The automotive landscape is rapidly evolving, with digital interfaces and autonomous driving features becoming increasingly prevalent. Entering this modern era, I recently had the opportunity to test drive the new BMW M240i on the winding roads surrounding Zurich. To my pleasant surprise, the experience was far from the sterile, detached driving sensation I had anticipated, especially after my time with the latest Audi RS3. In fact, I was genuinely impressed.
It’s crucial to set the right context for the M240i. Despite the M badging, this isn’t a full-fledged M car, nor does it aim to be. Its benchmark is its predecessor, the F22 M240i, not the M2 or M2 Competition. Understanding this distinction is key, especially for those familiar with BMW’s performance lineage. And acknowledging that we are in 2022 is essential – nostalgia aside.
Styling is inherently subjective, and opinions will vary, which is perfectly valid. Personally, I find the M240i looks significantly better in person than in photographs. Having seen it in both Black Sapphire Metallic and Brooklyn Grey Metallic, I found both colors particularly flattering. It possesses a road presence that photos simply don’t capture, a sentiment echoed by many regarding the G8x generation M3/M4. A significant improvement in its stance comes from the wider wheels and more aggressive offsets compared to the somewhat anemic wheel fitment of the previous F2x generation.
Stepping inside, the interior feels familiar, largely mirroring the G2x 3-Series, albeit with cost-conscious door panels. However, unlike the older F2x models, there’s no sense of a downgraded 3-Series experience. The cabin exudes a premium feel, and the M sport seats are visually striking. While I’m not personally a devotee of digital instrument clusters, and this iteration isn’t the most compelling, it’s something I can live with. Technical aspects like infotainment, audio, driver assistance systems, and LED lighting are not my forte, so I’ll defer those evaluations to more tech-focused reviewers.
What truly captivated me was the driving experience. In today’s market, particularly within this vehicle segment, the M240i offers something increasingly rare – a genuine sense of driver engagement. You feel intrinsically connected to the car, actively piloting it, rather than being passively managed by it, a stark contrast to cars like the RS3. It delivers arguably the most analog driving experience available in its price bracket today. Again, it’s 2022, and the majority of modern cars are heavily reliant on computer-mediated driving.
The chassis, defying its weight and all-wheel-drive configuration, exhibits remarkable balance. Turn-in is crisp and responsive at various speeds, providing excellent feedback about the tire-road interaction. Lateral grip is significantly enhanced, a notable leap from the previous M240i. While not a lightweight car, it effectively masks its mass, likely revealing its weight only on a racetrack, which isn’t its intended domain.
In comfort mode, the suspension and steering are suitably compliant for urban environments, but for spirited driving, Sport or Sport+ modes are preferable. Sport+ mode, however, felt a touch too aggressive in throttle response and gear shifts. In Sport mode, the suspension firms up nicely without becoming overly harsh, though it’s worth noting that the roads in the test area were exceptionally smooth. The car maintains composure and never feels nervous, though occasional suspension firmness might be attributed to potentially overinflated tires on the test vehicle (equipped with 245/255 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires).
Straight-line traction is abundant, yet the rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system’s character is palpable. While full rear tire smoke isn’t achievable like in a rear-wheel-drive car, playful tail-out moments are definitely possible, especially in wet conditions. The overall sensation leans closer to a rear-wheel-drive car than a typical all-wheel-drive, with predictable and well-calibrated torque transfer to the front axle. This is a key differentiator from the RS3, which presents a vastly different all-wheel-drive feel, a comparison deserving its own dedicated discussion.
The steering stands out as BMW’s finest electric power steering (EPS) system in a non-M car to date. While a hint of artificial feedback remains, the improvement over the F2x generation is substantial. The absence of torque steer or front-axle interference is also commendable, further reinforcing the rear-drive-like feel, unlike the RS3 which exhibits noticeable all-wheel-drive steering characteristics.
The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission continues to impress. In the M240i, its tuning is impeccable. It’s seamless in Comfort mode and lightning-fast in Sport and Sport+. While not as surgically sharp as a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), particularly in manual mode, it surpasses DCTs in automatic mode smoothness. Complaints are minimal, unless you are a die-hard manual gearbox enthusiast. Sadly, a manual option isn’t available.
The B58 engine lives up to its reputation as a stellar powerplant. Power delivery is consistently strong from 2000 rpm to nearly 7000 rpm, with only a hint of turbo lag, less pronounced than in the RS3, although the RS3 is demonstrably quicker overall. Power delivery is assertive yet refined, whereas the Audi’s five-cylinder engine possesses a more aggressive and emotionally 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, inside the cabin, it’s quite subdued, likely due to effective sound insulation. The synthesized engine noise enhances the cabin ambiance and sounds more natural than previous iterations in F-series BMWs. For purists (like myself) who dislike artificial engine sounds, it can be toned down, but the car becomes remarkably quiet in that case.
Comparisons to previous M cars would be unproductive, as they are fundamentally different vehicles with distinct purposes and target audiences. However, against its direct predecessor, the F22 M240i, the new model represents a significant advancement. Of course, the older M2 was undeniably more engaging and fun in a raw, visceral sense. In conclusion, the M240i is a genuine gem. Considering it’s not a full-blown M car, it provided an unexpectedly enjoyable driving experience in an era dominated by digitalized driving. It’s arguably the finest non-M car I’ve driven from BMW. This bodes incredibly well for the upcoming G87 M2, given the brilliance of the G82 M4 and the exceptional S58 engine. My only reservation stems from witnessing the new iDrive 8 system with its full-width display in the new 2-Series MPV at a dealership. For my personal taste, such a system feels somewhat out of place in a sports car.
