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Having the opportunity to test drive the new M240i on the winding roads near Zurich, I came away genuinely impressed. In an era dominated by digital interfaces and autonomous driving aids, and after a somewhat underwhelming experience with the new Audi RS3, my expectations for a truly engaging drive were admittedly low. However, the M240i delivered a refreshingly authentic experience. It’s crucial to understand the M240i’s position within the BMW lineup. Despite the M badging, this isn’t a full-fledged M car, nor does it pretend to be. Its benchmark is the previous F22 M240i, not the higher-performance M2 or M2 Competition. For those longing for purely analog driving experiences, acknowledging the advancements in automotive technology since 2022 is essential.
The aesthetics of the car are, of course, subjective. Personal opinions will vary, and all are valid. From my perspective, the M240i presents much more favorably in person than in photographs. Having seen it in both black and Brooklyn Grey, both color options are appealing. It’s a car that demands to be seen in real life to be truly appreciated, as its visual impact translates better in person than in images, much like the G8x models. The wider track and aggressively offset wheels contribute significantly to its road presence, a welcome departure from the narrower, less dynamic wheel setups of the preceding F2x generation.
Stepping inside, the interior feels familiar, largely mirroring the G2x series but with more cost-effective door panel materials. However, unlike the F2x, there’s no sense of a compromised “entry-level” 3 Series experience. The cabin ambiance is notably more premium, and the M sport seats are visually striking. While the digital instrument cluster isn’t my preferred style (and arguably not the best execution of digital clusters), it’s manageable. Technical aspects like the infotainment system, audio quality, driver assistance features, and LED lighting are not my primary focus, so I’ll defer those evaluations to more technically inclined reviewers.
The standout aspect of the M240i is undoubtedly the driving experience. In today’s automotive landscape, particularly within this vehicle segment, such a driver-centric feel is increasingly rare – perhaps even unique. You genuinely sense that you are piloting the car, not the other way around, a stark contrast to vehicles like the RS3, where the technology often dominates the experience. The M240i offers arguably the most analog driving sensation available for the price point in 2022. It’s important to reiterate that we are in 2022, and the majority of modern vehicles are heavily reliant on computer-controlled driving dynamics.
The chassis exhibits exceptional balance, defying the car’s weight and all-wheel-drive configuration. Turn-in is sharp and responsive across a range of speeds, providing ample feedback from the tires. Lateral grip is significantly enhanced compared to the previous M240i. While not a lightweight car, it effectively masks its mass, likely only becoming a limiting factor on a dedicated racetrack, which isn’t its intended environment.
In Comfort mode, the suspension and steering offer a compliant setup suitable for urban driving. For a more spirited experience, Sport or Sport+ modes are preferable. While Sport+ mode’s throttle response felt slightly too aggressive, and the gear changes a bit abrupt, Sport mode delivered a firmer yet comfortable suspension. It’s worth noting that the test roads were exceptionally smooth. The ride is generally composed, though occasional harshness in the suspension response was noticeable, potentially due to tire overinflation (the test car was running 245/255 section Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires).
Straight-line traction is abundant, but the rear-biased all-wheel-drive system is palpable. While full rear tire smoke isn’t readily achievable like in a rear-wheel-drive car, playful rear-end slip is definitely possible, especially in wet conditions. The overall driving feel leans closer to rear-wheel drive than typical all-wheel-drive systems, with predictable and well-calibrated torque distribution from rear to front. The RS3’s all-wheel-drive system, in contrast, presents a more distinct and different character, a topic deserving of its own discussion.
The steering system stands out as BMW’s finest EPS implementation in a non-M car to date. While subtle artificial feedback is still discernible, the improvement over the F2x generation is substantial. The absence of torque steer or front-axle interference in the steering is commendable; you’d hardly know it’s an all-wheel-drive car from the steering feel alone (again, contrasting with the RS3).
The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission remains a benchmark, and its calibration in the M240i is excellent. It provides smooth shifts in Comfort mode and rapid, decisive shifts in Sport and Sport+ modes. While not as instantaneously sharp as a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), particularly in auto mode, it’s hard to fault in a car like this unless you are a die-hard manual transmission enthusiast. Unfortunately, a manual option is not available.
The B58 engine lives up to its reputation. Power is readily available from 2000 rpm up to nearly 7000 rpm, with only minor turbo lag, less pronounced than in the RS3, although the RS3 is undeniably quicker overall. Power delivery is assertive yet refined, while the Audi’s five-cylinder engine exhibits a more aggressive and engaging character.
The exhaust note, despite the presence of an Otto Particulate Filter (OPF), is surprisingly robust from the outside, even louder than my previous M2 Competition! However, it’s quite muted within the cabin, likely due to effective sound insulation. The synthesized engine noise enhances the interior acoustics and sounds more natural than previous iterations in F-series BMWs. If artificial engine sound isn’t to your liking, it can be reduced, but the cabin becomes notably quiet as a result.
Comparisons to previous full-fledged M cars are somewhat irrelevant, as they are designed for different purposes and target audiences. However, relative to the previous F22 M240i, the new model represents a significant advancement. Of course, the older M2 offered a more raw and engaging driving experience. In summary, the 2022 M240i is a genuine gem. It delivered a highly enjoyable driving experience, especially considering it’s not a dedicated M car. In an era of increasingly digitalized vehicles, it exceeded expectations. It stands out as the best non-M BMW I’ve driven. Given the exceptional G82 M4 and the potent S58 engine, the potential of the upcoming G87 M2 is incredibly exciting. However, experiencing the new iDrive 8 system with its full-screen display in the latest 2 Series MPV at the dealership, it appears somewhat out of place in a sports car, at least to my personal taste.
