By: Peter Gregorian
September 17, 2024
BMW knows how to throw a proper goodbye party. The 2024 BMW M440i xDrive Legacy Edition represents the brand’s outgoing combustion engine 4-series Gran Coupe model. We had the pleasure of getting well acquainted with it over the length of a week, thanks to BMW Canada. While we were initially skeptical due to its subjectively unique front fascia, once sliding behind the wheel and spending some time getting to know it, we ended up not wanting to give back the keys.
As controversial as BMW’s new design language might be, the Gran Coupe body style works incredibly well with the rest of the exterior design characteristics. Finished in its Brooklyn Grey metallic paint, the M440i Legacy Edition, riding on its 20-inch BMW Individual wheels, is hard to park and not look back at. As polarizing as the design of the front grilles might be, the proportions of the Gran Coupe body begin to grow on you, with the design coming together like a well-tailored suit—sleek, form-fitting, and meaning business. From a practicality standpoint, it is hard not to like the body style, as its automatic power tailgate, paneless windowed doors, and respectable cargo space behind the rear seats of 470 liters (16.6 cubic feet) make hauling passengers and cargo effortless.
Stepping inside the beautifully fit and finished interior, one is graced with modernity, sportiness, and a touch of class. The seats are finished in Tacora Red Verbasca Leather, which are comfortable on longer drives and also supportive through more spirited driving. A large 12.3-inch iDrive touchscreen flanks the top section of the dashboard and delivers responsive operation, with iDrive 8 remaining easy to navigate via touch or physical buttons on the center console. The gloss Carbon Fibre trim adorning the interior is one of the many aspects that makes this Gran Coupe worthy of its M-badge.
The 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system delivers clear vocals and deep bass, with good sound deadening amplifying the audio quality and acoustics within the interior. A notable observation contributing to the overall enjoyment is that the cabin is genuinely a nice place to be, making the daily commute that much more tolerable.
Where the iDrive system falls short is with the 360 surround view camera, which produces a fisheye distortion. Another downside from a technological perspective in a vehicle of this class is the lack of adaptive cruise control. Despite featuring Dynamic Cruise Control, this system merely offers a function of monitoring the speed limit of the road being traveled and varying the cruise control speed based on posted signs.
The Legacy Edition represents a bittersweet end of an era for the 4 Series Gran Coupe, as BMW makes a push towards electric powertrains as found in the BMW i4. The potent, tried-and-tested B58 inline-six turbocharged powertrain under the hood produces a smile-inducing 382 horsepower and 369 ft-lb of torque. Its smooth power delivery and effortless ability to get up to speed make it very easy to drive this car fast. Paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, the powertrain is phenomenal. When combined with the xDrive all-wheel drive and launch control, the M440i Gran Coupe rockets to 100 km/h in a swift 4.5 seconds. All systems work together to produce a clinically quick yet emotion-inducing drive.
The M440i Gran Coupe, despite its 1,823-kilogram (4,019-pound) curb weight, proves to be no slouch in the corners. The chassis tuning and rear M Sport differential, which transfers torque between left and right rear wheels, allow the car to handle much lighter on its feet and carve corners with poise. The adaptive suspension also assists with the delivery of an engaging driving experience whether during stop-and-go commutes or backroad jaunts, offering comfort when needed but stiffening when desired. At the limit, there is a hint of understeer, but this can easily be remedied with stickier tires or smaller wheels. The steering possesses a fine balance between weight and directness, offering good load-up when entering corners and continuously relaying feedback through the corner.
Fuel economy figures are estimated at 10.7L/100km in the city, 7.5L/100km on the highway, and 9.3L/100km combined. Through real-world testing, combined fuel mileage was realized closer to 10.4L/100km, which is still respectable for a vehicle of this stature.
Pricing for this rare, 1-of-300 model comes fully loaded at an MSRP of $81,750 CAD. This includes a range of standard options like the Premium Enhanced Package, M Sport Pro Package, and Heated Front and Rear Seats.
The 2024 BMW M440i xDrive Legacy Edition is a true German luxury sports saloon designed for a clear purpose—that of comfortably and quickly eating up kilometers on the autobahn. Given that it comes equipped with xDrive, this well-rounded package is the perfect parting gift from BMW for the Canadian market. For those looking for power, performance, and sheer driving pleasure wrapped up in a sleek, athletic package, if you can find one, you might just have the ultimate driving machine.
