[madpistol]

It's been a couple of weeks since I traded in my '21 M340i and took delivery of my '22 M440i GC. A lot of people say there aren't many differences... and a lot of people are wrong.

I'm going to preface this by saying that I really liked the M340i. In fact, when I went to pick up the M440i GC, I had basically convinced myself that either I was going to purchase the M440i GC, or I was going to pay off my lease and purchase the M340i. Either way, I was leaving the dealership with a car that I was going to keep.

Let's talk about the differences.



1. Hatchback - The most obvious difference is the addition of a hatchback on the M440i GC. I loved my old Mazda 3 hatchback due to its versatility, and the M440i GC has reminded me why... it's just fantastic. So much usability and practicality. I wish BMW made an M4 GC.

2. Exterior Design - The M340i is very sleek and understated, while the M440i GC is aggressive and bulbous. I personally like the muscular stance of the M440i GC, but lets be real... the M440i GC gets A LOT more attention than the M340i. The M340i looked like every other BMW, but the M440i GC looks unique and bold. If you get the M440i GC, be prepared for people to notice and ask questions about it.

3. Interior Design - This is where the M340i and M440i GC are very similar. The biggest differences are in passenger volume and comfort. I "think" the front seats are a bit softer in the M440i GC, and there is more elbow room on the doors. Also, the door elbow rests are most definitely softer than the M340i. Unfortunately, this is all at the cost of backseat comfort, which is definitely better in the M340i. Fit and finish are equally good on both cars.

4. Ride - The suspension was great in the M340i, but BMW definitely re-tuned it on the M440i GC to be a bit more compliant . It's still on the firm side, but it dampens out bumps and road imperfections just a bit easier. I always thought the M340i was slightly stiff, but the M440i GC is a beautiful blend of sport and comfort. This may also be because the M440i GC is much more quiet at speed. BMW definitely added some sound deadening material to the M440i GC, and it makes the car very pleasant when not driving it aggressively.

5. Handling - It definitely feels like the M440i GC is more of a GT car than an outright performance car; the steering is even lighter than the M340i was. Unfortunately, this also means it has even less feel as well. I personally don't mind, but BMW purists will boo and hiss at this. That being said, when you take a corner, it digs and goes. It has plenty of grip up front and is able to take corners with zero drama. Push the throttle a bit, and let the car wag its tail... it does that, too.

6. Power - It has the same B58/ZF 8-speed combo as the M340i, but again, I think BMW retuned the throttle mapping. Even in Comfort, I notice that the revs hold on a bit longer than in the M340i. This might be due to the extra weight on the M440i GC. Either way, when not pushing the car, the M440i GC actually feels more powerful. Because I am still in break-in, I have not pushed it hard just yet; I highly doubt it will feel more powerful at WOT, but maybe I will be pleasantly surprised.


Conclusion - Is the M440i GC worth $3k - 4k more than a comparable M340i? That depends.

If you plan on taking more than you and a passenger every day of the week, the M340i will be better due to rear passenger space alone. I also think the M340i is a bit more "fun" to drive if you're going to push it hard.

However, if you want a bit more comfort for the driver and the front passenger, as well as a smoother, more quiet ride (not to mention the practicality of a hatchback), the M440i GC is a slam dunk. You get the amazing B58 6-cylinder in a bold and stylish package that is a bit more buttoned down and serious while on the road. I honestly can't wait to get to the end of break-in so I can finally test out xDrive Launch Control.




What are your thoughts?

[jlapicki]

Made the change also.....me likey!!

[Ugly Kar]

M440 has a hideous front end. If it weren't for that the choice would be easy.

[wdc330i]

Nice write-up, Madpistol!

I have not driven the G20, but had a number of "E" and "F" 3 series and 2 series. This car is way ahead of those.

It is a wonderful blend of luxury, comfort, practicality, and sportiness.

But, of course, an M4 GC would be awesome!

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by Ugly Kar

M440 has a hideous front end. If it weren't for that the choice would be easy.

This. If it had a regular grill, I'd take it over the M340i any day of the week.

[DFW_M]

I owned the M340i for 9 months and last 3 months of those 9 were a pure torture as the car was simply boring. Too perfect I’d say and no excitement for me. Bland look.
About 2 months ago I got the 430i GC, BSM, M-Sport with shadowline for my daughter. It looks awesome in darker colors and shadowline (when I was picking it up, they had one with no shadowline in some silver color and it was terrible front).
As said, it is much more exciting vehicle than the G20 but not in all color combos.

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by DFW_M2C

I owned the M340i for 9 months and last 3 months of those 9 were a pure torture as the car was simply boring. Too perfect I’d say and no excitement for me. Bland look.
About 2 months ago I got the 430i GC, BSM, M-Sport with shadowline for my daughter. It looks awesome in darker colors and shadowline (when I was picking it up, they had one with no shadowline in some silver color and it was terrible front).
As said, it is much more exciting vehicle than the G20 but not in all color combos.

I bought the car in spite of the grille. But my car is also BSM with shadow line. Red tacora leather and red calipers. It all works together very well. I still don't love the grille, but I also don't hate it. The whole look is growing on me and it will be fun to see more of them overtake the older models. They are still a curiosity in these early days.

And while I don't love the new grille, I am growing bored with the old look...

[wrickem]

Great comparison write up, gorgeous car and great color.

Be prepared for Internet forum and car magazine grill shaming, but it's offset by the real world where the only comments I've ever had are are compliments. I get way more compliments on this one than any other cars I've had which I thought were pretty nice ones

Many happy safe miles together.

[madpistol]

Originally Posted by wdc330i

I bought the car in spite of the grille. But my car is also BSM with shadow line. Red tacora leather and red calipers. It all works together very well. I still don't love the grille, but I also don't hate it. The whole look is growing on me and it will be fun to see more of them overtake the older models. They are still a curiosity in these early days.

And while I don't love the new grille, I am growing bored with the old look...

I keep getting the same reaction for my BGM/Shadowline/Red calipers + Tacora Red/Open Pore Wood.

"Wow I love that color!"
"OMG that interior is next level!"

For an M-lite car, this thing gets some serious (positive) attention. It's not super flashy like an M3/M4, but it definitely has a presence to it.

[zazzau]

I'm sorry - I just can't get over that front end. Nice write up and congrats on the car!

[4WDFAN]

Originally Posted by madpistol

6. Power - It has the same B58/ZF 8-speed combo as the M340i, but again, I think BMW retuned the throttle mapping. Even in Comfort, I notice that the revs hold on a bit longer than in the M340i. This might be due to the extra weight on the M440i GC. Either way, when not pushing the car, the M440i GC actually feels more powerful. Because I am still in break-in, I have not pushed it hard just yet; I highly doubt it will feel more powerful at WOT, but maybe I will be pleasantly surprised.

M440i has slightly lower gear ratios, maybe this is why it feels more powerful. Also EPA ratings are lower. Do you see a difference in real-life fuel economy?

[madpistol]

Originally Posted by 4WDFAN

M440i has slightly lower gear ratios, maybe this is why it feels more powerful. Also EPA ratings are lower. Do you see a difference in real-life fuel economy?

Yes. Fuel economy was better on the M340i by 2-3 MPG. Bear in mind my M340i was RWD with 225s, while my M440i GC is xDrive with 245/255 staggered setup.

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by madpistol

Yes. Fuel economy was better on the M340i by 2-3 MPG. Bear in mind my M340i was RWD with 225s, while my M440i GC is xDrive with 245/255 staggered setup.

The 4 GC gets better gas mileage than my F23 M240i, despite having the more powerful B58 version engine and being about 300 lbs heavier. Possibly the benefit of the mild hybrid.

[billnchristy]

I average 25mpg with a pretty close to 50/50 mix of highway/city

[Rux]

Did your 21 M340 have the MH crap like the 440GC does?

[madpistol]

Originally Posted by Rux

Did your 21 M340 have the MH crap like the 440GC does?

Yep. Hoping they've worked out all the kinks in the 48v system.

[khearon23]

Absolutely in love with the 4-series grille. Attractive and distinctive come to mind. It's the main reason I made my purchase.

I just don't get the point of the GC treatment on any car in the entire lineup. BMW should have shipped a 3-series Touring model.

[Entropy89]

Nice writeup! I'm seeing a lot more 4 series on the road these days, and in the right color I think the grille looks really good.

Out of curiosity, did you notice and differences in steering between the M340 and M440? I read a few posts on Reddit and another forum that said the steering was also different between both.

[Rocket455]

Originally Posted by Ugly Kar

M440 has a hideous front end. If it weren't for that the choice would be easy.

Originally Posted by Burrcold

This. If it had a regular grill, I'd take it over the M340i any day of the week.

Same boat here. I *love* the lines on the 4 series GC and the coupe, but I just can't ignore that grill.

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by khearon23

Absolutely in love with the 4-series grille. Attractive and distinctive come to mind. It's the main reason I made my purchase.

I just don't get the point of the GC treatment on any car in the entire lineup. BMW should have shipped a 3-series Touring model.

I would have bought the touring in a heartbeat. I have dogs, and the GC hatch works for them, but not as well as a touring would. I've had three BMW wagons, until they discontinued importing them.

SUVs are much harder for my dogs to jump into.

[madpistol]

Originally Posted by Entropy89

Nice writeup! I'm seeing a lot more 4 series on the road these days, and in the right color I think the grille looks really good.

Out of curiosity, did you notice and differences in steering between the M340 and M440? I read a few posts on Reddit and another forum that said the steering was also different between both.

Steering feels lighter on the M440i GC. It still feels very direct, but if you like heavier steering, the M340i will be better.

[billnchristy]

I feel the steering is pretty heavy in sport. Can always configure individual to have sport steering and nothing else if you're that sensitive to it.