What We Like
A 14bhp bump in maximum output compared to its predecessor
Precise handling with quick-shifting automatic gearbox
Thrilling driving experience
What We Dislike
Nothing really
BMW is an extremely successful niche car producer, endlessly coming up with weird and wonderful variations on a theme. The car you see here is the M240i, the 'regular' version of the more expensive and 'proper' M2.
But there's nothing regular about the new M240i Coupe, for it has a six-cylinder in-line petrol engine, which develops 340bhp, a 14bhp increase in maximum output over its predecessor the M235i. It also has more torque than its big brother the M2 - 35Nm to be exact.
Coupe or Convertible?
The M240i gives you a choice of body type, something its big brother the M2 can't. If you're looking for a bit of sunshine and wind in your hair, you can opt for the M240i Convertible.
Because the Convertible has an added 173kg of strengthening for the soft-top, it may not feel as agile as the Coupe, which weighs 1,545kg. Still, both cars are undoubtedly good fun on the right road.
For the M240i Coupe, the sprint to 100km/h from a standstill takes 4.6 seconds. For the Convertible, that figure stands at 4.7 seconds.
In other parts of the world, the Coupe is offered with a six-speed manual gearbox as well. And as an alternative to sending power to its rear wheels, it can also be fitted with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system. Alas, Singapore will only get the rear-wheel drive automatic version.
It's the small things that matter
The M240i's low driving position is sporty yet comfortable. Both you and your passenger get lumbar support and electric seat adjustment with memory.
Apart from multiple M monikers on its sheet metal, wheels as well as brake calipers, our test car also featured Alcantara sports seats with blue contrast stitching, and the attractive M leather steering wheel.
It's all this attention to detail that reminds you it's not just an ordinary 2 Series you're piloting.
It's got dual personality
At low revs, the M240i's engine hauls you forward on a rolling swell of torque, and the faster it spins the happier it is to play the game. It sings for joy when revved, and the results are apparent when the car is put through its paces.
Around town, where you wish to take it a couple of notches down, the ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic gearbox is a smooth operator, possessing a nice balance of fast and effortless shifting.
Like its predecessor, the M240i is a superb specimen. Both polished and powerful, it's rare to find a compact coupe that provides the same blend of handling agility and driver engagement as this.
It just makes sense
Where the M2 gives you more boasting rights over the M240i, the car you see here is a very pleasing package that's more comfortable and affordable.
Priced at $231,800 (as of 2nd February 2017) the M240i costs just about $69,000 less than the M2. You can buy this car and still have money left over to buy yourself the iconic BMW M S1000RR sport bike.
So, if you're looking for a sports car with the blue and white roundel and aren't fussed about placating the M purists, then the M240i is the understated performer you need.
At low revs, the M240i's engine hauls you forward on a rolling swell of torque, and the faster it spins the happier it is to play the game. It sings for joy when revved, and the results are apparent when the car is put through its paces.
Around town, where you wish to take it a couple of notches down, the ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic gearbox is a smooth operator, possessing a nice balance of fast and effortless shifting.
Like its predecessor, the M240i is a superb specimen. Both polished and powerful, it's rare to find a compact coupe that provides the same blend of handling agility and driver engagement as this.
It just makes sense
Where the M2 gives you more boasting rights over the M240i, the car you see here is a very pleasing package that's more comfortable and affordable.
Priced at $231,800 (as of 2nd February 2017) the M240i costs just about $69,000 less than the M2. You can buy this car and still have money left over to buy yourself the iconic BMW M S1000RR sport bike.
So, if you're looking for a sports car with the blue and white roundel and aren't fussed about placating the M purists, then the M240i is the understated performer you need.
