BMW M240i Sports Coupe: First Drive Review
Near-perfect proportions and plenty of power from a turbocharged six-cylinder remind us of what BMW is all about.
The 2022 M240i feels like it was created to remind BMW drivers what the Bavarian brand has always been about: charging corners at grip limit with plenty of power. It’s fast, fun, and reliable; plus it’s under $60,000 when packed with every option one could want.
Easy on the Eyes
While BMW’s design department has previously penned some questionable silhouettes with protruding edges, oversized radiator grilles and strange body angles, proportions are close to perfect on the M240i.
The short rear deck, very subtle lip spoiler and 19-inch alloy wheels all stun, as does the elongated nose, a BMW trademark. The overhang is prominent as with any other two-door coupe, and the iconic kidney grilles’ size is balanced with front fascia and the sleek headlights.
If you’re going for the Shadowline treatment (worth $400), the matte silver accents around the vehicle are switched for gloss black. Since we’re discussing extra spending, it would be shameful not to mention the eye-catching, neck-twisting $550 Thundernight Metallic purple colorway. This is arguably the prettiest paint job available for the 2022 BMW M240i and really complements the clean rear end sporting a new tail light design, which is guarded from the bottom by a large black air diffuser.
Note that the convertible is no longer available with the 2022 iteration, but BMW has added a sedan option for the M240i called the 2-series Gran Coupe.
It Actually Has a Back Seat
Unlike the Porsche 718 Cayman or the BMW-based Toyota Supra, the BMW 2 series actually offers a rear seat. Admittedly, you wouldn’t have anyone sitting there unless you want them to feel like tuna in a can. Speaking of tuna though, there is enough space on the rear seat to host your cat’s travel box. Just make sure it’s a smaller kitty and not a Maine Coon.
Jokes aside, the front seats of BMW’s 2 series are excellent. They never make you feel cramped and you won’t get more headroom and legroom anywhere within the price range. The seats provide generous amounts of cushioning and support the hindquarters and back beautifully on long drives. If you’re once again willing to splurge, the $2,750 Premium package brings heat to the seats and steering wheel.
The Premium package will boost up the 10.3-inch standard central display with Live Cockpit Pro and a 12.3-inch digital cluster, navigation and HUD. The 2-series still makes use of the iDrive 7 infotainment system, as iDrive 8 seems to still be available only for iX models. Regardless, the interface is clean, easy to use and the existence of physical rotary buttons fills the heart with joy. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available wirelessly with this infotainment interface.
Putting the ‘Sport’ in Sports Coupe
The M240i exceeds expectations of performance. The 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine spits 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque through an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The AWD system makes the M240i sprint to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and top out at 155 mph. EPA estimates a 23/32/26mpg (city/highway/combined) mileage and real-life testing proves the numbers are right.
In a world where solely large SUVs are guaranteed moneymakers, a car like the M240i is nothing short of a bold move. The existence of a manual gearbox would’ve been welcomed and praised but even without it, the 2022 BMW M240i is fun to drive.
The suspension works wonders to keep the body composed and onto the road without the usual M-type oversteering. The engine is bonkers off-the line with very little turbo lag and a torque curve rising from below 2,000 RPM. The 2022 BMW M240i breathes life into BMW’s idea of creating the “ultimate driving machine.”