2020 BMW M240i

Competing against the Bavarian pocket rocket are the luxury packs from the big guns like Mercedes with its C-Class, and the Audi A5. These coupes belong in the same price bracket and deliver great drivability. Where does the kidney-grilled 2-door stand against these guys? Let’s find out.

The coupe comes in a single trim. Starting at $45,800, the lineup is offered in two drivetrains costing $2000 apart where one is the standard RWD while the xDrive which is an AWD configuration which requires automatic transmission.

Powering the M240i is a 3.0L turbocharged engine (335 hp and 369 lb.-ft) and is mated to a standard 8-speed automatic transmission with an optional 6-speed manual. The performance variant offers plethora of features as well as advanced safety functions.

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While the coupe already receives a host of standard technology and safety features, put in the extra $2000 and get the xDrive variant where you’d drive with an AWD system with excellent drivability.

“Acceleration, braking and handling all combine to make the BMW 2 Series an inspiring performer. With the available M Sport adaptive suspension, the poised handling doesn't come at the expense of comfort. There's a great seat-of-the-pants feel, which instills confidence.” -edmunds

Engine

Tucked behind that iconic kidney-grille is a 3.0L turbocharged 6-cylinder engine married to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The duo churns out 335 horses alongside 369 lb-ft of torque, propelling the rear wheels of the coupe.

Oh, this small light-weight, enthusiastic and spirited coupe has little to none to give you anything to complain about. The commute in the city, or cruise along the highway, the Beemer is an everyday car. The sonorous pleasing rev of the engine intensifies its athleticism and its turbocharged performance in the mix with smooth and responsive 8-moving cogs most certainly pastes a smile on your lips while tickling a bone or two when you jab the throttle on track.

Along with the competition, the Beemer boasts a good number out in its output; mind you, this is an M packaged performance unit while the rest of the similarly priced coupes still possess the gusto to rival the Beemer.

Acceleration

Um, what did we say about gusto? Well apparently in straight-line speed it’s the M240i that stands broad-shouldered. Zipping the 0-60 miles per hour in 4.4s, the Beemer rapid fast while clipping the quarter-mile in 12.7s. Its rivals take more than a second in both the tests. While this is a great feat for a 6-cylinder, you have to commend its rivals with a smaller 2.0L 4-cylinders dispensing equally good performance for their displacement size.

Ride and Handling

Now comes the fun bit about the coupe. Sporty in sprit, the M240i has excellent drivability with great cornering capability and maneuverability due to its small size. Handling around corners is an absolute joy to take, plus tossing it around bends and curves is a work of breeze on the coupe. The M steering feels really good under control and is exceptionally responsive with great road feedback. Fun and spirited best describe the athletic coupe.

The best thing about the coupe is its adaptability; tame it the way you want, it delivers precisely what you need – comfort and sporty are two of the extremes this car gets right. This coupe caters to the cruiser and the hooligan inside you. Its suspension is engineered with precise detail; bumps and potholes are glided over with ease, and the coupe allows little to none body roll.

Braking

Its impressive performance carries over to its stopping power as well. The M240i encompasses of M tuned braking that takes a brilliantly fast 103ft. to come to a standstill from 60 mph. Its brake feel is composed and stays consistent. Its close equivalent, the Alfa Romeo Giulia, another performer by the Italian manufacturer, takes 20ft. further to come to a standstill that is in no means a dull feat but not as great of course.

Clearly the M badged BMW 2 series is a great performer but also manages to remain a tad efficient going by how far it is from its rivals. It gulps 21 miles per gallon in the city while staying around 30 miles on a single gulp in the highway. The coupe’s rivals are not that distant ahead, with mostly hovering around mid 24s in the city and 33s on highway, while being 24 combined.

“The 2 Series uses interior components from larger and more expensive models in the BMW lineup. The design and quality of materials are close to identical, and as a result, the car exceeds entry-level expectations.” -edmunds

Seating and Comfort

What would you expect from a BMW cabin? The athletic M240i basically answers that question in style; using materials from the high-end models of the manufacturer, the cabin exceeds its class. Black leather sport seats with M-steering wrapped in leather make up the interiors. With seat adjustments and quality upholstery, you’re placed comfortably inside with but the rear takes a hit due to the sloping roofline and the compact size of the coupe, deeming it unfit and cramped for adults; the kids would love it back there though!

The cabin is neatly designed and appropriately placed with abundant tech and conveniences. Noise isolation is very well taken care of; you’d barely hear what the outside world is going through but the noteworthy point is its constant engine humming, which quite frankly is more pleasing to the ears than otherwise.

Infotainment System

The iDrive system on the BMW measures 6.5” with an intuitive interface and easy controllers. The interface does take a bit of time to get used to, but the iDrive is better than most in the class segment. The infotainment system includes some of the following features –

• BMW ConnectedDrive Services
• 7-speaker sound system with CD Player
• Onboard Hands-Free Communications System
• AM/FM Radio
• Bluetooth
• Sat Navigation
• USB Input

Interior Features

Features include in the interior are –

• 10-way power front sport seats; including 2-way power side bolsters, 1-way manual headrests and thigh support; driver memory for exterior mirror and seat positions
• 60/40 split fold-down through-load rear seats
• High-gloss Black interior trim with Pearl Gloss Chrome highlight
• SensaTec upholstery
• Folding rear-seat headrests

Cargo Volume

While being sporty, the coupe also shows off some practicality, even though it isn’t by much. At an average 13.8 cubic feet, you’d be able to pack a suitcase or two and places it amongst the bottom of the list. The Audi A5 takes the crown here for the most copious boot space in the field followed at a distant by the Jaguar XE.

“The 2020 2-Series channels BMW’s past style in all the right ways.” -thecarconnection

Size and Dimension

Sitting 5” from the ground rolling on four 18” double-spoke bi-color wheels on four corners, the curvy BMW M240i blends simple aesthetic with a sporty aerodynamic body kit. Compact, narrow and short, meet the iconic BMW chrome-accented kidney-grille making up the front fascia, LED headlights to flank the BMW insignia sitting in the center. Mesh grilles sit across the bumpers with more pronounced design over the face. Its detailing continues over the headlight with a hard-line running across it under which sit the lamps.

This coupe sits tamed on the tarmac when not moving but a look at the front has a bit of menace to it, thanks to the grilles, while the whole framework has looked like it awaits being released from its leash. Its straightforward design continues all throughout the character lines found on the sides, to the rear of the body. Over the roof lies a shark fin, while the rear consists of an athletic spoiler and mono sport exhaust pipe on either sides.

Exterior Features

Some of the features included in the exterior are –

• Aerodynamic body kit
• Rear spoiler
• Chrome-line exterior trim
• 18” alloy wheels
• LED fog lights
• LED headlights
• Sport kidney-grille

Included standard safety features in the BMW are impressive and in abundance. While the Government safety data is yet to be completed, the manufacturer has carefully crafted the coupe with a host of precautions and sensors in case of any destructive event. Some of the features are -

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Seat-mounted front side-impact airbags
• Driver's and passenger's front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with advanced technology: dual-threshold, dual-stage deployment
• Front and rear Head Protection System (HPS)
• Knee airbags for driver and front passenger
• Automatic-locking retractors (ALR) on all passenger safety belts for installation of child-restraint seat
• LATCH attachments for child-restraint safety installation
• Coded Driveaway Protection
• Anti-theft alarm system

BMW M240i vs Audi A5

The M packaged BMW 2 series is far more sporty and athletic compared to the poised and refined luxury coupe by Audi in its A5. The M420i packs more punch and power, handles like an athletic sports machine alongside comfort. However the Audi A5 offers opulence and plush quality along with comfortable ride while being a tamed hooligan, plus excellent storage and spacious rear seats. Since both are priced along the same lines, it depends on your priority; you have two extremes here with both different purposes. Competitive and technologically rich? Or luxurious and plush? Your call.

BMW M240i vs Mercedes C-Class

The Mercedes C300 is an engaging coupe with great driving dynamics and is feature rich. It provides efficient powertrain, plush seating and upscale interior quality. Like the Audi A5, the Mercedes is more attuned towards luxury and opulent ride, but at the same time the silver arrow has enough grip to cater the enthusiast as well. It has better seating space as well. The BMW M240i is all about sports package fused with the Bavarian’s excellent technology and driving experience. Once again it all depends on your preference whether you want opulence or sports.

The M240i is a hooligan placed on the track; it is fun and spirited while remaining tamed when not needed. It comes with a handful of features alongside technology and a powerful machine under the hood. It is rapid, swift and handles nimbly. Its steering is exceptionally responsive and feels great in your hands.

While not being the most efficient amongst its rivals, its powertrain does provide good returns. You wouldn’t buy the M240i for its practicality or the rear seats so clearly the car is designed for fun and occasionally is pragmatic. Why would you want the BMW M240i? So you’d enjoy a small sized, BMW with M badged performance kit alongside an abundance of technology-a bit of an upgrade over its normal 2 series in all frankness.