The verdict on the 2022 BMW M240i is clear: It brings a significant jump in performance compared to the preceding generation, yet its steering lacks feeling like all of BMW’s vehicles today. When put up against other options in its class, the M240i performs better or on par with cheaper options; however, it falls short when delivering an exciting and thrilling ride.

The BMW 2 Series underwent a complete redesign for 2022, emerging longer, wider, and lower. The car’s proportions look fantastic, and the color scheme on our test vehicle – Thunderknight Metallic purple with gold accents from the optional adaptive LED headlights – created an elegant look. Additionally, the 2 Series has been spared the oversized grille of its larger 4 Series counterpart.

The all-new BMW M240i features an impressive upgrade over the previous model, giving drivers the power they crave. With standard all-wheel drive and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine, the M240i delivers an incredible 382 horsepower and 369 pounds-feet of torque – a whopping 47 hp and one pound-foot increase from the previous generation. Conquer the road with the great power and comfort of the all-new BMW M240i.

Performance

Evaluating if the M240i matches its visual aesthetic is complex – befitting a BMW. The company proclaims that the car accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Various BMW vehicles can boast similar velocities, such as the AWD M340i xDrive (4.2 sec), the M440i xDrive (4.3 sec), and both the rear-wheel drive manual transmission models M3 and M4 (4.1 sec). Moreover, their latest offering, the 2023 M2 with a 6-speed manual gearbox, could also have an estimated time of 4.1 sec! When we tested a 2020 M340i xDrive, it achieved 0-60 mph in 3.89 sec, insinuating that the M240i can accomplish even quicker speeds.

After a drive, the powerful acceleration is felt as it thrusts you back in your seat with rapid gear changes from the exclusive 8-speed automatic transmission. Even though I wish there were an option for manual shifting, BMW’s most recent efforts need to improve, so I can’t complain.

Although the M240i displayed excellent performance on the autocross track at a press event, with consistently fast lap times, drivers still voiced dissatisfaction with the car’s lack of steering feel. Criticisms have long been leveled against BMW regarding their lackluster steering dynamics, and unfortunately, this complaint is also valid here. It is difficult to determine if the M240i has been pointed in the right direction, with inadequate communication from its steering wheel leading to an absence of confidence.

The BMW M240i and its heavier cousin, the M440i xDrive coupe, are pretty hefty, with their respective curb weights of 3,871 and 3,977 pounds, respectively. It is not surprising that this results in a bulky feel while driving. Nonetheless, the brakes on both vehicles possess intense pedal pressure, which makes stopping manageable even with the cars’ significant weight.

Interior

I felt like I was piloting a luxury vehicle whenever I drove the M240i due to its luxurious interior design and high comfort levels in the front seat area. The driver’s seating position is incredibly comfortable with good visibility, and all audio, climate, and drive mode settings are easily managed using the intuitively arranged physical buttons located by the gear shifter.

The M240i’s iDrive touchscreen display is accompanied by the customary wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are significant assets and offer wireless device charging. Though it appears somewhat overwhelming and intricate like other BMW models nowadays, its usage is notis manageable. Despite having some lagging issues when quickly switching between songs on Apple CarPlay wirelessly, connectivity is still considered satisfactory. Altogether, these factors give the M240i a positive driving experience even during long trips.

The two-door coupe, the M240i, is best suited to being used as a grand tourer, with its backseat devoted more to storage. Accessing the seat may prove difficult due to the limited door opening and hindrance from the front seats; this, however, does not pose much of an issue since adults would struggle to fit within it due to restricted headroom and legroom, making sitting up straight close to impossible – even worse than that in a 2 Series Gran Coupe.

Exterior

The M240i’s exhaust sound is missing a crucial element of its engagement and joy: the hearty rumble that makes drivers smile. Unfortunately, even specific Hyundai N models can offer more robust acoustic experiences than this BMW model with an ‘M’ in its name.

The weight and balance of the M240i’s standard adaptive suspension, coupled with a larger wheelbase than its predecessor, offers a significantly enhanced ride quality. Despite its small size, the 19-inch wheels on our test car still caused us to feel road bumps. Nevertheless, the car responded efficiently to them, regaining its stability without additional shockwaves. The M240i can be taken for long highway drives with great comfort and blazing speed.

With the M240i’s impressive fuel economy, owners can save money on driving costs. According to EPA estimates, this car gets 23 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on highways, and 26 mpg combined. Its 13.7-gallon tank allows drivers to go up to 350 miles on a single tank of gas before needing to refill again.

Safety 

The 2022 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has evaluated the 2 Series Gran Coupe and rated it as a Top Safety Pick. However, the 2022 2 Series Coupe uses an entirely different platform and is yet to be tested. When IIHS evaluates its score, it will appear here; the same applies to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ratings.

Pricing 

With an initial price tag of $49,545 (including destination), the 2022 BMW M240i added a whopping $56,845 after optional extras. Comparably-sized vehicles like the 2022 Audi RS 3 are a costlier option with harsher ride quality. However, cars such as the Hyundai Elantra N and Honda Civic Type R can be just as exciting in driving performance but present with a less mature exterior, cheaper interiors, and stiffer suspension. Unfortunately, they are significantly slower than the BMW in terms of straight-line speed.