global sales of the model line since launch in 2013 have totalled nearly 700,000 units.

BMW New Zealand has just launched the sports based M440i but don’t think of it performance 3 Series coupe, because there is more to this car than the badge.

And while we’re on the subject of badges, the 4 Series is the first BMW to get “that’ new grille. Nicknamed the “coffin” by some car boffins, I loved it as it gives a new dynamic appeal to the vehicle. 

Instead of running horizontally, the new grille is vertical and I think it gives it more of a robust look on the road, plus it differentiates itself from other coupes in the brand. And that’s the whole point of the grille; it’s not a 3 Series, it’s its own identity. 

If you want to check it out yourself, the 4 Series M440i is at a special pop up at Auckland’s Market Square at the Viaduct from now until November 29, from 1pm to 1am. I’d love to know your opinion of grille.

Priced from $129,900, the M440i comes with xDrive, BMW’s all-wheel-drive system and is powered by a 3-litre inline six-cylinder petrol unit  producing 275kW of power and a stonking 500Nm of power. It hits 0-100km/h in 4.5seconds. It is mated to 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmissions. 

It has 19in M light alloy wheels Y-spoke style 792 M with performance tyres, M Sport brakes and Sport differential and adaptive M suspension.

It comes with M Performance exterior package and mirror caps in Cerium Grey.

Inside, there’s the Harman/Kardon Hi-fi sound system, ambient lighting and leather upholstery. 

The 4 Series sporting character clearly sets it apart and global sales of the model line since launch in 2013 have totalled nearly 700,000 units.

As with its predecessor, the new line-up starts with the Coupe, which has traditionally accounted for 30 per cent of 4 Series sales globally. It will be followed next year by the new Cabriolet and Gran Coupe models, which BMW says took 25 per cent and 45 per cent of sales in the last generation.

Compared to its predecessor, the all-new 4 Series receives unique styling, with larger dimensions, as well as improved performance and efficiency.

Compared to the current G20 3 Series Sedan, the sportier 4 Series coupe packs additional chassis stiffening elements, a bespoke steering and suspension geometry setup, sits 57mm lower, has a 23mm wider rear track which results in a 21mm overall drop in centre of gravity for even sharper driving characteristics. 

That growth brings a larger rear seat that's okay for average-size adults on a short trip, and in profile, the M440i looks almost like a scaled-down 8 coupe, not a bad thing.

Inside, the all-new 4 Series coupe is feature-packed with latest BMW technology with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, along with a 10.25-inch control display operating with BMW’s latest iDrive 7.0 software. 

It has gesture control for such features as volume control plus “Hi BMW”, the Siri-like function that can change turn on heated seats, change radio stations, set navigation and even tell you the weather forecast for the next day.

The M440i is also the ‘Goldilocks’ coupe for BMW; not too big and not too small, just the right size for around town or road trips.

There are three main driving modes: Eco-Pro, Comfort and Sport. A fourth Adaptive mode that combines all three depending on the driving conditions can also be called on. 

I set it in comfort mode for around town but loved dialling in sport mode and hearing the engine change to deeper reverberations, with the steering wheel handling firmer, and a more concentrated handling. Steptronic mode via the steering wheel paddles, it is always smooth and fast.

Heading to Parihoa via some back winding country stretches that have blind left hand tight turns, the M440i accepted the challenge. To navigate the tight 45 degree swooping turns, best taken at below 40km/h, I used the steering wheel paddles to slip down gears to second, then once through the bend, flicked up to fourth. 

On the flat stretch and up a hill, the M440i had the power to loop up to 100km/h, with extra in the engine if I needed to overtake.

I was impressed with the handling of the M440i too, with the driver’s seating position lower than a 3 Series, letting you anchor your left leg against the side of the car to help with those tight cornering.

I personally can’t wait for the 4 Series convertible to get here, especially if there is a M440i version. Bring on summer!