Remember the BMW 1 Series M Coupé? It was manufactured only for a year or so, with just over 6,000 models being produced. The two-door coupe was meant to be anything but revolutionary. Yet, it was. The 1M is considered by many as one of the best BMWs ever made. It’s a shame that it wasn’t around for long.
Now, nearly a decade later, BMW has introduced the second generation of the BMW 2-series. At the moment, the car that sits at the top of that lineup is the M240i xDrive. For 2022, BMW has taken its already popular recipe and given it a notable improvement. Could this be all the BMW you need? Could this be the spiritual successor to the BMW 1M Coupé? Here’s all you need to know about the new BMW M240i xDrive.
2022 BMW M240i – What’s New?
BMW brought about some rather notable changes to the second-gen M240i, making it more engaging and better performing than its predecessor. Let’s start by taking a look under the hood.
Engine and Gearbox
The M240i xDrive continues to be powered by the B58 — BMW’s popular turbocharged 3.0L inline-six engine. This new iteration makes 47hp more than its predecessor, taking peak output figures to 382hp that kicks in between 5,800 and 6,500 rpm. The torque figures are somewhat surprising. You’re looking at 369 lb-ft of torque that’s produced from as low as 1,800 rpm, all the way up to 5,000 rpm.
The B58 has always been a spectacularly capable engine and is a huge reason why the M240i is such a fun car to drive. BMW also claims a 0-60mph time of 4.1 seconds, which is reasonably quick. Overall, the updates to the engine are more than welcome.
On the flip side, there are the gearbox options. BMW will no longer offer the 6-speed manual as an option on the M240i. You can only have it with the ZF eight-speed automatic. Don’t get us wrong; this torque-converter 8-speed is a responsive and sporty gearbox — it’s just an unwelcome addition to what is otherwise a phenomenal driver’s car.
While there is a bit of a silver lining in that BMW has hinted a manual gearbox will return on the upcoming G87 M2, we would’ve liked to see this option available on more than just the top-tier model.
Design
There’s no denying that BMW has strayed away from its conventional design language over the last few years. The new style, more often than not characterized by the substantial kidney grills, has drawn some polarizing opinions. The M240i is no exception.
While its kidney grilles are not as imposing when compared to those of the new 4 Series, 7 Series, or X7, it’s still something you will either love or hate. Some other design aspects are new on the M240i. For instance, this is the first BMW in decades not to feature two lighting elements in the headlights.
You can’t miss the large triangular vents on either side of the front bumper; the same goes for the bumper cutouts at the rear. For all intents and purposes, the M240i is uncharted territory for both the brand and potential customers.
The way a car looks is a huge part of the buying process. Whether BMW got it right with this one is subjective. Legendary car designer and BMW design team veteran Frank Stephenson (BMW E53 X5 lead designer) isn’t thrilled by this new look, but there are those who appreciate BMW straying from the well beaten path. Either way, we can unanimously agree on is that once you’re behind the wheel, it doesn’t really matter.
Dimensions
The new M240i is 3.5 inches longer, 2.6 inches wider, and 0.1 inches lower than its predecessor. As a result, this car has more presence on the road. Its 107.9-inch wheelbase is 4.3 inches shorter than the 4 Series, making the M240i one of the most nimble and agile models in BMW’s 2022 lineup.
What Else Does the New BMW M240i Offer?
As the name suggests, the BMW M240i xDrive comes with the manufacturer’s all-wheel-drive system, which should allow for plenty of grip. Also playing a role in the way this car handles is the 50-50 weight distribution, electronically controlled limited-slip differential, and Pirelli P Zero tires.
The Interior
The inside of the new BMW 240i is largely from the larger BMW 3 Series. There’s a hexagonal infotainment system that we’ve now gotten used to, while the center stack comprises a shift selector and iDrive controller.
Considering the influence that the M240i draws from the range-topping model, it gets colored stitching on its seats and the option for ambient lighting with perforated door panel trim.
The larger proportions have also resulted in 38.1 inches of headroom and 41.8 inches of legroom at the front — enough for most people. The rear, however, remains just as cramped with only about 32.2 inches of legroom and 34.7 inches of headroom — that’s 2.3 inches less than the previous-gen model.
Should You Buy One?
Prices for the 2022 BMW M240i xDrive start at $49,545. This is a slight premium over what the previous generation was priced at, but it’s one that’s justified. The new M240i is an authentic, sporty, 2-door BMW; perhaps, one of the most excellent examples of one we’ve seen over the recent past, at least until the new M2 comes about.
Which begs the question: Should you buy one? If you’re looking for the perfect balance between performance and practicality, then yes. However, if you’re looking for a little more performance and something that you’ll frequent the track with, this car may be a little too soft for you. If that’s the case, you’ll be better off waiting for the new M2, which will bring better hardware, a more powerful engine, and a manual gearbox.
