2024 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe Performance

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is available in 430i RWD, 430i xDrive, M440i RWD, and M440i xDrive flavors. The base 430i's 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It hits 60 mph in 5.8 seconds (5.7 with xDrive) and has a top speed of 130 mph. With summer performance tires and a raised top speed limiter, the maximum speed goes up to 155 mph. Compared to the 430i, the M440i has substantially more power and performance. Now producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft, the RWD model will accelerate from 0-60 in 4.7 seconds (4.4 with xDrive).

The M440i xDrive is a blast to drive. We took it to some twisty mountain roads near Boulder, Colorado where we engaged Sport Plus mode. With the suspension tightened and the exhaust note blaring a wonderful sound, a few local drivers immediately took notice. Thanks to the xDrive system, there's plenty of grip, and not once did the car feel like it couldn't handle what we were throwing at it. Some greater suspension feedback would be nice. However, most people would be perfectly happy saving $2,000 and a bit of fuel by opting for RWD.

The base 430i's 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine makes 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque and provides plenty of mid-range pull. Paired with a slick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, this powertrain provides smooth and easy performance. As long as you aren't seeking a melodious soundtrack, there's not a lot to complain about here. xDrive AWD is an optional extra for $2,000, marginally improving sprinting performance at the cost of a few mpg.

The M440i is quite a big step up, both in terms of charisma and performance. Its 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine comes with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Behaving like an electric drive unit, this system provides an instant 11-hp boost, improves throttle response, and aids efficiency. Total outputs are 382 hp and 369 lb-ft. Once again, an 8-speed automatic is used, but the M440i also has a new Sprint function. Activated by tugging on the left shift paddle for at least a second, the car's powertrain and chassis settings briefly switch to their sportiest settings for a more potent mid-range burst of acceleration. We really don't recommend trying this in traffic. The eight-speed automatic is excellent with its lightning-fast shifts. Never once did we miss having a six-speed manual. Just like the base car, xDrive is a $2,000 option.

There is a remarkably small difference in gas mileage between the 430i and the heavier, far more powerful M440i. Clearly, the six-cylinder's 48-volt mild-hybrid system makes a difference. The RWD 430i returns 25/34/28 mpg city/highway/combined or 23/33/27 mpg with xDrive. By comparison, the M440i manages 24/32/27 mpg across the same cycles or 22/30/25 mpg with xDrive. The BMW is slightly more efficient than the Audi S5 Sportback. With its V6 engine, the S5 attains 21/30/24 mpg.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe has a 15.6-gallon gas tank. Based on its EPA-rated economy figures, that works out to an approximate range of 436 miles for the 430i RWD to 390 miles for the M440i xDrive.