Is the 2022 BMW M240i a Good Car? 4 Pros and 3 Cons
With its lively handling, responsive steering and tidy dimensions, the BMW 2 Series has often been seen as the spiritual successor to BMWs from another era. The redesigned 2022 2 Series doubles down on those qualities in some ways while becoming less so in others, and that’s even more apparent in the M240i.
Related: 2022 BMW M240i Review: BMW’s Tiniest Grand Tourer
Like other 2022 2 Series variants, the M240i is longer, wider, and lower than the previous version and is a nicely proportioned and stylish coupe. It’s also mercifully free of the oversized grille of some recent BMW redesigns.
The 2022 M240i gets its motivation from a 382-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, and motivate this small coupe it does. Paired with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive, the M240i is decidedly quick. But while it handles well enough to take on all comers at the local autocross, a lack of steering feel dampens the fun. The redesigned M240i has also gained some weight, making it feel more like a grand touring car than a sporty pocket rocket.
Our Brian Normile had a chance to spend some quality time in a 2022 M240i recently and came away with mixed feelings. Hit the link above to read his complete review; for a quicker look, read on to learn four things we like about the 2022 BMW M240i and three things we don’t:
Things We Like
1. It’s Quite Quick
The M240i’s turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine gets a 47-hp boost over the last generation. Matched with a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic, BMW claims the M240i can accelerate from 0-60 in 4.1 seconds. That makes it not only decidedly quick off the line, but one of the fastest-accelerating BMWs in the lineup.
2. And It Stops, Too
Going fast is a lot more fun if you’re driving something that can also stop when the time comes, and here the M240i shines. Standard M Sport brakes include oversize ventilated discs at all four corners that are more than up to the job. They also provide plenty of feedback with solid linearity and pedal feel.
3. Improved Ride
A longer wheelbase and standard adaptive suspension go a long way toward improving ride quality compared to the last-gen M240i, absorbing bumps with little fuss for such a small car. But small it is, and particularly with the 19-inch wheels on our test car, bumps work their way into the cabin.
4. Comfy Cockpit (Up Front, at Least)
Front-seat occupants will find plenty of room and comfortable seats, adding to the grand touring feel. Visibility is good, and controls are sensibly laid out and intuitive, with physical knobs and buttons for audio, climate and other frequently accessed functions. The backseat, however, is difficult to access and too small for adults.
More From Cars.com:
- 2023 BMW 2 Series Carries Over With Minor Changes, Bumps Price to $39,195
- 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe Gains Power, Loses Manual
- Which Convertibles Offer AWD or 4WD?
- BMW Makes SiriusXM Standard on All 2021 Models
- Research the BMW M240i
Things We Don’t Like
1. Numb Steering
A lack of steering feel is a complaint we’ve had with a number of BMWs lately, and unfortunately, the 2022 M240i is no exception. It’s especially frustrating given this car’s performance focus. As capable as it is, the M240i is hampered by steering that’s not only numb, but also so uncommunicative that it can be hard to know which way you’re pointing the car.
2. Beefy for Its Size
The M240i checks in with a curb weight of 3,871 pounds, a notable figure for a small coupe. While the engine is powerful enough to hustle all that weight along, one side effect of its weight is that the M240i feels less tossable and more like a larger car than it is, making the overall driving experience more like a small grand tourer than a sports car.
3. Aural Experience
Part of the satisfaction of driving a performance car is typically the soundtrack, with the mechanical music of a powerful engine cranked to the limit accompanied by an appropriately aggressive exhaust note. Forget about all that with the M240i; while it does serve up some exhaust rumble, the overall aural experience is not as engaging as we’d like.
Related Video:
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.