2021 BMW M440i Convertible – Review

Unfortunately, the convertible segment seems to be shrinking but fortunately we still have this new 2021 BMW M440i. This car is good for performance and for comfortable touring. It’s packed full of features and technology as well. 

BMW uses the 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder that has twin-turbos slapped on it that gives you a pavement blistering 382 horsepower with 369 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an 8-speed automatic that sends power to the rear wheels. You’ll have no problems getting up to freeway speeds as the M440i goes from 0-60 in 4.1 seconds. The EPA gives it a combined fuel economy rating of 31mpg. Even though the top speed is electronically limited to 155 miles per hour, you’ll find that it doesn’t slack at all getting up there. Additionally, you can opt for an all-wheel-drive option for an additional $2,000 dollars. 

There are four drive modes available, sport, comfort, eco-pro and adaptive. With the top up, you’ll notice a very quiet interior and that’s thanks to BMW’s new insulation they’ve incorporated on the rooftop material. It’s rather hard to distinguish the quietness you’ll experience from that of a non-convertible. You can raise or lower the roof at speeds up to 31 miles per hour and does a full deployment in 18 seconds. 

The handling is top-notch and it does a fantastic job of helping you feel connected to the road and the Brembo brakes make short work of getting the M440i to a complete stop in no time at all. The $1300 dynamic package upgrade includes 19-inch wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. Turning radius is tight and the steering wheel feels appropriately weighted. Its tight suspension keeps any body roll to a minimum and you’ll find that it has no issues taking fast corners. 

BMW has always had top-shelf safety and this car is no exception. Using the on-board touchscreen, you can enable all safety sensors, which include a surround sensory mode that keeps tabs on everything around you. There’s blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, active front collision prevention and even a little robot arm that will hand you your seatbelt. 

In regards to visibility, there aren’t really any issues except the huge rear pillars – which is something hard to avoid in a 2-door coupe. It has lower side window sills that aids for good vision and front vision is excellent. There’s an available 3D around-view camera but that’s an extra $700 dollars. There are various cameras available when you put it into reverse so that helps negate some of the rear blind spots. 

The seats have some nice, large bolsters and are power-adjustable. Four-way lumbar on both front seats are heated as well as ventilated. The rear seats are – well – there. As is typical in cars of this class, there’s not a ton of legroom but it’s still better than we expected. There are USB ports and cup holders for the 2nd row passengers. 

There’s an 8.8-inch infotainment display that houses the on-board navigation, system and vehicle settings as well as the Harmon/Kardon multi-channel audio system. Bluetooth audio and SirrusXM satellite radio are standard as is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

You’ll find one of BMWs new grille that’s been rather polarizing for fans of the brand. Some feel it’s too large and yet others like it and feel it helps push the brand going forward. There’s good use of black chrome, and powerful LED headlights. Moving around to the back of the car you see a very clean-looking design that’s not cluttered with logos and other things that don’t matter. The dual-exhaust and rear air diffuser really help add that extra sporty look. 

Because the roof needs a place to go, there is very limited trunk space with only 9 cubic feet of storage capacity. There will likely be times where you’ll need to use the 2nd row for extra storage.

Included is a 3-year/36,000 mile maintenance package, 4-years of unlimited mileage roadside assistance, and the overall warranty is 4-years/50,000 miles. An important note, especially to those who live on the east coast, is the 12-year rust-through protection program. 

The starting price of the M440i is $66,000 dollars but starts adding up quickly with options. Our test vehicle priced out at $74,870 dollars so you can see things get expensive really quick. 

All in all, BMW has a solidly fun car that’s rewarding to drive. Drop the top and you’ll be rewarded with a very sublime experience. As always, make sure to do some research and book a few test drives before you buy.