BMW 4 SERIES GRAN COUPE

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BMW 3 SERIES SEDAN

Similar but different interior packages: Usability versus style

We’ll compare the top grades of BMW’s 3 Series and 4 Series Gran Coupe, the M340i xDrive and M440i xDrive Gran Coupe. First up is the sedan, the M340i. With a body size of 4725mm in length, 1825mm in width, and 1440mm in height, it has ideal proportions for BMW’s traditional FR sedan. The interior space clearly prioritizes functionality as a four-door sedan, with ample legroom and headroom in the rear seats.

The four-door coupe M440i, on the other hand, is 4785mm long, 1850mm wide, and 1450mm high, exceeding the M340i in both length and width. Its greatest features are its four-door coupe form with a smoothly sloping roofline and the adoption of a hatchback-style rear gate. The slope of the roof affects rear seat space, making headroom feel a little tighter than the M340i, but this can be seen as a positive in exchange for the sporty appearance.

The M440i’s vehicle weight is 1,830 kg, which is about 100 kg heavier than the M340i, likely due to the difference in body structure. The basic structure of both cars is almost the same, but there are many small differences, such as differences in trim material and color, the 3 Series does not have a shift lever, and the 4 Series has sashless doors.

BMW 4 Series M440i xDrive Gran Coupe

Body size = Length 4785mm x Width 1850mm x Height 1450mm

Wheelbase = 2855mm

Vehicle weight = 1830kg

Tire size = 245/40R19 (front) 255/40R19 (rear)

BMW 3 Series M340i xDrive

Body size = Length 4725mm x Width 1825mm x Height 1440mm

Wheelbase = 2850mm

Vehicle weight = 1730kg

Tire size = 225/40R19 (front) 255/35R19 (rear)

The same straight-six turbo x 4WD car has a different feel, and the impact of the body shape on driving

Both the M340i and M440i are equipped with a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder turbo engine, with the same specifications of maximum output of 387 PS and maximum torque of 500 Nm. The drivetrain also uses BMW’s unique xDrive, and the torque distribution is weighted towards the rear wheels on a FR basis, achieving both stability and sportiness.

Acceleration performance is also about the same, with both achieving a 0-100km/h acceleration time of around 4.4 seconds, and they are characterized by their high dynamic performance as pure sports sedans/coupes. However, there will be subtle differences in the driving feel.

The M340i is a notchback sedan, and the rear of the body is already very rigid. The hatchback M440i has a wide opening, but the reduced rigidity must be compensated for by adding reinforcement around the floor, which causes the center of gravity to shift further back.

The difference in shape will also affect the aerodynamics acting on the body. It will be necessary to reset the suspension to take these factors into account. While there are subtle differences, both cars still have a solid chassis that handles their power.

BMW 4 Series M440i xDrive Gran Coupe

Engine type = Inline 6-cylinder gasoline turbo engine

Displacement = 2997cc

Maximum output = 387PS/5800rpm

Maximum torque = 500Nm/1800-5000rpm

Transmission = 8-speed AT

Drive system = AWD

BMW 3 Series M340i xDrive

Engine type = Inline 6-cylinder gasoline turbo engine

Displacement = 2997cc

Maximum output = 387PS/5800rpm

Maximum torque = 500Nm/1800-5000rpm

Transmission = 8-speed AT

Drive system = AWD

What matters more than the price difference is the difference in aesthetics, or the sense of aesthetics you want to have when riding.

The vehicle price of the M340i is 9.72 million yen, and the M440i is 10.12 million yen, with a price difference of only 400,000 yen. There is no significant difference in equipment, and the basic configuration, comfort equipment, and safety features are almost at the same level. The reason for choosing between the two cars is solely due to the difference in styling caused by the body shape.

The M340i is a classic car that inherits the values of a traditional BMW sedan while also offering the driving performance of an M Performance model. Therefore, it is suitable for users who value a four-door sedan and those who want both driving performance and a business-like appearance.

The M440i, on the other hand, is a model that appeals to customers seeking practicality and emotional style. Its high cargo capacity thanks to the rear gate, the sportiness brought by the fastback design, and a somewhat extraordinary beauty are sure to appeal to those seeking it.

Although they have the same performance and are the same brand, the M340i is the best choice if you are looking for functionality that extends to your daily life, while the M440i is the best choice if you are looking for sensibility. Both are high-performance models that offer high levels of satisfaction, and the deciding factor in choosing one is likely to be imagining the lifestyle you will have after owning them.