Rear-drive 2022 BMW M240i incoming
An xDrive M Performance 2 Series felt a bit like overkill; seems BMW agreed...
The good BMW news continues! Following a 3 Series facelift that hasn’t upset anyone comes confirmation of a new six-cylinder 2 Series among several other updates. We had thought the latest M240i might remain xDrive-only, given that was the only option for the larger 4 Series (with which the 2 shares lots of important bits) but no - the rear-drive M240i is back. Hurrah.
BMW says the new model ‘embodies the purist form of driving dynamics typical of the brand’. Under the bonnet the RWD derivative is identical to the xDrive, with 374hp from a 3.0-litre turbo straight six; the standard gearbox is an eight-speed automatic. A weight saving for the rear-drive car hasn’t been revealed, though it’s worth remembering that the difference was only 50kg for the M3 and M4; it’s not a bulky four-wheel drive system that’s being removed.
Still, it might reasonably be argued that any weight removed from the tubby little 2 Series is worthwhile. BMW says the M240i can hit 62mph in 4.7 seconds, or four-tenths off the xDrive car. The new model has been introduced as part of a wider 2 Series update, which includes standard wheel-mounted gearshift paddles, the BMW Curved Display and an enhanced Intelligent Personal Assistant.
Seemingly keen to push the purist ethos, BMW has done the same thing with the 4 Series Gran Coupe as the 2 - if you want a 374hp, straight-six version with rear-wheel drive, there’s now one available. Like the smaller car, the new M440i gets an M Sport diff to apportion power to each rear wheel, a slightly slower 0-62mph time and a standard eight-speed auto. It joins the range with a 286hp/479lb ft 430d Gran Coupe, also with straight-six power, promising “impressive pulling power”. Should drive quite nicely, too.
Finally, there are some updates for the M3, which will also make it to the Touring when it arrives. And probably the M4 CSL, too. Set to be standard fitment from July, they comprise BMW Operating System 8 and the Curved Display we saw on the facelifted 3 Series. New options include ‘M interior trims in Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite’, a wireless charging tray and an Innovation Package.
Additionally, the M4 can now be had with “new M graphics for the engine compartment and luggage compartment”, which sound awful - and will therefore surely prove very popular. Again, expect all those to be available from July, which should be when more info is forthcoming about the UK-spec rear-drive M240i as well.
I think they’re quite colour sensitive; I quite like it in purple but other than that it’s a no. The metallic beige details need to be swapped for black stuff too.
Shame the proper HVAC controls have been ditched as part of this update, but at least the idrive wheel is retained as is a proper gear selector unlike the 3 series.
Glad a RWD version is being offered though.
I think they’re quite colour sensitive; I quite like it in purple but other than that it’s a no.
te. Awful, it just looked flat and what little design detail there is just vanished.I saw a brand new M240i in my local dealer the other week. I thought it looked quite nice. Yes the rear isn't great, but neither was the previous Gen. Maybe the designers at BMW just can't draw rear ends?
I liked it so much, that if I didn't have a car on order already, I would have seriously considered one.
I'm of the opposite opinion. The previous M240i & M2 I thought looked completely awful. Especially the rear haunches.
I saw a brand new M240i in my local dealer the other week. I thought it looked quite nice. Yes the rear isn't great, but neither was the previous Gen. Maybe the designers at BMW just can't draw rear ends?
I liked it so much, that if I didn't have a car on order already, I would have seriously considered one.
Forums | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff