Though BMW doesn’t consciously dabble within the enterprise of psychology (except you’re after the therapeutic impact of a correct M automobile), the brand new M240i xDrive is considerably harking back to a chapter within the idea of center youngster syndrome.
With correct being the operative phrase – and by implication denoting behavioural traits that the M240i xDrive inherently lacks – the place does that go away the newcomer?
Till the following M2 arrives, the M240i xDrive tops the newly launched 2 Series (the native coupé-only vary codenamed G42 and moreover comprising the 220i priced at R771 900 and the 220d at R819 278 respectively) and is constructed on the present 3 and 4 Collection platform whereas sharing the identical inside.
In fact, BMW’s penchant for slapping M badges on something and the whole lot solely serves to create – if admittedly just a little diluted – magic and misperception in equal measure.
Which is why you’d be forgiven for frowning on the M240i. If solely ever so briefly.
Longer, decrease, wider and stiffer than the mannequin it replaces, it’s 35 extra kilowatts extra highly effective than earlier than (torque from the turbocharged B58 motor stays unchanged); at 4.3 seconds it’s 0.3 sec faster to 100 km/h and owing to the added chew from its everlasting all-wheel-drive configuration – now concedes mere 0.1 second to triple digits than the outgoing F22 M2 Competitors.
The M240i xDrive’s ironing board-like torque curve (peak torque is on faucet from 1800 r/min and stretches to 5000 r/min) blesses the automobile with massively considerable tempo. Because the revs construct and the horizon is devoured, there may be the acquainted aural delight of the straight-six’s thrum-turned-wail on the pink line.
The abundance of torque and relatively brief wheelbase signifies that as with its RWD predecessor, lateral mid-corner adjustability remains to be simply on demand.
The broader footprint, because of its extra beneficiant proportions; and adaptive suspension, an energetic differential (each fitted as commonplace), together with 50/50 weight distribution (it was 53/47 within the F22 M240i) all contribute to the G42 being a sharper, extra assured handler than its predecessor.
Debits?
As a perennial criticism, the ever-present ZF 8-speed gearbox lacks the crisp, hard-wired really feel of a twin-clutch unit maybe anticipated of a automobile sporting an M badge, even when the latter has been issued fairly than earned. As well as, the xDrive system additionally pushes the M240i xDrive’s mass up by 205 kg (although very seemingly solely noticeable if the previous and new vehicles are pushed again to again), however crucially, the entrance/rear torque break up can’t be manually adjusted: a trick maybe saved for the upcoming M2.
The steering, whereas laser-sharp in its directness, additionally lacks really feel: the addition of xDrive has blessed the M240i with additional efficiency however taken away a few of its purity; however such is the value of progress.
Given the inevitability of the totem M2, set to totally exploit the potential of the chassis’ and drivetrain, as a lesser sibling the M240i feels purposely crafted to stroll the tightrope between sensibility and madness. However, as the one six-cylinder sports activities coupé in its phase, it provides thundering tempo framed as a clean canvas to all of the thrills you’ll ever search.
And but one can not utterly want away its deliberately hampered DNA as a placeholder for its extra revered sibling. That’s the dilemma of the overachieving center youngster.
Rattling you, M2.
BMW M240i xDrive Coupé
Worth: R1 062 420
Engine: front-mounted, turbo, 2 998cc, straight-six
Transmission: 8-speed automated
Energy: 285 kW @ 5 800 – 6 500 rpm
Torque: 500 N.m @ 1 800 – 5 000 rpm
Pushed wheels: AWD
0-100 km/h: 4,3 seconds
High velocity: 250 km/h
Gasoline consumption: 9,6 l/100km (mixed)
CO2 emissions: 185 g/km
Rivals: Audi TT, Porsche Cayman, Toyota Supra
Phrases: Braam Peens
