Our BMW M240i proves to be a handy step to the next level of performance

Most 22-year olds won’t have had the pleasure of experiencing a car with anything more than 300bhp, and if presented that opportunity — it might come off as slightly terrifying.

For that matter, the best they’ve probably been behind the wheel of might be a potent hot hatch — but there’s still a notable gap between those and more serious performance machinery.

This job presents me with the enviable task of driving some incredible cars, so I have spent a brief time in some seriously capable machinery — although mostly on closed-off circuits and always with a more experienced passenger in the other seat.

Sitting in the car, there’s little hint to the performance the red bodywork is hiding. It’s all normal BMW inside — bar a few M badges dotted around — suggesting little more than a run-of-the-mill coupe.

It’s a similar story when you fire the engine up — at least in normal mode. It sounds good, sure, but it’s no Subaru WRX STI in its tone.

Switching up to Sport mode gives a whole new character to the machine. The exhaust begins to crackle off-throttle, steering sharpens up and power delivery comes almost instantaneously.

It still never feels out of hand, though. Impressive levels of through-the-wheel feel means it’s easy to know exactly what the car is doing at any one time when being pushed hard — and although you can step the rear-wheel-drive machine sideways if you try hard enough, it doesn’t give the impression that it will ever kick the tail out without prompt.

Ok so a BMW M240i isn’t ever going to top a list of cars young drivers should go out and buy. It’s an expensive thing — especially in comparison to the hot hatches many second- or third- time buyers will likely be looking at.

But if you’re looking to get a feel for driving some seriously high-performance machinery, then find a way to get behind the wheel of this German coupe. It presents a genuine step up from the likes of the Ford Fiesta ST and VW GTIs, but it’s not alien territory and will allow you to really refine your driving skills.

All that said, I think I’m ready to have a go in the full-blown M2. BMW, please make it happen. Thanks.

Highlight of the month: Discovering our M240i offers bags of accessible performance