While not a full-blown M car, the BMW M240i xDrive offers a similar level of driver performance and refinement, and no shortage of M badges. It doesn’t adhere to the classic BMW formula of an inline-six paired with rear-wheel drive and a manual gearbox, but it is a more beginner-friendly package tailored to drivers who seek consistent and attainable performance without the compromises of operating a track-focused vehicle. 

New for 2025 is the iDrive 8.5 infotainment unit, which we regard as the best in the industry due to its sleek interface, lag-free operation, and variety of input methods, including the rotary dial, touchscreen, steering wheel toggles, and voice command. Skyscraper Grey, as you see in our photos, is a new paint colour for 2025, along with Vegas Red. There’s also a new flat-bottomed steering wheel. In Canada, this is the only M240i specification available: xDrive with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which is understandable given the current automotive landscape. But the real reason you upgrade from the base 230i is for the engine, the mighty B58 plucked from the armoury of the greats. 

This 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six generates a healthy 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, allowing the M240i to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. Standard equipment over the 230i includes a stiffer M suspension, additional front axle struts, larger brakes, a rear limited-slip differential, and a sports exhaust. Those seeking a more focused driving experience should consider the M Enhanced Track Package ($3,500), which equips an adaptive suspension, larger brake rotors, a dedicated engine oil cooler, and specific 19-inch double-spoke wheels. 

The inherent smoothness and overall sense of refinement of a BMW inline-six cannot be understated. It outperforms a V6 and makes the power delivery of a rumbling V8 feel rough and outdated. Maximum torque is available right at 1,800 rpm, so you can simply floor the go-fast pedal, let the gearbox and traction control systems find the optimal gear and grip level, and watch the scenery begin to blur as the tidal surge of Bavarian torque flows into the tarmac, all while keeping the fluids in your cupholder intact.

The rear-biased AWD system means the M240i is immediately more engaging and rewarding to drive than an Audi S3 or Mercedes-AMG CLA 35. Power oversteer is the name of the game, and it only takes a quick input of steering lock, throttle, and deliberate weight transfer to get this M240i swinging its tail. A few excursions like this are all you need to convince someone to join the BMW camp. And we’ll speak on behalf of most driving enthusiasts, who believe that being able to trim your cornering line with the throttle instead of the brake makes for a quicker and more scintillating drive. Oversteer is better than understeer, as most would agree. 

Whereas other front-biased cars require purposeful ignition of the chassis to get any sort of rearward action, the M240i hands it to you on a silver platter, and backs up your street heroics with a stable chassis and a clever ESP system that keeps you from painting the guardrail, well, Skyscraper Grey – select this colour then if you want to blend in. But take it from us, choose a bolder and more striking colour instead. Pale shades don’t do the 2 Series any justice, and it’s not a looker to begin with, anyways. A perplexing mix of polygons and pixels, we don’t think the silhouette gels together with its squared kidney grills and squinty headlights. There’s a heap of geometric muscle and tension but it’s in all the wrong places. 

Aside from the looks, dial it back a few notches, select Comfort Mode, and the M240i becomes docile and almost ordinary. Its split personality is balanced and easily accessible. The suspension slackens and it becomes a more comfortable road companion than the M2, and is entirely usable in inclement weather. With proper winter tires, you could effortlessly drive this year-round too. And you can close the exhaust valves should you want to keep your neighbours from filing complaints, but the harmonic symphony of an inline-six exhaust is too tempting not to rev out for all to enjoy. 

The BMW M240i xDrive is a remarkably capable sports car, boasting impressive performance, friendly levels of drivability, and a supple ride that makes long journeys easier. It’s quick and easy to build a connection to this machine, but peel back the layers by customizing the drive settings and your driving style, and you will find an even more complex and rewarding car that delivers top-tier performance at a reasonable price. 

Specifications:

Model: 2025 BMW M240i xDrive
Paint Type: Skyscraper Grey Metallic
Base Price: $60,900
Price as Tested: $76,250
Wheelbase(mm): 2,741
Length/Width/Height (mm): 4,537 / 1,838 / 1,390
Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder
Horsepower: 382 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, AWD
Observed Fuel Consumption (L/100km): 11.2
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S; 255/35ZR19