BMW M240i boosted to 392hp in autumn updates
Already very likeable coupe becomes even more likeable; M340i and M440i follow suit
We’re not alone in being rather partial to the BMW M240i xDrive. It is, after all, a comparatively compact coupe powered by a turbocharged straight-six - and you hardly need reminding that such cars are few and far between these days. But as John H pointed out when it launched, the model was a substantial improvement on its predecessor, dynamically speaking, if not so much in the looks department. It was more expensive, sure - but probably good value for a car which boasted significantly more power than an entry-level Porsche Cayman.
Well, the improvements keep on coming. As part of its autumnal updates for this year, BMW says the M240i - and the M340i and M440i for that matter - will receive an updated version of its muscular B58 3.0-litre petrol engine. The reasoning for the update probably has more to do with efficiency gains than outright performance (the latest coupe’s CO2 emissions are down from 200g/km to 183g/km, with a commensurate improvement in fuel consumption) but there’s more power nevertheless, and who are we to argue with that?
BMW doesn’t waste time explaining how it wrested another 18hp and 37lb ft of torque from the unit, though given its highly tuneable nature, it probably doesn’t need to. At any rate, it is now rated at 392hp (with 12hp provided by the 48v mild-hybrid system) and 398lb ft, which sees the M240i knocking quite insistently on the 400hp door of the RS3 - a car that costs £61k. BMW UK hasn’t confirmed any price change yet (the updated variants begin production in November), but for now the coupe is priced from £50k. Which is a lot less.
Granted, BMW claims no improvement in real-world performance for the M240i - it’s still claimed to do 0-62 mph in 4.3 seconds - but in the M340i and M440i, it considers the upgrade significant enough for a 0.1-second improvement, which apparently makes the former exactly as fast as the coupe. Great news for fans of the saloon. But then it’s great news all round, really. Updates elsewhere are arguably a little less significant, although anyone buying a new M5 will now find they (along with all other 5 Series) now come with a coat hook on the B-pillar trim. Sometimes, it’s the small things, right?
I get that BMW have gone down the road Merc did with the V6 cars being 4matic, but I feel like this sort of car really should be RWD first with an xDrive option. Especially now the Supra is dead.
And I was happy to hand it back.
It was too good, to get emotional you had to be way past certain - um - levels - to even start to get the car to the place where you might start to probe the edge of the envelope which is where I feel the fun is. But as a supremely competent daily? Actually yes.
With the budget and living in Germany a no brainer. Here? I suspect the 240i is more than enough.
After 2 weeks of pretending, he admitted he wished he hadn't.
I recently changed my 2023 M240 for a M2 LCI and there are some definite things I miss. X Drive being the main thing plus the carbon buckets are defo an acquired taste (OH hates them). The 240 was a better daily, but doesn't quite appeal to my inner child so much. It won't try and kill you like the M2.
One thing I didn't think the 240 needed was more power, but I can see it as welcome to anyone buying one. Given you are also getting a 4 series (minus a couple of inches), its still a bargain.
Obviously I'm biased but think BMW have nailed it with this one.
I get that BMW have gone down the road Merc did with the V6 cars being 4matic, but I feel like this sort of car really should be RWD first with an xDrive option. Especially now the Supra is dead.
After 2 weeks of pretending, he admitted he wished he hadn't.
After 2 weeks of pretending, he admitted he wished he hadn't.
t but seems more playful than the Comp which is way too serious and will hit a happy 168 on the Autobahn (restricted it seems to 270kph)It's the upgrade from the 135/40i without losing the personality and fun - and yes you can still get to work feeling like a hero cos it didn't kill you.
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