BMW has a long history of impressive inline 6 cylinder engines. Of course this continues with the B58 turbo inline 6 used in the Toyota Supra and 2022 BMW M240i xDrive.

Exterior

With a design that is reminiscent of the Z4, the 2022 M240i is low and wide with a long hood. The aggressive stance and aero kit make it very attractive. While it has grown over the years, it still remains a very compact coupe. 

The front features a large kidney grill, but much smaller than on other BMW vehicles. The active shutters close to help with aerodynamics and open keeping the engine cool when needed. Looking at the front it’s clear the body starts off wide and narrows significantly from the glass up. While this adds to the strong aesthetic nature it also keeps the center of gravity low for better handling and driving characteristics.

From the side, the hood is very long taking up nearly as much space as the cabin. The sleek aerodynamic shape is accented with sharp angles and just a slight spoiler on the trunk lid. 19-inch wheels are wrapped in 255/35R19 Pirelli SottoZero tires (we tested this car at the beginning of spring which is why it was still on the winter tires). For summer tires, the fronts are narrowed down to 225/40R19’s and the rear’s stay at 255/35R19. Both are Pirelli P-Zeros.

Moving to the rear it is again noticeable how much wider the lower half of the car is than the upper half. Here we also have the M240i badge on the passenger’s side and the xDrive badge on the driver’s side.

Piano black lower trim adorns the side skirts and bottom of the rear bumper. If you thought piano black trim gets dirty real quick inside a vehicle, having it on the outside is significantly worse.

Interior

Inside, the Tacora Red Vernasca Leather is a standout. The deep hues add to the sportiness and luxury of the M240i xDrive. These accents continue from the seats onto the doors. Of course there are fun things like the red, dark blue, and light blue bars of the M logo above the door arm rests and multicolor ambient lighting at night.

Once in the driver’s seat, it is clear that technology plays a key role. Behind the steering wheel is a gauge cluster that can be modified to display a variety of gauges and navigation features. The center stack is directed towards the driver, as it should be. Buttons abound, starting below the infotainment screen and climate vents and running down behind the shift lever.

Nearly all of the features these buttons control can also be accessed from the M steering wheel. The top of the Monroney says “The Ultimate Driving Machine” and BMW’s focus is all on the driver. Having the ability to keep hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road as much as possible is a key factor for safe and fun driving. BMW does this with the head up display and steering wheel controls.

Seating is very comfortable up front and very compact in the rear. Nearly everything about the driver’s seat can be adjusted to suit the driver’s desires. Side bolsters on the front seats hold the driver and passenger securely in place when cornering. BMW has done very well in making a comfortable seat that won’t cause drowsiness.

Driving the M240i xDrive

Punching the throttle of the M240i xDrive is an incredible experience. The AWD system hooks up incredibly fast for track worthy acceleration times on dusty paved roads. BMW has tuned the traction system to allow the rear end to slide out just a bit before bringing it all back together nicely. Attempts at extended drifts are cut short by the computer.

When cornering, the BMW is incredibly nimble and flat. The winter tires simply stick to the pavement. Around town the ride is a little stiff but not harsh. It is easy to park and maneuver in tight spaces. Helping with tight spaces, the surround view cameras are very clear which prevent the small bumps and dings that often happen in parking lots.

Shifts from the 8-speed auto are smooth and crisp. Response in the manual shift mode is good, but not great, there is still slightly more delay than desired.

Like many other BMW’s the M240i xDrive just wants to be set free on the highway. Thankfully BMW includes a feature where the driver can set a maximum limit on speed using the LIM button on the left side of the steering wheel. In case of emergency this can be overcome with full throttle acceleration.

Despite the technology being great in this car, it is also detrimental to the driving experience. For those that are easily distracted, there is a lot going on. The rawness of being able to listen and feel the engine, transmission, steering, and traction of the M240i is there. However, sometimes it is hard to separate from the noise of the technology suite.

Pricing

Starting with a base price of $48,550 the M2.40i xDrive we tested included nearly $8,000 in upgrades. However most of those upgrades were ones we would have selected. Things like the driver assistance package, Harmon Kardon sound system, lumbar support, premium package, and red leather seats. Adding in the destination charge brings the total to $57,295. With incredible driving dynamics and a tame demeanor when cruising, the M2.40i xDrive is a great all around vehicle. This makes the otherwise high price a pretty good deal.

Conclusion

With performance that bests the previous generation M2, the M2.40i is a monster on the road at a good price point. There aren’t many vehicles in this price range with this kind of performance. It’s incredibly fun to drive, and the xDrive AWD system makes it a capable all weather vehicles for those who want or need it.