Ok not purely an "///M" but.. this also is a preview of where BMW is taking the G87 when it arrives.
That said, the M240 shouldn't just live in the shadow of it's coming bigger brother as this really is a great car and a substantial update to the platform. Actually Joe Achilles was wildly complimentary of this in his recent review as well and noted a few places where it is likely superior to his M!
BMW Seattle let me know they had a brand new M240i xdrive just off the truck, so I hustled down to get hands on immediately.
This is the brand new 2nd generation of the 2 series, and the G42 doesn't disappoint. All of the new technology with the digital cockpit, updated suspension and the incredibly potent B58 motor. If you are not familiar with that engine, it is really amazing and powers a wide variety of cars even including the new Supra!
For the tuner and enthusiast crowd, the B58 has an unbelievable amount of headroom in power and torque if you want to take it that direction.
Hands on, the M240 was really fun, quick and impressive in rear wheel bias even with the xdrive system. It is very much a worthy successor to the F22, and improves in almost every area.
Check it out if you get a chance, I have a suspicion that these are going to be wildly popular.
(oh and yeah.. the new 'thundernight metallic' purple is gorgeous, as they have one, it just wasn't prepped yet)