BMW South Africa introduced the latest 2 Series range into our market in the first quarter of this year. We’ve just now managed to get our hands on the BMW M240i xDrive to be able to bring you a review.

The 2 Series range is a bit of a newcomer to BMW’s portfolio. Although small coupes have been part and parcel of the family since cars such as the 2002 (check out a beautiful example by clicking this link). The mantle was once led by the 3 Series, but as that model grew into a junior executive there was room for a new family member. Enter the 2 Series.

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All-new

The latest generation 2 Series is quite far removed from its 1 Series sibling. In BMW terms odd-numbered models are four-door/regular versions while even-numbered models are coupes. In essence the 2 Series coupe is related most closely to the 1 Series hatch, only it isn’t.

Check out a wild, triple-turbo M2 50d by clicking this link.

The 1 Series now shared much of its underpinnings with stablemate Mini, which also means that it is FWD. BMW uses the same platform that is found under the current 3- and 4-Series as the basis of this baby coupe. Which means that the 2 is still rear-driven; excellent stuff.

Polarising Appearance

The automotive world went into a tizz when BMW unveiled the 4 Series Coupe. The gargantuan kidney grilles left people with varying opinions, though sentiments were generally not positive. We have a feeling the same aspersions were cast when the latest 2 Series range was shown for the first time. We will let you make up your own mind about its appearance. 

However, we do have a few things to say about the styling. There is a power dome on the bonnet that cannot be fully appreciated in pics. The rear fenders are flared in a way that reminds us of rally reps from the 1990s, which is never a bad thing. 

And this shade of metallic purple was commented on favourably by quite a few folks. Perhaps it’s a welcome antidote for the sea of bland colours we see daily. Whatever the case, the BMW M240i xDrive certainly does turn heads. If that is one of the reasons for buying such a car, then it’s job done. 

Turbocharged six

The M240i xDrive is the performance halo of the range until the full-fat BMW M2 is launched in October. Under that domed hood is a turbocharged inline six, a rarity in our current market, that produces 285 kW of power. An eight-speed torque converter automatic mated with an all-wheel-drive system is the only transmission available.

BMW says the M240i xDrive can sprint from rest to 100 km/h in 4,3 seconds. That number is easily achievable thanks to a standard launch control function and all-paw traction. Even in independent testing in Gauteng, ie at altitude, the car ran 4,39 sec to 100 km/h. Its top speed is quoted as 250 km/h, which should be easily achievable.

Check out the world’s first V12 Z4 by clicking this link.

The engine is a brawny unit and it delivers a solid chunk of torque just about anywhere in the rev range. In fact, a peak of 500 N.m is delivered from 1 800 to 5 500 r/min. That’s not to say that the engine doesn’t enjoy being revved out. In the process of reaching for the redline the B58 mill makes all the right/BMW noises.

Marked Improvement

A handy side effect of the BMW M240i xDrive sharing its underpinnings with larger siblings is that it rides with a level of polish that we have not experienced in small BMWs before. Even on 19-inch alloys shod with ultra-low profile rubber the small coupe soaks up road imperfections in its stride. Of course the downside of sharing those same underpinnings is that the small coupe tips the scales at a shade under 1,7 tons. 

This mass does blunt the wieldiness of the apex (until the M2 arrives here in the middle of 2023) 2 Series. It is an enjoyable car to steer, but not one that can be danced around on the edge of traction. It feels far more at home if the pace is knocked back a tad. We found it far more akin to a junior GT car than an out and out sportscar. Seen in this light the BMW M240i xDrive is probably the best in its class.

Click here to read our BMW M2 CS track driving review.

Summary

South Africans love BMW coupes. We see it daily, whether its modified M4s on our roads or countless social media posts about older models, such as the E30. This adoration was built over decades by sporting coupes that were fun to drive, fast and aspirational. The BMW M240i xDrive is all of the above. It builds on the hallmarks of the many performance derivatives that have come before. It may be an M-lite, but is more car than almost every driver will ever need, or use to its full extent. 

Model: BMW M240i xDrive
Price: R1 100 000
Engine: 3,0-litre inline inline six, turbocharged
Transmission: eight-speed auto, AWD
Max power: 285 kW
Max torque: 500 N.m
0-100 km/h: 4,3 sec
Top speed: 250 km/h
Fuel consumption: 8,0 L/100 km