Launched for the 2015 model year as the 435i, BMW’s Gran Coupe adds a particular flair to the German automaker’s roster of compact 4 Series coupes. Body lines are seductively curved, in coupe fashion. Yet, this variant has four frameless doors and a rear liftgate, promising the practicality of a hatchback. Cargo space reaches 45.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, versus 17 cubic feet with seats up. BMW installed a more powerful six-cylinder engine for 2017, changing the model designation from 435i Gran Coupe to 440i Gran Coupe.
Actually, the 440i Gran Coupe is based upon the highly-regarded 3 Series family of compact sedans and wagons, well-known for their satisfying blend of performance and handling.
What's New for 2017
Changes are modest, except for the new 3-liter six-cylinder engine that switches the model designation of BMW’s stylish, compact 4 Series from 435i to 440i. A Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel now is standard. Extended Merino leather upholstery, including a leather-covered dashboard, is newly available. So is black Dakota leather with blue stitching. Basic upholstery is available in Venetian Beige/Black leatherette. Navigation (in the Technology Package) has been updated to BMW’s iDrive 5.0 interface. Wireless charging and a wi-fi hotspot with enhanced USB and Bluetooth can be added.
Choosing Your BMW 440i Gran Coupe
Now developing 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, the turbocharged 3-liter inline six-cylinder engine mates with an eight-speed automatic transmission. That’s a boost of 20 horsepower and 30 pound-feet. Rear-wheel drive is standard, while BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive is optional. Fuel economy is estimated at 21 mpg in city driving and 32 mpg on the highway with rear-drive, and 21/31 mpg (city/highway) with all-wheel drive.
The 440i Gran Coupe comes in one trim level, but a selection of option packages can be added if desired. A sizable standard-equipment list includes SensaTec simulated-leather upholstery, 10-way power front seats with driver's memory settings, a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat, paddle shifters, wood or aluminum interior trim, a Harman Kardon 16-speaker 600-watt surround-sound audio system, Bluetooth phone and audio, plus satellite and HD radio. A power liftgate, moonroof, and double-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels also are standard. An automatic start/stop function can shut the engine off at stoplights.
Convenience is the focus of the $2,750 Technology Package, which includes navigation, advanced real-time traffic information, head-up display, remote services, BMW Online and apps, and an instrument cluster with expanded contents.
Pricing begins at $49,295 (including destination charge) for the rear-drive 440i Gran Coupe, while the xDrive edition goes for $2,000 more. An optional Luxury Package provides several choices of leather upholstery and wood or aluminum interior trim.
- The M Sport Package ($2,550) comes closest to qualifying as the “ultimate driving machine” that BMW has promoted for many years. Various upholstery and interior trim combinations are available. M Sport also includes an aerodynamic body kit, M steering wheel, and choice of 18- and 19-inch wheels. An M sport suspension is standard, but an adaptive suspension is available for $700.
- Stepping up a notch, the $2,200 Track Handling Package includes the adaptive M suspension, M sport brakes, variable sport steering, and 18- or 19-inch wheels.
- The Driver Assistance Package ($950) includes front/rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. For $1,700, the Driver Assistance Plus option adds active-safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, collision warning and mitigation, side- and top-view cameras, and speed-limit data.
Several individual options are offered, including automated parallel parking, wireless charging, and active cruise control.
If cost is an obstacle, you can save $6,350 by buying a four-cylinder 430i Gran Coupe instead of the 440i. Opting for the M Sport package brings the 440i Gran Coupe at least somewhat closer to a peak-performance M4 edition (if such a model existed). Of course, a 440i Gran Coupe is about much more than covering miles swiftly and comfortably. A basic Gran Coupe with a couple of options, such as BMW’s impressive navigation system and—especially—Driver Assistance Packages, should please most buyers.