It’s full steam ahead with BMW’s new 2-series lineup, led by the impressive new 2022 BMW M240i xDrive Coupe. First impression came down to that colour – Thundernight Metallic. Throughout the week that purple-like colour garnered more than a handful of looks from pedestrians at intersections or turning onto side streets.
Related: The BMW 330e is a no-compromise hybrid for those who love driving
But the engine – a turbocharged, 6 cylinder, 3 litre, the M Series generates 382 of horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque – was the difference-maker during a week-long drive. The car will hit a top speed of 255 km/h (155 mph), not that you’ll be looking to hit that. Acceleration was pretty throaty – 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds (0 to 60 mpg in 4.1 seconds). So that was a surprise.
New BMW M240i xDrive: Smooth as silk
The car handles smooth, and takes those sharp turns that make you feel you are in a sports car. Those who live in the city will like it, since it’s easy to park and is quite nimble through downtown traffic. The price was pretty nimble too – $68,595 as tested, a base MSRP of $56,950. You get a lot for that: A premium enhanced package with items like glass sunroof, lumbar support, head-up display, adaptive full LED headlights and Harman/Kardon sound system.
Optional equipment also includes the Adaptive M Sport Suspension, for those looking to scratch a sportier car drive experience itch, and that black Vernasca leather with blue contrast stitching interior was nice. Adaptive M suspension dampers actually bring you three drive modes – Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. And what about fuel efficiency? Not bad – the EPA estimates 26 MPG combined (23 MPG city, 32 MPG highway), annual fuel cost of $3,300. The wheelbase is a little longer and the body is wider compared with the predecessor model. Loved the newly designed BVMW kidney grille, from an aesthetics perspective.
The M Series (“M” is for Motorsport), introduced nearly 50 years ago to support BMW’s auto racing ambitions, remains a splendid series, with some of the top high-performance luxury cars out on the road now. The 2022 BMW M240i xDrive is at the lower end of that spectrum, perhaps a first step as you make your way up the M ladder.
Find more guides on luxury cars like the 2022 BMW M240i on our website!
Images: BMW/Mark Keast
Click on image to enlarge and view gallery
I am a 50-something Torontonian who loves everything about my city. It’s been my home, my playground, for my entire life. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I own real estate here. I love writing about the transformation of my city on the world stage, which hasn’t been anything short of dramatic. That continues on, as I write this. I write on the real estate scene. I write on travel and fashion. I like following the world of luxury watches.
But I love writing about cars – check that, luxury cars, a level of superior, engineering sophistication, high performance and style, that transports you not just from one destination to another but also out of whatever you are going through on a particular day, whatever mood you are in, all to another head space. It’s complete and total exhilaration, head to toe.
Check out my stories, and email me direct at mkeast@regardingluxury.com
