Rear-drive version of M240i on the way for less cash

BMW has confirmed a rear-wheel-drive sDrive version of the all-new M240i Coupe will follow the initial xDrive all-wheel variant – offering a cheaper, lighter and more track-focused option for two-door purists.

Exact details are yet to be confirmed, including arrival timing for Australian showrooms, but it’s understood the M240i sDrive will use the same 275kW/500Nm in-line six found behind the snout of the initial variant, paired with a more classical BMW drivetrain.

Speaking to Motor at the model’s international launch in hometown Munich, 2 Series senior product manager Emanuel Varga confirmed the sDrive version – but said a global reveal date was yet to be chalked.

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“We can confirm M240i will come with rear-wheel drive. Timing wise – stay tuned.”

With the next-generation G42-based M2 expected to roll out with rear-wheel drive, the freshly announced M240i version will be the closest thing to an M2-lite option, especially as it packs a bigger power and torque punch than the first-gen F87 M2 at launch.

Given Australia’s milder climate, it’s likely the later rear-drive version will be the pick Down Under, with the xDrive (pictured) more applicable to colder regions and the sDrive catering to more track-focused use – as well as those shopping on a tighter budget.

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“There are the kinds of people who want to save money and they don’t need an all-wheel drive system, but we have countries like Switzerland or northern parts of America where it’s a must,” said Varga. “Then there are customers who are much more oriented towards acceleration and here xDrive is a must.

“However, look at the more purist customers and aficionados for which only a rear-wheel-drive is the real drive. You also save some weight on the front axle with the sDrive system. So the car is lighter and on-track you have better performance, because you don’t need all-wheel drive. You can drift with the all-wheel-drive car but not as pure as rear-wheel drive.”

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BMW has not made a 0-100km/h acceleration claim for the M240i sDrive, but it will be slower than the xDrive which uses its greater traction from standstill to do the dash in 4.3 seconds.

While the all-wheel-drive xDrive M240i transmission is rear-biased and can chose to automatically send all power rearwards (particularly in Sport and Sport Plus modes) it cannot be manually set into a specific rear-drive mode only.

This, says Varga, further increases the need for the additional sDrive variant. “The (xDrive) system, in theory, can take away 100 per cent (of power) from the front wheels, which is the big difference between front-biased all-wheel drive systems,” he said. “But there is no way to influence that as you can on the M5, which has a clear mode in which it only has two-wheel drive.”

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Other than the more taily nature, the rear-drive version will shed weight and cost less. In the case of other BMW models, about 60 kilograms is spared by rear-drive only over the all-wheel equivalent, while the cash saving over the $89,990 xDrive is more speculative at this stage.

BMW purists will not have every wish granted however, with Varga dashing hopes for a manual version of any 2 Series for now, including the entry 220i which is rear-drive as standard. Hybrid versions are also ruled out.

“The 2 Series including the M240i will not be available as a manual. Not in the near future.”

Unfortunately, when pressed for detail, Varga would not reveal whether that decision applies to the forthcoming M2 and simply referred to his initial statement.

Interpret that how you will.