Auto Review
The 3 Series may be a best-seller and most popular BMW ever but potential buyers are missing out on another stellar ride from the German automaker. You just cannot overlook the second-gen 2 Series, particularly the M240i, in the small luxury car segment. For 2022, BMW has boosted the width, length and wheelbase for the brisk car, which can zip off 0 to 60 in a mere 4.1 seconds with top speed of 155 mph. So what if it is now available only as a coupe and not a convertible anymore?
Under the hood of the stunningly handsome all-wheel-drive M240 resides a 3.0-liter twin-power turbo inline-6 cylinder gas engine cranking 382 horsepower @ 6500 rpm and 369 pounds-feet of torque @ 5000 rpm. It is mated to a flawless 8-speed auto gearbox, which is even more exciting with moves via the steering paddle shifters. Suspension is handled capably via a two-joint spring strut front and a 5-link rear system. However, the standard adaptive M suspension is specially tuned to enhance nimbleness and poise when pushing pedal to the metal. And the electric power steering with variable sport has a solid and communicative feel, keeping the coupe straight and watchful on curvy roads.
A wide, slow-slung turbine-style kidney grille with vertical air flaps (open for increased cooling) is encircled by gorgeously contoured LED headlights while M sport brakes, blue calipers and the M logo will grab attention. Walk to the rear and you will notice trapezoidal tail pipe finishers and a clear black spoiler. An 8.8-inch infotainment touch screen operated via the iDrive controller and a 5.1-inch instrument cluster point to a well-appointed and classy cabin. Further adding to the rich ambiance are touches of high-gloss black trim on the dash. Other minutiae include tri-zone auto a/c, power moon roof, anthracite headliner, power front sport seats, three-spoke leather steering wheel, 40/20/40 rear seat, and more.
Dual front and side airbags, front knee and side curtain airbags are standard along with dynamic stability and traction control, four-wheel antilock brakes, electronic brake distribution and brake assist, rearview camera, active braking assist (lane departure warning, blind spot monitor/detect, rear-cross traffic alert, city collision mitigation), daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring are standard.
Barring a small trunk and a modest rear seat, the sensational M240 is a cool sporty luxury coupe to toss around at sharp turns or go cruising on the highway. You can rest assured it is German engineering at its finest on display!
BMW M240i xDRIVE
Tires: P225/40R19
Wheelbase: 107.9 inches
Length: 179.4 inches
Width: 72.4 inches
Height: 55.3 inches
Fuel capacity: 13.7 gallons
Mileage: 23 city, 32 highway
Weight: 3,871 pounds
Base price: $48,550
Price as tested: $57,295
Web site: www.bmw.com
