A Week With: 2022 BMW 240i xDrive Coupe

Whenever a BMW sports the handling characteristics for which it became renowned, which is not always a sure thing from BMW these days, writers invoke the spirit of the classic 2002 coupe, the car that put BMW on the enthusiast map.

But there are more modern BMW two-doors that have also won our affection, such as the cherished E46 3 Series. To that list of delectable rides you can add the 2022 M240i xDrive, a sweet little honey of a coupe that stirs the automotive soul like few cars can.

That said, even BMW evokes its history when describing its redesigned 2022 2 Series, evoking the BMW 1600 and 2002, as well as 2008 1 Series and 2014 2 Series. 

Overview

The 2022 BMW M240i xDrive Coupe and its less powerful sibling, the 230i Coupe are rear-wheel drive, and not to be confused with the 2 Series Gran Coupe employs a front-wheel-drive platform. Of BMW’s models, the 2 Series Coupes remain classic rear-wheel-drive BMWs, and wear a look that’s far less controversial than the larger 4 Series. As such, they are prime candidates for those who appreciate classic BMW handling characteristics and size. 

Exterior

The BMW M240i Coupe is larger than the model it replaces, being 3.5-inches longer, 2.6-inches wider, 0.1-inch lower and using a 2-inch longer wheelbase. The front track has increased by 2.8 inches while the rear track grows 1.9 inches. In fact, it’s about as long as a 2010 BMW 3 Series. 

It wears the angular styling increasingly seen on BMWs, which is meant to prove the car’s aerodynamics. Thankfully, it avoids the gaping maw on the grille that has proven so challenging to longtime fans of the brand.

Its outsized look seems at odds with BMW’s traditionally quieter design. But don’t think the new M240 is some quiet church mouse; it’s quite the contrary. It possesses a forceful look, thanks to a bulging power dome hood, a wide stance, an aerodynamic kit, large air intakes, shadowline trim, dual trapezoidal exhaust and an aggressive rear spoiler. It’s all quite entrancing.

Interior

Despite its larger size, the new M240i doesn’t gain any space inside. Oh sure, the front seat is fine, but rear seat legroom has shrunk by nearly an inch, while rear seat headroom has been reduced by nearly 2 inches, rendering the rear good for munchkins, luggage or additional shopping bags. But keep in mind that the sunroof eats up 3 cubic feet of interior space. It’s standard on the M240i and optional on the 230i.

If you’ve seen any of the latest BMW models, you’ll immediately recognize the M240i’s interior layout. The test car’s leather upholstery, adjustable lumbar support, heated steering wheel and heated front seats made for very cushy cabin. Visibility was fairly good for the cut and thrust of daily commuting. 

And there’s 10 cubic feet of trunk space, enough room for a last-minute weekend getaway.

Powertrain

The 2022 M240i xDrive Coupe is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine that now delivers 382 horsepower — up 47 horses from last year — and 369 pound-feet of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission to each corner. A manual transmission is not offered.

 That’s quite a jump from the base 230i Coupe, which gets a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that develops 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. The automatic gearbox is engineered with shorter ratios in the first three gears for quicker response, allowing the M240i xDrive to run 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds, according to BMW, 1.4 seconds quicker than the 230i Coupe.

Safety and Technology

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash tested the 2022 BMW 2 Series. Standard driver assistance systems include Frontal Collision Warning with braking, Lane Departure Warning, rear cross-traffic alert, Blind Spot Detection, and Dynamic Cruise Control are standard. Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, a Parking Assistance Package with Back-Up Assistant, and a BMW Drive Recorder are optional.

The M240i comes with an upgraded, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen; an 8.8-inch infotainment display is standard. Both are controlled using BMW’s familiar iDrive control knob, framed by shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. 

Driving Impressions

When it comes to underpinnings, the 230i uses a strut-style front suspension and five-link rear. The M240i gets an adaptive suspension and electronically controlled limited-slip differential that’s optional on the 230i. But once ensconced behind the wheel of the M240i, you’ll find an incredibly responsive machine that will have you muttering, “babe, where have you been all my life?”

Part of its due to the powerfully silky 3.0-liter inline 6 and its added power for 2022. In Sport or Sport+ mode, its aggressively sharp response delivers driving thrills you’d expect of a great BMW. This car is beastly quick, proving to be as fast, if not marginally faster, than the outgoing model. Shifts are quick, but many M2 aficionados will miss the manual transmission. That said, the ZF 8-speed’s behavior is exemplary if you can live with it. 

While there isn’t a lot feedback through the steering wheel, a common malady on most vehicles these days, it is nicely weighted and possesses crisp turn in. Body lean is non-existent, but you’d expect that. Yet once you’re done playing, pop the adaptive suspension into Comfort mode and you’ll find this to be one composed cruiser, making it easy to live with as a daily driver. 

2022 BMW M240i xDrive Coupe specifications

Wrap Up

With the new 2022 BMW M240i xDrive Coupe, the automaker continues to deliver a model with the classic characteristics that made the brand famous in the first place. Its attractive design, admirable agility, well-equipped cabin and epic horsepower deliver a balanced sports car experience that’s easy to live with every day. 

2022 BMW M240i xDrive Coupe ­— Frequently Asked Questions