This is one of those weeks where I look forward to the press car that I’ll be driving. In a world of sport utility vehicles, hybrids and electric vehicles, this week's tester is an actual car and, to make it even more rare, a sporty coupe. If it came with a manual transmission, that would have been the cherry on top but alas, it was not meant to be. However, its impressive automatic transmission does lessen the sting. Over the next several days, I’ll be behind the wheel of a 2026 BMW M240i xDrive. 

Exterior

The M240i xDrive is the perfect size for a small sports coupe. The proportions are done right, and two full sized adults can actually sit in the front seats without feeling claustrophobic. Where the M2 has a more squared-off front design with its box fender flares, the M240i XDrive is more subdued and looks like a more traditional BMW of yore. Our tester has the spectacular Thundernight Metallic paint optioned for an additional $900, which is absolutely worth the money. 

Cabin

Inside is typical BMW, tech-forward and thoughtful. Everything is made from high quality materials, and whatever you need to reach for is ergonomically placed. Sure, there are a ton of menus to choose from on the infotainment screen, but most of what you need day to day are easily accessible, aided by physical shortcuts on the iDrive controller.

Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto phone connectivity are standard. A wireless phone charger is also included as part of this car's Premium Enhanced package ($5,200), which also adds a moonroof, heated steering wheel, adjustable lumbar support, BMW Digital Cockpit Pro with augmented reality HUD, and a Harmon Kardon sound system. The only feature missing is ventilated seats, which would make this pretty much perfect.

Powertrain

It feels like BMW is just showing off sometimes. The tried-and-true B58 3-litre inline-six turbocharged engine continues to produce more power than the 382 horsepower and 369 foot-pounds of torque that BMW alleges it produces. There is abundant power throughout the rev range, and it's readily accessible via an equally fantastic 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.

Shift via the paddles behind the steering wheel and it'll changes gears quickly with a noticeable and satisfying auditory kick. There is no manual transmission offered, but the 8-speed gearbox is so good that it makes you almost forget about rowing through the gears on your own.

Driving impressions

Put the car in Sport+ mode and be prepared to have some fun. Even with standard all wheel drive, the BMW M240i xDrive retains rear-drive feel. Our tester came with the M Enhanced package with adaptive suspension; body roll was almost non-existent, and the chassis just kept asking you to push it further. I may or may not have ignored the devil on my shoulder numerous times during the week.

I did manage to find some open roads north of the city for a cruise one day, and enjoyed some extended time in the car's natural element on twisty roads. This car managed to make me smile quite a few times. 

Efficiency & Money

My fun behind the wheel of the M240i had a small dent on this sports coupe's fuel economy, but I was pleasantly surprised with the overall average fuel use of 10.2 L/100km in a mix of street and highway travel, mostly in Sport+.

The 2026 M240i xDrive starts at an MSRP of $62,900, however there are several packages and options that bring our tester to an as-tested price of $ $79,550. The options include things such as the Thundernight Metallic paint ($900), Oyster Vernasca leather ($1900), M Performance exhaust ($3000), Brushed Aluminum trim ($250) and Parking Assist Plus ($1000). Packages in the Premium Enhanced Package ($5200); M Sport Pro Package ($900); M Enhanced Track Package ($3500). The worst part is that they all seem like a deal that you can't afford to pass on!

wrap it up

As one of the most enjoyable cars I have driven this year, the 2026 BMW M240i xDrive deserves all the praise that it has been given. This is a driver's car without nearly as much of an edge as the more focussed, and much more expensive M2, while still offering all the performance capability and then some that you could ever reasonably want in a daily driver, for a much more affordable price, and with much better year-round practicality.