Launched to replace the M235i, the M240i 2 Series is much faster than the numbers would have you believe.
With the recent facelift that transformed the M235i into the M240i, the BMW 2 Series’ 2,998 cc (182.9 cu in) straight-six twin scroll turbo engine got uprated to 340 PS (335 hp) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. That makes it more powerful than E46 M3, which had 343 PS (338 hp) and 365 Nm (269 lb-ft).
With so much grunt lying under the hood, the question is why should anybody go the extra mile for the big daddy BMW M2? Surely the extra 30 PS (30 hp) doesn’t make much difference, right?
Well, actually it does, but not the way you’d think. Auto Top NL took both cars for an Autobahn run in order to test-drive them and measure their acceleration and the result is surprising, to say the least.
In the race from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph), the winner is the M2, with a sprint time of 4.3 seconds – albeit the 0.3 difference between the two would have them neck and neck. From about 140 km/h (87 mph), however, the M240i dramatically turns the tide in its favor.
How can this be explained? For starters, although the M240i has less power, it has 35 Nm (26 lb-ft) more torque (considering the M2 doesn’t use its overboost function, for some reason).
Moreover, the M240i’s engine access’ the power much earlier than its Motorsport-branded counterpart, and weighs 10 kg (22 pounds) less. Add the different gearing for each car and you’d get an answer.
Even so, don’t think for a second the M240i can hold a candle to the M2 on the track, as it will need more than brute force to outpace it. And, more important, there’s a new one coming, with even more power.