Having spent 11 months behind the wheel of the formidable BMW M4, I wanted to share my insights on how it stacks up against its slightly less hardcore sibling, the M440i. Both cars reside within the BMW performance lineage and offer exhilarating driving experiences, yet they cater to slightly different preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the key distinctions I’ve observed between the M440i and the M4.
Convenience and Practicality: The Seatbelt Detail
One of the first things I noticed, and perhaps a minor luxury in the M440i, is the inclusion of a seat belt extension arm. This feature is absent in the M4. While seemingly insignificant, the seatbelt extender in the M440i adds a touch of convenience, especially for everyday driving. In the M4, you quickly adapt to reaching down and to the side for the belt, becoming a natural motion. It’s a subtle difference, but speaks to the slightly different priorities of each model – the M440i leaning a bit more towards daily comfort.
Cabin Acoustics: Highway Noise Levels
In terms of cabin noise, the M440i appears to be a touch quieter than the M4, particularly at highway speeds. My assumption is that BMW might have incorporated additional sound insulation in the M440i, or perhaps removed some in the M4 to achieve weight reduction. This difference is most noticeable on less-than-perfect road surfaces where coarser tarmac can generate more road noise. For longer journeys, the quieter cabin of the M440i could be perceived as more relaxing.
Suspension and Handling Dynamics: Comfort vs. Performance
The most significant difference lies in the suspension setup. The M4’s suspension is noticeably firmer and stiffer compared to the M440i. In fact, the “comfort” setting in the M4’s suspension feels comparable to the “sport” or even “sport plus” settings in the M440i. While the M4’s comfort mode is perfectly acceptable for daily driving, the true character emerges when pushing harder. On winding roads and at higher speeds, the M4’s sport-tuned suspension and chassis deliver exceptional and confidence-inspiring handling. The M440i, while boasting superb handling in its own right and proving thrilling on dynamic roads like the Blue Ridge Parkway, doesn’t quite reach the same level of ultimate cornering prowess when pushed to its limits. This is, of course, expected given the M4’s dedicated performance focus.
Exhaust Sound: The Auditory Experience
Interestingly, the exhaust note of the M440i, powered by the B58 engine with its single twin-scroll turbo, is arguably more pleasing to the ear, featuring richer pops and burbles, than the M4’s S58 engine with its twin turbos and dual exhaust system. To elicit a truly engaging sound from the M4, you need to engage the “Sport Plus” engine setting. Even then, in my subjective opinion (IMHO), the M440i in Sport Plus mode still produces a more satisfying and characterful exhaust sound. This could be a matter of personal preference, but the single turbo B58 seems to deliver a more naturally resonant and enjoyable auditory experience.
Performance and Speed: Raw Power Delivery
Both the M440i and M4 are undeniably rapid vehicles. Period. While the M4 is demonstrably quicker in outright acceleration and track performance, for everyday driving scenarios, the M440i offers more than ample power and acceleration that will not leave you wanting. The difference in speed is tangible in specific performance metrics, but in real-world, daily driving, both cars provide exhilarating performance.
Configurability: The M1/M2 Advantage
A notable advantage of the M4 over the M440i is the inclusion of programmable M1/M2 buttons on the steering wheel. These buttons offer a significant level of customization, allowing drivers to instantly switch between pre-configured driving modes tailored to their preferences or driving conditions. This level of programmability is a valuable feature for drivers who like to fine-tune their driving experience and is not available on the M440i.
Conclusion: Choosing Between the M440i and M4
Ultimately, both the BMW M440i and the M4 are exceptional cars that deliver thrilling driving experiences. When deciding between the two, the primary deciding factor often boils down to budget and intended use. The M440i offers a fantastic blend of performance, luxury, and daily usability at a more accessible price point. The M4, on the other hand, represents a step up in outright performance, track capability, and driver customization, justifying its higher price tag. Neither car will disappoint, and the “better” choice is truly dependent on individual needs and financial considerations.
