BMW M240i powers up, prices cut

BMW has taken its existing M235i compact coupe and lifted outputs by 10kW and 50Nm, while adding equipment and lowering the price to create its M240i replacement.

Mirroring the M135i to M140i hatchback changeover, the new M240i now produces from its 3.0-litre turbo six-cylinder a fuller 250kW and M2-beating 500Nm to claim a 4.6-second 0-100km/h.

That’s both two-tenths quicker than before and now only three-tenths off the BMW M2, which gets a standard 465Nm (and 500Nm only on overboost).

The M240i asks $2500 less than its M235i predecessor, at $74,900 plus on-road costs with either six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. It extends the pricing gap to $15K between the M240i and the $89,900 manual-only M2 Pure, although the M240i shares its higher specification with the $99,900 manual-or-auto M2.

Kit highlights include adaptive LED headlights, 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio, keyless auto-entry and electrically adjustable front seats with heating – all unavailable on M2 Pure.

There’s no change to the wheel/tyre and chassis package of the M240i, which remains of the 225/40 front and 245/35 rear 18-inch variety, with two-mode adaptive suspension and variable-ratio steering also standard.

Other 2 Series models cop a power hike, too, including the 228i that becomes the 230i courtesy of a 5kW lift for its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, to 185kW and 350Nm.

Also available in six-speed manual or eight-speed auto, the 230i’s 5.6-second 0-100km/h claim is still brisk for a $61,900 rear-drive compact coupe. It mirrors the M240i’s spec boost with the exception of full leather trim and heated pews, while picking up a larger nav screen and larger brakes as part of the now-standard M Sport package.

Convertible versions also follow the coupe changeover, with the 230i priced from $71,900 and the M240i from $83,900.