Definitely one of my favourite cars I’ve tested. Never thought I’d be happy driving a red car (Ferrari’s don’t count). But this one stole my ❤️ BMW’s 440i is a heart stealer starting at €48,140. As this one was a press car, they loaded it full of toys to show off the available spec, which blew the price up to €77,333. Which is a hefty blow to the bank account but you probably won’t be specifying all the options here, if you’re sensible.
It’s an 8 speed auto, goes from 0-100km/h in 5 seconds and costs €750 to tax. Exterior details include 19-inch M Sport alloys, twin exhaust, M Sport body styling and that metallic red paint.
For a coupe, it’s big. The boot space is around 445 litres which is decent and this one had the 60/40 split seats which meant I could fit awkward objects in the boot for transport. Fuel economy is as expected if you want to enjoy the car (30 mpg isn’t unreasonable, if you’re tip toeing about). Infotainment is provided by a standard 6.5” screen, easy enough to use but a bit behind the times. The Harmon Kardon stereo is perfect, with a great big boot to boost the bass from the boot! The heated seats may sound like an extravagant addition but once you start using them during the cold winters, you won’t look back, they’re one of the best modern options I can think of.
In Ireland the price starts at €48,140 for the SE model, competing with Audi’s A5 Coupe, and oddly the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is slightly cheaper. Standard equipment includes a sports steering whee, LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, and those lovely heated front seats.
If you have the means, it’s definitely one to treat yourself with.
Special mention : Drive! Drive! Drive! It’s all about the dynamics.
Needs work : The economy is fairly brutal, mainly because you just want to drive it everywhere.
Specs:
| Max Power 326bhp / 450Nm | Petrol / Auto |
| 0-100 kph in 5.0s | Road Tax €750 |
| Price €48,140 (starting price)
€77,333 (press car spec) |
Claimed economy: 30 mpg , it’s definitely no 420 d. |