The 2022 BMW M240i xDrive Is a Sign of Great Things to Come
The 2022 BMW M240i xDrive Is a Sign of Great Things to Come
With the current 3-Series now nearly as big as the old 5-Series from 20 years ago, many believe BMW is giving up on the small, fun two-doors that won the company so many enthusiasts across the past 40-plus years. The 2 Series coupe, introduced in 2013, quelled many of those fears since it delivered joy reminiscent of cars like the beloved E46 3-Series or the delicious 1-Series M. Those fears were reignited when rumors of a new taller, wider, and longer 2-Series appeared. Would the small, rear-drive (often all-wheel drive) BMW finally die and stay dead? Well, no. The mojo goes on and thrives in the new 2022 2-Series. The 2022 BMW M240i xDrive Is a Sign of Great Things to Come
Even without the massive double-coffin grille that burdens the 4-series, the new 2s looks are polarizing. In place of the gracefully understated lines are sharp angles and oddly shaped exterior lights. Things get especially confusing in profile, where it’s as if the front clip has been stretched six inches too far, ruining the proportions. The 2022 BMW M240i xDrive Is a Sign of Great Things to Come
The new M240i is 3.5 inches longer, 2.6 inches wider, and 0.1 inches lower than its predecessor with a 107.9 inch wheelbase (within half an inch of the E46 M3). “Small” is always relative.
That short-ish wheelbase means the 2-Series is the most nimble car in BMW’s 2022 line. When the M2 comes out the full potential of this chassis should be discovered. But right now, the all-wheel drive M240i xDrive shows that the bones are there. The 2022 BMW M240i xDrive Is a Sign of Great Things to Come
There’s an extra layer of agility and precision that’s not in the equivalent 4-Series coupe. A 50-50 weight distribution, standard adaptive suspension, and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential out back mean that despite the 3871-pound curb weight, the car feels lithe and eager to change direction. And thanks to the available Pirelli P Zero tires—245/35R19 up front and 255/35R19 out back—there’s no shortage of grip.
On a race track, it’s clear after a few laps that the M240i is not a full-blown M division car. There’s a good deal of body roll through corners and the xDrive system prioritizes keeping the car pointed straight under throttle rather than letting the driver figure things out on corner exit. And unlike the big-boy Ms, there’s no 2WD mode to switch to. The steering feels ultra-quick and responds as soon as you even think about registering steering input, but it’s totally lacking in actual road feel. And while the brakes held up to dozens of laps under the hot sun during our day with the car, the pedal became unnervingly soft by the time the sun set. If you do plan to pick one of these up for track use, be prepared to swap in some more durable pads and high-temp fluid.
So The 2022 BMW M240i xDrive Is a Sign of Great Things to Come
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