Performance & drive
What it’s like to drive, and how quiet it is
The BMW M240i borrows its 368bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine from the M440i. Officially, it can do 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds – but in our tests it managed 0-60mph in a staggering 3.9 seconds. That’s only fractionally slower than the far more expensive Audi RS3.
The M240i sounds great, too: the bassy woofle at low revs becomes a soulful howl as you let the revs build towards 7000rpm. Just before you get there, you’ll need the next gear. It will be selected for you automatically if you leave the gearbox in its default setting, but in Manual mode, you can take control using paddles behind the steering wheel.
The M240i's brakes aren't perfect, either. There’s a small ‘dead zone' at the top of the pedal travel, before the pads grab the discs quite sharply as you push your foot closer to the floor. Stopping power is very impressive, though.
We’ve tested the M240i with optional adaptive suspension fitted, and in its Comfort setting, you’re isolated very well from bumps in the road, especially by performance car standards. In this form, it's more comfortable than the entry-level 220i, which isn’t available with adaptive suspension.
Unlike in some quick cars, you won’t need ear defenders for a long motorway journey. Indeed, if you switch the sports exhaust to the quietest setting, the M240i is barely any less agreeable than a regular 2 Series Coupé.
