Aston Martin V12 Vantage: a full-fat stage with 700 hp goodbye

BMW M440i Gran Coupé, Kia Stinger and Peugeot 508 in comparison

Tempo can also come with a nice dress. A race with body and soul, you could say. Just like the new BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupé. Six-cylinder petrol engine under the hood, all-wheel drive, coupé in basic form, four doors, large tailgate – somehow different and elegant. And the M440i isn’t even a lone wolf in its classy luxury.

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There are more of its kind. Kia Stinger GT 3.3 T-GDI AWD for example. He also sported a hatchback suit that had become rare, letting the six cylinders have the sound and pushing the same amount of power into the automatic transmission – 366 hp; BMW has 374 horsepower. The Peugeot 508 Hybrid4 360 PSE e-EAT8 weighs only 360 hp.
Peugeot 508

Peugeot 508: hatchback with hybrid. In addition, black trim and confident fins on the apron.


Although in a slightly different way from BMW and Kia, but in a very appetizing packaging. We even thought: the 508 with its sharp looks and compact line of lights at the rear is one of the classiest sedan pieces in the mid-range. The 508 PSE draws its power from the signature plug-in hybrid package. Light power rates meet the heavy turbo supplement in the form of a 1.6 four-cylinder petrol engine. Produces a system torque of at least 520 Newton meters.

Peugeot reacts nervously and stiffly to steering orders

In fact, this machine does not suit him as well as the recommended paper grades. Because even though it is assisted by an electric motor, the 1.6er has to struggle under high loads and speeds. He confirms this with a typical four-cylinder rattling noise and vibration behavior at around 5,000 rpm. In addition, the automatic transmission reacts very quickly to kickdown commands and may not make translation transitions as smooth as currently expected.

Peugeot reacts to steering commands in a somewhat nervous and angular way – despite its sleek build and modern plug-in attitude, it’s not an ordinary glider in the end. Moreover, the suspension works rather brittle. It just reluctantly filters the edges on the asphalt.

Kia Stinger

The 3.3-liter V6 on the Stinger sounds good, drives well, but unfortunately also drinks well.


Despite the small horsepower weakness, Peugeot is not slow. Our measured values ​​show that the Frenchman can outperform the slightly heavier and more powerful Kia in mid-range sprints from 80 to 120 km/h. And: The drive concept works flawlessly in terms of fuel economy. The 508 gets by with 5.5 liters of Super (plus power consumption) per 100 kilometers. Converted to euros and cents, it will be slightly more efficient than a BMW.

Kia with an average consumption of 11.6 liters

The Kia banner is flying at the other end of the flagpole. The average consumption of 11.6 liters per 100 kilometers is too early. The 3.3 liter just wants to be filled with fuel, which doesn’t hinder the thickest filling. Anyway, you can clearly feel the turbo character here. However, the car copes very well with strong power usage.

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Turbo/petrol, mild hybrid

8 speed automatic converter

8 speed automatic converter

Turbo/Benziner, Plug-in-Hybrid

81 (110); 83 (112) (front/rear)

8 speed automatic converter

60 659 (Price after deducting environmental premium (5981.25 € including VAT)


All-wheel drive – especially powered at the rear – doesn’t let the Newton meter pass. However, the rear axle differential lock sometimes pulls roughly on the drive train, visible as jerky turns under stronger steering angles. Otherwise: great! The V6 runs, turns, makes noise, and sets the mood for both leisurely cruising and squeezing. It is matched to the tying rudder with well-adjusted power assist.

That’s what we expect from BMW. But nothing. On the contrary: typical synthetics around the center position and slight tension in the first few degrees of steering angle. Rude drivers hardly feel it, good drivers are very annoying. But: That’s basically our only point of criticism. The rest: parties. The M440i plays glider and athlete in one, mesmerized by the smooth six cylinders. Twin-scroll charge 3.0 can produce good sound, hit hard under the pressure of a juicy boost, spin smoothly and get back to business diligently and quickly from overrun mode.
BMW M440i

Beautiful? We don’t judge. One thing is for sure: the M440i is a driving machine and travel companion.


In addition, a 48-volt grid with at least 11 hp helps to lighten the gasoline engine. In addition, the transmission is very versatile. The BMW may descend gracefully at startup and imperceptibly mix in further translation or become tense in the sandals (in the Sport plus driving program), while clearly stomping into gears. That’s how it should be. We also count the chassis among the best in its class. Quiet, comfortable in suspension (in Comfort) to match the tension (in S level), blessed with clear traction – the Gran Coupé 4 Series really has a lot of BMW driving competence. It’s a shame: Although the engine is majestic, the consumption is high.

The M440i with the technology pack stands out in this league

BMW’s 48-volt mild hybrid system doesn’t help much here either. Consolation: The M440i is perhaps the standout tech pack in this league. An extensive online network (e.g. smartphone mirroring via radio), maximum driving assistance (including a fully matched emergency assistant) or even very easy-to-understand voice control supports passengers on request. In addition, the driver quickly finds a simple way through the operating structure of the Series 4.

BMW, Kia, Peugeot

Schluckpechte: Beneath the cover of Kia’s massive hatchbacks, BMW and Peugeot offer plenty of cargo space. Stinger to 1114, 4 to 1290 and 508 to 1537 liters.


Looks darker on the Kia. Apart from the “initial selection button”, the driver only has one chance to successfully pass the operating level if he taps on the pictogram on the touchscreen with his outstretched hand. The climate control is also very low, the temperature is displayed high above the screen. It’s similar on Peugeot – the touchscreen is the ultimate experience. You quickly get used to the angled view you shoot above the steering wheel. In addition, the 508 compensates for the ex-feudal comfort equipment at work. It’s also very well matched with good looks.
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