2022 BMW 4 Series: Achieving 0 To 60 In Record Time

Speed and acceleration are exciting aspects of any sports sedan. Car enthusiasts eagerly await each new model year to see what performance improvements automakers have made. How does the 2022 BMW 4 Series stack up when it comes to 0 to 60 mph times? In short, it’s the quickest 4 Series yet, reaching 60 mph in a blazing fast 3.5 seconds.

This article will explore what enables the new 4 Series to set a record for the model, providing an in-depth look at the key performance features like the engine, transmission, and components of the M Sport package that allow this BMW to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in the blink of an eye. Read on to learn all about the powertrain updates and design optimizations that give the 2022 4 Series its impressive straight-line speed.

New 3.0L TwinPower Turbo Inline 6 Engine

The major change that boosts the 2022 BMW 4 Series to record acceleration times is an upgraded engine. The new 4 Series now comes with BMW’s latest TwinPower Turbo 3.0L inline 6-cylinder motor. This engine generates an impressive:

382 horsepower
369 lb-ft of torque

This represents a hefty increase over the previous generation 4 Series which produced 255 to 382 hp depending on the model. The new inline 6-cylinder has essentially the highest output available before, making it the quickest and most powerful 4 Series engine ever.

The inline 6-cylinder configuration inherently provides ideal smoothness and weight distribution for performance applications. Combined with twin-scroll turbocharging, direct fuel injection, and variable valve timing (Valvetronic), this new motor has fluid power delivery across the entire rev range.

Peak torque kicks in early at just 1,800 RPM before holding steady up to 5,000 RPM. This high low-end torque enables the 4 Series to accelerate forcefully right off the line. Meanwhile, horsepower peaks at 5,800 RPM allowing the engine to rev quickly to high RPMs and enabling a high top speed.

How the Transmission Contributes

No sports sedan can achieve its full 0 to 60 potential without a properly matched transmission. The 2022 BMW 4 Series comes equipped with an improved 8-speed Sport Steptronic automatic transmission specially calibrated for acceleration performance.

The transmission plays a critical role in allowing the new 3.0L engine to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. With eight ratios, the transmission keeps the engine in its optimal operating range as speed increases. The closely spaced gear ratios ensure the engine stays in the meat of its power band when accelerating from a standstill.

Fast, crisp gear changes are also critical for minimizing acceleration delays between shifts. The transmission computer actually learns the driver’s style through neural networks and adapts shift points accordingly. In Sport mode, the transmission downshifts aggressively to maintain high RPMs for peak power.

The transmission also enables impressive fuel efficiency when not accelerating hard by upshifting early into higher gears. Overall, the 8-speed automatic’s performance programming and intelligent adaptation match perfectly with the new TwinPower Turbo engine to enable a 0-60 time competitive with exotic supercars.

M Sport Package Optimizations

To achieve its 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds, the 2022 BMW 4 Series requires the available M Sport package. This performance-oriented package optimizes every aspect of the 4 Series for acceleration, agility, and track-inspired handling. It includes the following enhancements:

Lowered M Sport Suspension

Lowers ride height by 10mm for reduced center of gravity
Stiffer spring rates and damping for less body roll and dive under hard acceleration
Specifically tuned by M engineers on the Nurburgring circuit

Larger Brakes with Blue Calipers

Increased front rotor size (348mm x 36mm) improves stopping power
Minimizes brake fade on repeated hard acceleration runs
Signature M Sport blue paint distinguishes the upgraded brakes

Aerodynamic Components

Aggressive front bumper with larger air intakes
Side skirts minimize drag along the rocker panels
Functional rear diffuser improves stability at speed

Sticky High-Performance Tires

Wider front tires (255/35R19) and rear tires (275/35R19)
Summer performance tire compound improves grip
Enables hard launches and adept cornering

Sport Seats

Deeper side bolsters keep occupants firmly in place during rapid acceleration
Integrated headrest provides whiplash protection

In total, the M Sport package upgrades every component affecting acceleration, braking and handling. Combined with the new engine and transmission, drivers can fully exploit the performance potential of the 4 Series.

Straight Line Acceleration Results

So how fast can the 2022 BMW M440i xDrive coupe accelerate with the new engine, transmission, and M Sport upgrades? Here are the official 0-60 mph and quarter-mile results:

0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds
Quarter mile in 11.7 seconds at 119 mph

These numbers make the new M440i xDrive shockingly quick by most standards. For reference, here’s how it stacks up against other high-performance coupes:

Faster than the Audi RS5 by 0.9 seconds
Nips the Mercedes AMG C63 Coupe by 0.1 seconds
Trails the BMW M4 Competition by just 0.3 seconds
Hangs with mid-engine sports cars like Lotus Evora and Porsche Cayman GTS 4.0

So while it doesn’t claim the title of fastest, the new 4 Series demonstrates sports car rivaling straight-line speed – especially when considering its sophisticated luxury interior and far more practical nature.

Driving Impressions

How does operating the 2022 BMW M440i xDrivecoupe feel from the driver’s seat? In a word: effortless. Tap the throttle from a stop and the 4 Series darts forward with incredible ferocity. The deep well of torque rockets the coupe ahead while the transmission rapidly downshifts and the engine races towards its horsepower peak.

The surge of power holds strong as the tach needle swings past 4,000 then 5,000 RPM. By the time the transmission clicks into 8th gear, the 4 Series arrives at highway speeds with alarming quickness. Only high-revving sports cars give the same sensation of endless acceleration.

Power delivery remains silky smooth thanks to the inherent balance of the inline 6-cylinder layout. The M Sport suspension ably handles the engine’s torque, allowing repeated rapid acceleration runs with minimal squatting or loss of composure. The thick M Sport steering wheel and upgraded brakes connect the driver directly to the action.

Cost of Entry

Naturally, owning one of the quickest 4 Series models ever produced commands a significant price premium. Here is a breakdown of MSRP pricing for the 2022 BMW M440i xDrive:

Base M440i xDrive Coupe: $58,500
Premium Package (heated seats/wheel, HUD): +$2,000
M Sport Package (detailed above): +$5,000
xDrive AWD: +$2,000
Destination Fee: +$995

Total MSRP: $68,495

That’s certainly not cheap, but remains reasonable in the realm of premium performance luxury coupes. For drivers who crave sub-4-second 0-60 acceleration paired with refined luxury, the new M440i xDrive Coupe delivers an outstanding overall package.

Conclusion

The 2022 BMW 4 Series sets a new benchmark for acceleration in the model line, achieving 0-60 mph in a lightning-quick 3.5 seconds. This is thanks in large part to the new 3.0L TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine generating 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Further boosted by an improved 8-speed Sport transmission and M Sport package upgrades, drivers can experience exotic sports car like acceleration in a usable luxury coupe form factor. While not the quickest vehicle on the planet, the new 4 Series represents an compelling option for drivers seeking thrilling straight-line speed along with sophisticated styling and comfort.