to provide tail-happy hijinks without serious provocation. Drivers with sub-Reynolds skill levels will find it feels as all-wheel drive as can be. On Mt. Baldy's switchbacks the M440i was extremely reluctant to rotate, instead rounding the bends with staid neutrality. Going to throttle early just brought understeer with overly cautious stability control intervention. On sweeping curves it provided superb high-speed composure but little excitement. And this was in Sport Plus mode, in a car equipped with the "ZTK" cooling and high-performance tire package.
Further undermining the numerous M badges is the paucity of steering feel. Like in the M8 Competition, the abject lack of sensation coming through the wheel results in a dilution of fun. It feels numb, insulated from whatever's going on under the front tires, not made better by its lightness and somewhat slow ratio. Sure, it's accurate, and the car goes where the driver wills it. But it's not quite agile, while the anesthetized sensations make grip levels vague. That mystical bond between driver and machine that BMWs were once known for simply isn't there.
Also lacking feel is the ride—but that could be a good thing, because here the M440i feels more like a grand tourer than a sport coupe. Whereas 3 Series models with M Sport suspension hammer their occupants over every road imperfection, the M440i rides comfortably, effectively erasing cracks and chatter, only ever slightly rough over large potholes. Although it's compliant and not floaty, more feeling through the suspension would give a better sense of connection to the road during spirited driving. Any other time? It's luxe.
Continent-cruising comfort persists in the cabin. The plush front seats feel like lounge chairs with side bolstering. In a real surprise the back seats are actually somewhat usable. There's a decent amount of space, and dedicated air vents, USB ports, and storage cubbies show that BMW didn't make the 4 Series' second row an afterthought. Faultless driver-assist technologies make highway driving a breeze.

Although the 12.3-inch digital gauge display isn't as customizable as equivalents from German competitors, BMW's latest iDrive revision is more user-friendly, and its 10.3-inch touchscreen is bright and clear. Crisp, thumping sound pours out of the optional 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Material quality is high, although the layout is essentially identical to any other current BMW, a mere evolution from the previous 4 Series. A more inspired interior seems warranted for a car that makes such a daring design statement outside. Then again, perhaps the austere cabin offers a refuge from the sight of that egregious grille.
Is The M440i A Proper M Car?
There's no doubt that the M440i drives better than it looks. Understand, though, that it isn't a 3 Series coupe. Like the finest GT cars, the M440i is capable but distances its driver from the machinery underneath. It's powerful, poised, and easy to drive fast. Yet there's incredibly little sensation of speed, and the feelings of connection and involvement that true driver's cars offer are all but absent. Maybe the M4 will fix that.
Instead, the M440i feels more like a miniature 8 Series: a smooth, calm haven to cruise in that'll still indulge in full-throttle blasts. Like a proper grand tourer, it'll waft through town, tear across interstates, and oblige some corner carving—exactly as it did up Mt. Baldy road. Just don't be misled by all those M badges.

2021 BMW M440i xDrive Coupe
BASE PRICE	$59,495
PRICE AS TESTED	$69,770
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front-engine, AWD, 4-pass, 2-door coupe
ENGINE	3.0L/382-hp/364-lb-ft turbo DOHC 24-valve I-6
TRANSMISSION	8-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	3,960 lb (54/46%)
WHEELBASE	112.2 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	188.0 x 72.9 x 54.8 in
0-60 MPH	4.0 sec
QUARTER MILE	12.6 sec @ 110.2 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	109 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.93 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	24.7 sec @ 0.78 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON	22/30/25 (est) mpg
ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY	153/112 kWh/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB	0.78 lb/mile

 

[martinbo]

Isn't it way overdue that motoring publications stop asking the same old stale and ignorant question of "is the Mx40i a proper M car?"
No it isn't FFS - get with the program.

 

[Sunny]

$69,770

 

[Rolf]

Nothing is cheap lol. Same price as the Z4 M40i

MSRP:$63,700
FAIR MARKET PRICE:
$68,749

490HP Corvette LT1 is an excellent buy for 5000 less

MSRP:$58,900
FAIR MARKET PRICE:
$64,161

 

[martinbo]

490HP Corvette LT1 is an excellent buy for 5000 less

But only in the US. Let's wait and see how it averages out across other markets.

 

[Sunny]

Nothing is cheap lol. Same price as the Z4 M40i

Which hardly sells. And that was a half good looking car.

 

[dalab]

Beyond that the price of the Corvette is impressive and tempting, I consider that they are cars in general for different audiences, although at the tip of the triangle a percentage is clearly shared and the North American is a bargain

 

[Swiss_ZH]

Must say, i prefer the baseline over the M-Sport package.

 

[martinbo]

Must say, i prefer the baseline over the M-Sport package.

Great observation and I very much agree with you. Unfortunately, BMW's sales model is geared around optional extras and M-Sport has almost become a mandatory "option" if ever there was an oxymoron.
Dealer stock? Always optioned to M-Sport spec. You want standard or Sport Line? That's an out of the ordinary request. M-Sport, M-Sport, M-Sport that's all the dealers ever shove down your throat. Why do I get lowered sports suspension and stiffer springs - practically as standard from dealer stock - which I don't want or need but not the sports automatic along with it (which I absolutely do want and need) by default?!? No sports automatic = no steering wheel paddles and no Sport+ mode. Where then, is the sport in M-Sport?

No, it's a joke, most of the stock is M-Sport in image only. Sheep in wolves' clothing and it's all about the image and nothing about the driving experience.
M-Sport is just a cosmetic kit that leaves you with a faster-looking, sportily lower car that's anything but. And for your vanity, you have to live with a ridiculously firm and lumpy ride in a car that'll never see an outing on a circuit. But hey, let's pitch up at work or a client all rattled and shook up - at least you look the part. Or like a boy racer.

G22 sweet spot for a classier, better looking, better driving car is just as per the above...
Add a sports auto transmission and adaptive dampers and you'll end up with a better all round package.

 

[dalab]

To the excellent reviews of Autocar and Autoexpresss add these are also very good

CONCLUSION
With enormous pressure and excellent setup, the M440i leads straight into the hearts of sports car drivers. The icing on the cake is that, thanks to the mild hybrid technology, it remains relatively inexpensive even with fast operation.

BMW M440i xDrive (2020) erster Test

Das 4er Coupé soll eigenständiger werden. Zum Erstkontakt mit der neuen Baureihe fahren wir mit dem vorläufigen Topmodell, dem M440i. Bis zum Marktstart des noch radikaleren M4 fährt das Sechszylinder-Coupé an die Spitze.

www.auto-motor-und-sport.de

OUR CONCLUSION
Like the M440i xDrive, the new BMW 4 Series Coupé (2020) offers a perfectly prepared cocktail of a high level of driving dynamics together with excellent first-test-drive comfort, making it an almost Gran Turismo. perfect. However, the price and maintenance costs are equally high.

Neues BMW 4er Coupé (2020): Erste Testfahrt

Das neue BMW 4er Coupé (2020) soll noch sportlicher als der 3er sein. Klappt das? Erste Testfahrt mit dem M440i xDrive!

www.autozeitung.de

 

[Ozy]

So far I think these are the best shots of the front, the thinner headlights and open grill makes it look very aggressive

 

[David Brent]

The opinion of C&D is opposed to other publications such as Autoexpress that gave it 4 and a half stars, they liked the car a lot as well as Autocar, and many of the best known YouTube channels also coincide (from what I have seen so far)

As usual, people will get behind the review that matches their own preconceived opinion, regardless of the fact some of these people haven't even seen the car for real, never mind driven it.