BMW 4 Series

We quickly noticed that the potent six-cylinder is considerably punchier than the standard 2.0-liter turbo four cylinder. The 440i is a pleasure to drive—quick, capable, refined, and high-tech—but it’s not quite the exhilarating sports car that the long-time 3 Series fans have grown to love.

Our car, equipped with the M Sport and Dynamic Handling packages and the practically mandatory Premium package totaled over $57,000. With all-wheel drive, cold-weather package and navigation it would easily crest over $60,000—a pretty steep price to pay for the cachet of a 3 Series—we mean 4 Series. A convertible version is also available, as is a four-door coupe with a lift-back. On the road, the 440i moves with gracious athleticism. Every nudge of the throttle draws an immediate and creamy-smooth response regardless of the gear you’re in. Whenever you hit the gas, you’re greeted with a forward thrust as addictive as a morphine pump, and even sixth gear delivers plenty of punch. All the while, the engine hums with a subdued baritone. Nothing is in your face.

This is definitely a car for grownups. While easy to row, the six-speed shifter doesn’t feel as crisp as some of Honda’s and Mazda’s manuals. Clutch effort is well judged, though, and gear ratios seem perfect. Even in stop-and-go traffic, the 440i proved easy to manage, even for ladies in high heels. Handling is capable and responsive, and the body stays well tied down. But if you’re looking for instant gratification and continuous tactile feedback, you’ll need to keep looking. Besides, the steering feels rather artificial, possessing none of some older 3 Series’ awesome feedback. Body control is exemplary and the 440i gobbles up bumpy side roads completely unfazed, staying settled and securely planted. Toggle the mode switch to “Sport” and responses tighten up a bit. One notch further, “Sport Plus,” forgoes the traction services, but neither mode brings any dramatic metamorphosis. Consider the 4 a gentleman’s coupe.

The ride is steady and very absorbent, and the cabin stays blessedly hushed. That unflappable atmosphere, combined with the aforementioned immediate throttle response, makes it all too easy to foray well into triple-digit speeds without really noticing.As in the 3 Series, the dashboard and the interior present a high-quality, understated, and businesslike ambiance. It is a sophisticated cabin befitting the car’s demeanor and price. One nice detail is the seat-belt presenter: It brings the belt closer to you as soon as you close the door. In back, you’ll find that rear-seat room is actually pretty decent for a coupe.