BMW 4 Series Convertible G23 M440i xDrive _ REVIEW on AUTOBAHN by AutoTopNL

BMW XDrive: A Rear-Biased System with a Twist

So we've got the BMW M440i xDrive, and as expected, it's a rear-biased system. We've also got a ZF 8-speed gearbox, which is perfect for this marriage of power and performance. The B58 engine, paired with the ZF 8-speed transmission, creates a formidable combination that works well in every car. This M440i is not the most powerful version of the BMW M series, but it's still a quick car.

One of the things that sets the M440i apart from its competitors is its sound. The straight-six engine produces a beautiful, yet muted, soundtrack that's sure to turn heads on the road. While it may not be as loud as some other performance cars, it's still an excellent sound that complements the car's overall design and character. In contrast, the BMW M4 Convertible is a different story altogether. With its retractable roof and more relaxed stance, it's a car that's better suited to cruising around town or enjoying a leisurely drive in the countryside.

The gap between the M440i and the M4 is well-defined, with the former feeling like a completely different animal from the latter. While both cars share many similarities under the skin, they're differentiated by their focus and intent. The M440i is more of a grand tourer, designed to take you on long road trips or weekend getaways in style and comfort. It's a car that's designed to make you feel like you're driving on holiday, with its comfortable suspension and smooth power delivery.

One of the things that BMW has done well in differentiating the M4 from the M440i is by creating two distinct personalities for each model. The M4 is a more aggressive, track-focused performance car, while the M440i is a more relaxed, road-going tourer. However, this doesn't mean that one car can't handle more than the other - both cars are capable of delivering exceptional handling and performance.

To put the M440i's capabilities to the test, we took it out for a spin on the Autobahn. With its electronically limited top speed of 243 mph (GPS), we were able to see just how quickly this car could accelerate from 0-100 mph. According to BMW, it takes 4.9 seconds to reach the 100 mph mark - but our own measurements put it at a blistering 4.55 seconds.

In terms of performance, the M440i is not exactly lightning-quick off the line, but it's more than capable of delivering rapid acceleration throughout its power band. The 500 horsepower on tap makes this car feel like a rocket ship as you push it hard, and the smooth, linear power delivery only adds to its sense of agility and responsiveness.

One thing that might surprise some drivers is how much faster the M440i is compared to its competitors in similar segments. In our tests, we found that it was about 4 tenths of a second slower than the BMW M550i xDrive coupe over the same 0-200 mph stretch. However, when you consider the weight difference between these two cars, this performance gap becomes more understandable.

The real test of any car is how well it handles on twisty roads or in challenging weather conditions - and here again, the M440i delivers. With its responsive steering and precise handling, it's a joy to drive on winding roads or in heavy rain. It's also worth noting that the M440i's electronically limited top speed means you won't be tempted to push this car too hard, which makes it feel more relaxed and composed at high speeds.

But despite its impressive performance credentials, there's one area where the M440i falls short: top speed. According to BMW, it has a electronically limited top speed of 243 mph (GPS) - but in reality, we measured this at an astonishing 243 GPS. This discrepancy raises questions about how accurate the manufacturer's claims can be, and whether some cars are actually capable of higher speeds than they're officially allowed.

Ultimately, the M440i is a car that should appeal to anyone looking for a stylish, comfortable, and performance-oriented driving experience. With its unique blend of power and poise, it's an excellent choice for those who want to mix things up from their usual routine. And while it may not be as sharp or aggressive as some other BMW M models, the M440i is still an excellent performer that should put a smile on your face every time you drive it.