BMW's compact coupe and convertible with six-cylinder power, introduced for 2014 as the 435i duo, combine impressive performance with generous luxury content and space for four. Installing a more powerful engine for 2017 has changed the model designation to 440i. Although it's based on the 3 Series four-door sedan, the two-door 440i serves up a savory helping of style and an athletic flavor that’s all its own.
What's New for 2017
A new 3-liter six-cylinder engine changes the model designation of BMW’s compact 4 Series coupe and convertible 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. Coupes can have black Dakota leather with blue stitching. Basic SensaTec leatherette upholstery is available in Venetian Beige/Black. 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 now be added.
Choosing Your BMW 440i
Like most two-door BMWs, the 440i is available as a coupe or convertible. Either body style can be fitted with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system as an alternative to the standard rear-wheel drive. Power comes from a turbocharged 3-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual gearbox is available on coupes as a no-cost option, but convertibles are automatic-only. An automatic stop/start function is standard.
Considering the 440i’s performance potential, gas mileage is reasonable. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates fuel economy for the coupe at 21/32 mpg (city/highway), or 25 mpg combined. Manual shift drops those figures to 19/29 mpg (23 mpg combined). Estimates with all-wheel drive are almost identical. A rear-drive convertible is estimated at 21/29 mpg (city/highway), or 24 mpg combined.
Coupe prices begin at $49,495 (including destination charge), while the convertible starts at $58,295. All-wheel drive adds $2,000.
Each 440i model has a substantial list of premium standard features, including xenon headlights, a moonroof, power sport seats with driver’s memory settings, lumbar support, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system with satellite and HD radio, and Comfort Access keyless entry. Convertibles get a power hardtop and a wind blocker. The 440i rides on 18-inch wheels, but 19s are optional.
Several option groups are available:
- Serious drivers might favor the $2,550 M Sport Package, which provides an M Sport suspension, specific wheels, aerodynamic body trim, and a sport steering wheel. An adaptive suspension can be added for $700.
- Stepping up a notch on the enthusiast spectrum, the Track Handling Package (available with or without the full M Sport treatment) contributes upgraded brakes, variable sport-tuned steering, and the M Sport adaptive suspension.
- A navigation system comes with the Technology Package ($2,750), which also adds an expanded instrument cluster, head-up display, and a suite of integrated smartphone apps.
- Adaptive full-LED headlights with automatic high-beam control make up the Lighting Package.
- The Cold Weather Package adds heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and retractable headlight washers. Convertibles also get neck-warming air vents.
- Safety gets a nod from the $950 Driver Assistance Package, with its rearview camera and front/rear parking sensors. A Driver Assistance Plus version ($1,700) adds blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, a surround-view camera system, frontal collision warning, city collision mitigation, pedestrian detection, and speed limit data.
- Leather upholstery in a choice of colors is a $1,450 option—part of a Luxury Package that includes wood or aluminum interior trim.
Adaptive cruise control is a standalone option. Also optional are an automated parallel parking system, a power rear sunshade, and Apple CarPlay capability.
With its abundant standard-equipment list, the 440i is a complete luxury car from the start. All you might need to add, to obtain the full BMW luxury experience, is leather upholstery—and for safety’s sake, the Driver Assistance packages. All else is a matter of taste and priorities.