When the second-generation BMW 2 Series was revealed, I wasn’t too keen on its appearance. However, when I got to see it in person last year, my opinion completely changed. Recently, we had the opportunity to test the M240i xDrive, which impressed me from its styling to its all-round performance.
Styling-wise, we had previously mentioned a disconnect between the front and rear of the new 2 Series when we drove the BMW 220d M-Sport. However, the more you look at it, the less noticeable it becomes in my opinion. Regardless of the disconnect, it is quite an attractive car. Our tester was finished in a beautiful Brooklyn Grey metallic paint with 19-inch Bicolour double-spoke wheels. The M240i stands out from its siblings with trapezoidal exhaust tips, smoked rear lights, and a matte gold finish on its trim surfaces. However, the BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line package can black out the exterior trim. Additionally, customers can order model-specific M Performance Parts from the Genuine BMW Accessory range to make their M240i more unique. Overall, it is a good-looking car.As for the interior, it is similar to other models in the range and is premium in design.
The M240i xDrive’s interior is designed to provide a sporty and luxurious driving experience from behind the wheel. Despite its small appearance, the vehicle can comfortably accommodate up to four passengers. Although the trunk may seem compact, it has the capacity to hold two golf bags. The infotainment screen is intuitive, and you can navigate through it using touch or the rotary dial. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The M240i xDrive boasts a turbocharged in-line 6 engine codenamed “B58”, which produces 285kW and 500Nm. The power is sent through BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system via an 8-speed automatic. BMW is renowned for building some of the best in-line 6 engines in the business. Besides propelling the M240i with immense urgency when needed, it sounds glorious too. To test its GT potential, we drove it from Johannesburg to Durban and back, managing to average 7 l/100 km over its claimed 8 l/100 km. Thanks to this fuel consumption, we managed the trip on a single tank. However, the city driving consumption is around 12 l/100 km. Despite sitting on low-profile tires, the ride quality was surprisingly comfortable.
The BMW M240i xDrive handles superbly, thanks to increased torsional rigidity and near 50:50 weight distribution. The drive is thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding when driven with haste. It will sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds and has a limited top speed of 250 km/h.
In conclusion, the BMW M240i xDrive is a great offering with superb ride and handling, and its stylish appearance is just the cherry on top. However, if the M240i is not enough, the new 338 kW BMW M2 will surely tickle your fancy. The pricing at the time of testing was from R1,062,420.00; however, with new updates and new pricing, it now starts from R1,146,862.
All BMWs are sold with a comprehensive warranty, and a five-year or 100 000km Motorplan.
