First drive: 2022 BMW 2 Series M240i Coupé prototype review Car News

Stepping inside, we discover a familiar driving environment, albeit covered in a soft fabric to hide the cabin’s most intricate details until its scheduled unveiling early next month. The instrument panel, instruments, central touchscreen, controls and trim are all similar in design to those of the 2 Series Gran Coupé. The riding position is perfect – well adjusted and very low.

We’re barely a mile into our test before the purposeful properties of the reworked six-cylinder remind us of its remarkable dual character. Despite the extra power, it remains deliciously smooth and maneuverable. With free-revving qualities and 367 lb-ft of torque, it gives the new M240i xDrive the kind of versatile athleticism other four-cylinder performance rivals can’t match. It also sounds great.

In this particular prototype, it is mated to an updated version of the eight-speed automatic gearbox of the old model. Like the engine, it runs in an extremely smooth manner with exceptional shifting quality regardless of the driving mode. BMW has yet to announce any performance claims, but you can expect a 0-62mph time of around 4.5 seconds with a top speed limited to 155mph.

The new BMW Coupe is an absolute joy. The hardened edge of the existing M2 is missing. But in most situations, it feels just as quick as its performance elder – itself is set to be replaced by an even more powerful successor model based on the new 2 Series coupe in 2023. BMW has focused a lot of attention on it. attention to the refinement of the suspension of the new 2-series coupe with the addition of a series of new braces and other measurements, much similar to those found on the larger 4-series coupe .

Their advantage is felt in the grip, which is even more entertaining than before. The handling qualities of the M240i xDrive are balanced. On difficult roads, body control is excellent; M-sport suspension action is typical, but that doesn’t come at the expense of ride quality, which remains well compliant even in the sportiest driving modes. That’s in large part thanks to the fast-acting qualities of the adaptive dampers, which will come as an option on the 2 Series Coupe, which dominates the lineup. Particularly impressive is the ability of aluminum-intensive media to absorb high-frequency bumps.