2025 BMW M240i Review — The Compact Coupe That Still Cares About Driving

“Holy—okay, this thing is dumb fast.”

That’s pretty much the only appropriate reaction when you launch the 2025 BMW M240i. It’s one of those cars that doesn’t need a flashy spec sheet or a Nürburgring lap time to prove itself — you just have to drive it. And when you do, you realize this might be one of the last truly pure, driver-focused BMWs still left standing.

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Performance & Driving Impressions

Under the hood lives BMW’s now-legendary B58 inline-six, a 3.0L turbocharged masterpiece officially rated at 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. But as always, BMW is conservative with its numbers — dyno tests show it’s putting down closer to 420 hp to the wheels.

And it feels every bit of it.

Launch control engaged, the M240i rockets forward with the urgency of a small supercar. The xDrive AWD system hooks up perfectly — no drama, no wheelspin, just a clean, brutal surge of power. The ZF 8-speed automatic snaps through gears like a dual clutch, and each upshift punches you lightly in the back. It’s addicting.

This engine isn’t just powerful — it’s also proven. The same B58 powers the Toyota Supra and countless other BMWs, with many examples sailing past 100,000 miles without issue. It’s the spiritual successor to the 2JZ — tunable, durable, and smooth as silk.

Speaking of smoothness, the inline-six layout gives the M240i a linear, predictable powerband. Torque is always there, so you rarely need to hunt for gears. Whether you’re cruising in Comfort or ripping in Sport+, the response is immediate and satisfying.

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Handling, Chassis, and Suspension

BMW absolutely nailed the chassis tuning here.

The M240i feels light, balanced, and playful, thanks to its short wheelbase and 50/50 weight distribution. Even though it tips the scales at 3,800 pounds, you’d never guess it. The adaptive M suspension (a must-have option) transforms the car from a compliant daily driver to a tight, connected canyon carver with the press of a button.

Turn-in is sharp, the steering weight feels just right, and the feedback through the wheel is unmistakably BMW. In fact, it’s more lively and aggressive than the bigger M340i or M440i.

Despite being AWD, the M240i still drives like a rear-wheel-drive coupe. In Sport+ with traction off, you can easily get the back end to dance through corners. The rear-biased xDrive system gives you confidence when you need grip, but freedom when you want fun.

Combine that with the new limited-slip differential, and you’ve got a car that’s as composed in the snow as it is sideways on a track.

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Daily Driving and Fuel Economy

Unlike most performance cars, the M240i doesn’t punish you for daily driving it.

Switch to Comfort mode and the ride softens, the steering lightens, and the cabin quiets down. You could take this on a road trip and forget you’re in a 400-horsepower coupe.

Even better — it’s shockingly efficient. BMW claims 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, but I consistently got over 35 mpg on the highway. That’s better than some hot hatches with half the power.

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Exterior Design

Say what you want about BMW’s recent design choices, but the M240i looks fantastic.

It’s muscular and compact, with a wide stance and clean proportions. Unlike the polarizing grilles on larger M models, the M240i’s front end strikes the perfect balance of aggression and restraint.

Spec it in Skyscraper Grey with the optional 19-inch wheels and Brembo four-piston brakes, and you’ve got one of the best-looking coupes in BMW’s lineup today. Throw on a lip spoiler and ducktail, and it’s chef’s kiss.

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Interior, Tech & Features

Inside, the M240i is all about the driver.

You sit low, cocooned by high-quality materials and a clean, functional layout. The steering wheel is thick, flat-bottomed, and stitched with M colors — it feels like a true performance cockpit.

BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 runs the show across a wide, curved display that blends the gauge cluster and infotainment seamlessly. It’s fast, intuitive, and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can control it via the touchscreen or the traditional iDrive dial — which is great when you’re driving on bumpy roads and don’t want to jab at the screen.

Climate controls are now integrated into the screen, but always visible as a fixed menu, so they’re easy to access. There’s also a crisp 360-degree camera, automatic parking, and backup assistance for tight city spots.

For audio lovers, the Harman Kardon sound system absolutely slaps — deep bass, crystal highs, and concert-level clarity. Cabin insulation is excellent too; honk the horn with the windows up and you barely hear it.

Other thoughtful touches:

• Wireless phone charger with waterproofed USB ports

• BMW Connected app for remote start and controls

• Drive Recorder using onboard cameras as a built-in dashcam

Rear seats exist (technically) — you can fit small adults or short trips, but the 13.8 cu-ft trunk is surprisingly usable for daily errands or weekend getaways.

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Reliability and Ownership

Because it shares components with the Supra, the M240i’s B58 platform has a strong reliability record. BMW has spent years refining the engine and transmission combo, and the results show. No mild-hybrid complexity, no unnecessary gimmicks — just pure, engineered excellence.

Maintenance costs aren’t cheap, but they’re far from exotic. And for an M-lite model, the balance between cost, performance, and dependability is hard to beat.

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Verdict

In a world where so many cars feel like appliances — fast but soulless, luxurious but numb — the 2025 BMW M240i is a refreshing reminder that driving can still mean something.

It’s not just about 0–60 times or touchscreens; it’s about connection. Every shift, every corner, every rev feels intentional. BMW didn’t just build a quick coupe — they built an experience.

Sure, electric cars might beat it in a straight line. Some competitors might have flashier interiors. But none of them blend performance, refinement, and character quite like this.

If you’re a true car enthusiast looking for a daily you’ll actually look forward to driving, the BMW M240i is it. BMW didn’t just nail the recipe — they perfected it.

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Key Specs (2025 BMW M240i xDrive)

• Engine: 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 (B58)

• Horsepower: 382 hp (420+ unofficial)

• Torque: 369 lb-ft

• Transmission: ZF 8-speed Automatic

• Drivetrain: Rear-biased AWD

• 0–60 mph: ~3.9 seconds

• Fuel Economy: 23/32 mpg (city/highway)

• Price (CAD): ~$64,000–$70,000 depending on options