[G30M]

Originally Posted by madpistol

I actually posted some pics of my car over on the BMW reddit, and man, you would think it's the ugliest car in the world based on the comments I got. The design is super fresh and aggressive. I get that BMW enthusiasts hate it because it breaks from "heritage" of BMW design, but I get so many compliments and thumbs up from others that I'm convinced that BMW land is the only group that hates it.

to be honest, i have seen a few apple grill G80/G82 in person and they actually look good. that car is just not photogenic

[G30M]

Originally Posted by phileaglesbmw

People cannot even spell grille right since a grill is something you cook on.

i got schooled!

[Cammy440iGC]

I went with M440i GC Xdrive over M340i Xdrive for three reasons:

I had a 2016 340i Xdrive so wanted a change.

Headlights are important and only the M440i GC has laser lights as option.

I need to order All Seasons and also prefer non-RFTs and a staggered set up. Only the M440i allows this. M340i...all reasons are RFTs and square set up.

Also seems like the LCI M340i had some cost cutting...which has yet to hit the 2024 M440i GC X-Drive.

[Cortexiphan]

Originally Posted by madpistol

I actually posted some pics of my car over on the BMW reddit, and man, you would think it's the ugliest car in the world based on the comments I got. The design is super fresh and aggressive. I get that BMW enthusiasts hate it because it breaks from "heritage" of BMW design, but I get so many compliments and thumbs up from others that I'm convinced that BMW land is the only group that hates it.

If car manufacturers listen to bimmerpost, twitter, reddit; we would all be driving 2002s. This is not the real world. In real world; people, even enthusiasts, like these new designs.Also they like screens, and they don't buy manuals, and they don't judge the whole car solely based on size or weight.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by Cortexiphan

In real world; people, even enthusiasts, like these new designs.Also they like screens, and they don't buy manuals, and they don't judge the whole car solely based on size or weight.

there are screens and there are screens. behold Mercedes C63 with screens

[Cammy440iGC]

I think that is an E63s with screens not a C63.

[Cortexiphan]

Originally Posted by g21

there are screens and there are screens. behold Mercedes C63 with screens

M3 looks WAY better. Curved, more modern, minimalistic, and when you sit it looks like floating. And the OS running inside is way better as well.

[Sam Tango]

Originally Posted by 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?

I own an m340i, and just got hold of a m440i loaner. Both cars are 2023-2024 spec. My conclusions are:

1- m440i looks bloated and unimpressive from certain angles. Heck, almost all angles. It looks like a Camry from rear 45 degree angle, and like a Mustang from the side. Lets not even talk about the front (grille!). Overall, do not like the looks of the 4 series.

2- m440i rides noticeably softer, which is nice

3- Stock exhaust of of m440i sounds a bit louder than stock m340i

4- Rear seats on a m440i are definitely usable, but headroom is limited to people shorter than 6 ft

5- Front seats on m440i are roomier

Side note: dravit grey paint looks cheapish and not very impressive. I dont understand all the hype.

Overall, I prefer m340i.

[MonaJB]

Originally Posted by Sam Tango

1- m440i looks bloated and unimpressive from certain angles. Heck, almost all angles. It looks like a Camry from rear 45 degree angle, and like a Mustang from the side. Lets not even talk about the front (grille!). Overall, do not like the looks of the 4 series.

It is all subjective, obviously, but still interesting to read different takes on the GC's appearance. Mine should arrive at the dealership within the next 10 days, so I am a fan of the overall looks. But, at certain angles, I agree with your assessment of its looks. Also, more than a few times, I have mistaken a Camry for it from a long distance. But, when I have seen one on the street from a recognizable distance (I see one maybe every 1.5 weeks), I think they are stunning. I like the front grille. I forgive the looks from certain angles because my former E39 M5 is the same. Owned that car for 13+ years and have tons of pics. But, it is the same deal IMO--from certain angles, it looks a bit pedestrian. In person, I think both are very sharp, though.

[90rr]

Great write up! Thank you.
I decided to take m340 over m440 GC. Just couldn't go over the front end. The back of the car looks phenomenal.

[Sam Tango]

the 2024 m440i feels softer and slower than my 2023 m340i; launches feel less punchy

[Dan B]

Originally Posted by Sam Tango

4- Rear seats on a m440i are definitely usable, but headroom is limited to people shorter than 6 ft

I have a 2024 G26. I had a 6'5" passenger in the back, the 6'10" passenger was in front , they said they had head room and while they were a bit tight in leg room, they were able to fit. I was the driver at 5'11" and they sat behind me. I had the seat about middle of the range so I was not cramped at all.

My 6' wife fits fine and a lot of her length is in her legs.

Obviously everyone's experience will be different and while my back seat passenger was fine others may feel too cramped.

[madpistol]

Originally Posted by Sam Tango

I own an m340i, and just got hold of a m440i loaner. Both cars are 2023-2024 spec. My conclusions are:

1- m440i looks bloated and unimpressive from certain angles. Heck, almost all angles. It looks like a Camry from rear 45 degree angle, and like a Mustang from the side. Lets not even talk about the front (grille!). Overall, do not like the looks of the 4 series.

2- m440i rides noticeably softer, which is nice

3- Stock exhaust of of m440i sounds a bit louder than stock m340i

4- Rear seats on a m440i are definitely usable, but headroom is limited to people shorter than 6 ft

5- Front seats on m440i are roomier

Side note: dravit grey paint looks cheapish and not very impressive. I dont understand all the hype.

Overall, I prefer m340i.

You own an M340i, so obviously you’re going to prefer it. Not surprising.

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by Ugly Kar

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

M340 pre-facelift is pretty bad, IMO. Facelift is a different story.

The M440 looks decent in grey and black, a bit like the G30/31 in overall profile.

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by Cortexiphan

M3 looks WAY better. Curved, more modern, minimalistic, and when you sit it looks like floating. And the OS running inside is way better as well.

The newer Merc interiors are hideous. When I bought my 540, I was either going to take the 5er or go a bit smaller with the C63.

Even the AMG V8 could not get me past the chintzy design on the Merc.

[toddwalton]

Originally Posted by madpistol

Unfortunately, this is all at the cost of backseat comfort, which is definitely better in the M340i

Whenever I see comparison videos on YouTube, I just have to laugh. Like how often do 3 Series or 4 Series owners drive with full-sized adult passengers in the back seat? The typical BMW demographic has children under the age of 15 and a big ass minivan or SUV. When exactly do these 6 foot basketball players wind up in the back seat of a G20 or G26?

They don’t. These back seats are empty 90% of the time and when used are for our children, and there is plenty of room in both vehicles.

[Sam Tango]

Originally Posted by madpistol

You own an M340i, so obviously you’re going to prefer it. Not surprising.

what is your point tho?

[Sam Tango]

Originally Posted by toddwalton

Whenever I see comparison videos on YouTube, I just have to laugh. Like how often do 3 Series or 4 Series owners drive with full-sized adult passengers in the back seat? The typical BMW demographic has children under the age of 15 and a big ass minivan or SUV. When exactly do these 6 foot basketball players wind up in the back seat of a G20 or G26?

They don’t. These back seats are empty 90% of the time and when used are for our children, and there is plenty of room in both vehicles.

i take my 3 kids to school, everyday, with my 3 series....one of them is over 6 ft already

[Sam Tango]

Originally Posted by Sam Tango

i take my 3 kids to school, everyday, with my 3 series....one of them is over 6 ft already

which means i am the cool dad

in fact, some kids who are becoming car guys do recognize the m340 and give us compliments

[Cpatel]

Isn’t the 4 series essentially a 3 series with only two doors.

A 4 gran coup is a 4 series with 4 doors, that basically turns in into a 3 series. What am I missing?

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by Cpatel

Isn’t the 4 series essentially a 3 series with only two doors.

A 4 gran coup is a 4 series with 4 doors, that basically turns in into a 3 series. What am I missing?

Basically, yes. Although tuned slightly different to be a little more comfy? Same chassis, same engine.

[diablo2112]

The hatchback alone is our reason to upgrade. We had several 3-series wagons in the past, and missed them dearly. In the absence of BMW bringing the 3-series wagon back to the US, the GC will have to do.