If you have a budget of around $100,000 for a high-performance two-door BMW, you face a tough choice: should you go for the standard M4, or opt for the more restrained 2025 BMW M440i and max out the options list? The M440i costs roughly $30,000 less than the M4, meaning you can invest that difference in premium features while still staying within your budget.
Significantly Pricier in Europe
In Romania, the 2025 BMW M440i starts at €73,300, while the base M4 coupe is priced at €91,100. If you opt for the more potent Competition model with an automatic transmission, that figure rises to €97,300. Adding xDrive to match the M440i’s drivetrain—since in Europe, the M440i is only available with all-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox—brings the M4 coupe’s cost beyond €102,000.
2025 BMW M440i at a Glance
The M440i I tested was provided by BMW Romania and, being a press vehicle, was generously equipped, bringing its total price to €91,600. However, the overall experience isn’t dictated by optional extras—the base M440i already comes with an M package, large curved displays, heated sport seats, an M steering wheel, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, and upgraded brakes.
The additional €17,000 on my test car covered features like adaptive dampers, the M Sport Pro package (which adds red or blue brake calipers and M-striped seatbelts), a panoramic sunroof, a Harman Kardon audio system (a must-have in any new BMW), plus the Innovation and Comfort packages.
A Cabin That Blends Tradition with Modernity
We’ve previously discussed the updates introduced with the G22 LCI facelift, so I won’t rehash them all here. However, BMW’s decision to remove physical climate controls and integrate them into the touchscreen undeniably impacts usability. While iDrive 8.5 is a significant improvement over its predecessor, it still doesn’t match the intuitive ease of traditional buttons and dials.
I appreciate that BMW retained physical buttons around the gear selector in this model. Unlike newer BMWs that use a “My Modes” button requiring an extra touchscreen tap to select driving modes, the M440i LCI sticks with dedicated physical controls—a far more convenient solution.
Another noticeable shift in BMW’s design philosophy is the reduction of ambient lighting. In the M440i, LED strips on the dashboard are gone, replaced by more subdued lighting integrated into the central air vents. The result is a less dramatic cabin atmosphere, hinting at BMW’s evolving interior aesthetic.
One key ergonomic difference compared to the M4 is the seating position. While still low by industry standards, it doesn’t quite match the M4’s ultra-low stance—something you’ll immediately notice if you’ve driven both.
The revised M steering wheel, now featuring a flat bottom and red center marker, is a welcome improvement. It retains the thick, chunky feel BMW is known for but provides a more ergonomic grip than before.
A Well-Rounded Performance Coupe
The updated M440i is an impressive six-cylinder coupe that exudes refinement and long-distance capability. It’s engaging to drive, boasts a high-quality and luxurious interior, and further reinforces its grand-touring credentials with solid fuel efficiency. Cruising at 56 mph (90 km/h), it consumes less than 33 mpg (7 L/100 km)—an impressive figure for a car with this level of power and an all-wheel-drive system.
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