The BMW 2 Series is into its second generation and for 2022, the coupe has grown larger and received more power from the German automaker.
We recently tested the M240i, the sportier version of the 2 Series, and came away impressed by its looks and performance.
The second generation features new styling, noticeably the front end that introduces a redesigned grille that incorporates active air flaps. Other changes include standard LED headlights, and a revamped rear end.
Starting at a base price of $59,950, the tester came with several packages and options that pushed the final price to $71,075, with freight and PDI included.
Tops among the extras was the Premium Enhanced Package ($5,000) that includes comfort access, a sunroof, adaptive full LED headlights, a head-up display, a Harman/Kardon sound system and more.
Some of the standalone options of note included adaptive M suspension ($750), shadowline headlights ($500), BMW live cockpit professional ($1,000), wireless charging with extended Bluetooth and USB ($350), black Vernasca leather featuring blue contrast stitching ($1,500) and 19-inch double spoke alloy wheels ($500).
Not to be forgotten is the most noticeable option, the Thundernight Metallic exterior colour, which is a very nice shade of purple. It’s not a colour I would have thought of before seeing it on the M240i, but after experiencing it, I would easily part with $895 for it.
Powertrain: The M240i has the same power output from its inline 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo engine as the X3 we evaluated before it. With 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque available, it means this two-door sports coupe is not lacking when it comes to motivation, no matter the drive setting you select.
Power is moved through a smooth eight-speed automatic, and the xDrive ensures it gets to all four wheels when needed, although there is a bias to the rear wheels under normal driving.
Acceleration, even in Comfort mode, is excellent given the number of horses under the hood. Moving to Sport mode means you can have a whole lot of fun with the M240i.
The combined fuel economy rating for the M240i is 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres (10.4 city/ 7.5 highway), but I did no better than 10.5 L/100 km.
Exterior: For starters, the colour chosen by BMW Canada for this tester really sets this model apart. They call it Thundernight Metallic, a fancy way of saying a deep purple. And I just loved it – and it would appear so did some other folks since I got more than one thumbs while driving around.
The facelift given to the second generation M240i includes that new front kidney grille – one that does not overpower the front end but blends in nicely to the shape of the front fascia. It also gets new and smaller headlights that are placed at the outer corners of the fascia, while the rear lights are downsized and wraparound to the rear quarter panels.
There’s an elegant trunk lid spoiler, as well as a nicely sculpted rear bumper and lower diffuser.
Viewed in profile, the short front and rear overhangs are very noticeable, and the haunches over the wheel wells give the vehicle a very muscular appearance.
On the tester, the look was capped off by black alloy wheels, a nice contrast to the purple exterior.
Interior: The cabin of the M240i is well executed throughout and the optional contrast stitching added as an extra is a subtle but elegant way to break up a sea of black.
The driver’s seating position is excellent and comfortable, and given the compactness of the cabin, all the controls are within easy reach.
The driver also benefits from the head up display and the BMW live cockpit professional on the tester, which present vital information clearly both in the line of sight and in the digital gauge cluster.
Materials, as well as fit and finish, are both of very high quality, giving this coupe a luxurious feel.
Accessing the rear seats is not the easiest given the vehicle’s size, so be prepared for some issues with anyone that has long legs. Thankfully, my eight-year-old fit back there quite easily.
Infotainment: The infotainment system is the same as I experienced recently on the X3, and it’s a good one.
It has a large and colourful iDrive screen that powers it all. The interface is excellent and was intuitive to use and understand.
You can control the system either through touchscreen functionality, or the rotary dial and buttons in the center console.
It also comes with satellite radio, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a feature I appreciate even more when driving other vehicles that do not offer this feature.
Drive: This is a fun little coupe to drive.
Power is abundant, even at low RPM, which means acceleration is lightning quick while always remaining under control. And the sound from the exhaust – especially in Sport mode – is worth turning the radio volume down to enjoy.
Steering is nimble and quick, making the M240i a very agile ride, helped along by the suspension setup as well.
Overall, a very enjoyable – with gusts to thrilling – drive.
2022 BMW M240i xDrive
2022 BMW M240i xDrive
2022 BMW M240i xDrive
2022 BMW M240i xDrive
2022 BMW M240i xDrive
Conclusion: It was a refreshing change to be able to drive a sporty two-door coupe. With the market for automaker shifting more and more to crossover and SUVs, these seem to be a dying breed. However, the German automaker has once again done an excellent job delivering a vehicle that looks the part, but also delivers the goods in terms of performance.
With a nicely refreshed design, plenty of power on offer and excellent driving dynamics, enthusiasts will certainly enjoy this vehicle.
2022 BMW M240i xDrive
Price as tested: $71,075.00
Freight: $2,480.00
Configuration: Front engine/Four-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder/8-speed automatic
Power/torque: 382 horsepower/369 lb-ft of torque
Fuel (capacity): Premium (52 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 9.1 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 10.5 L/100 km
Warranties: 4-years/80,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Audi A3/S3, Mercedes-AMG CLA-Class
Link: BMW Canada