Middle child syndrome
CAR|June 2022
BMW's entry-level coupé has landed on our shores; how does it compete in the absence of the M2 as the star-in-waiting?
Braam Peens
Middle child syndrome

BMW M240i XDRIVE COUPÉ ETA: NOW

Price: R1 062 420 Engine: 3,0-litre, 6-cyl, turbopetrol Transmission: 8-speed automatic Power: 285 kW @ 5 800-6 500 r/min Torque: 500 Nm @ 1800-5 000 r/min 0-100 km/h: 4,30 seconds* Top speed: 250 km/h* Fuel consumption: 9,6 L/100km* co: 185 g/km* Rivals: Audi TT, Ford Mustang, Porsche Cayman, Toyota Supra

Although BMW doesn't consciously dabble in the business of psychology (unless you're genuinely after the therapeutic effect of a proper M car), the new M240i xDrive is reminiscent of a chapter in the book on middle-child syndrome. With "proper" being the operative word, and by implication denoting and is built on the current 3 and 4 Series platform, as well as sharing the same interior.

The concept of a diesel coupé seems blasphemous, but if the R1 million-plus sticker price on the M240i is an arguable stretch, then the 220d is by some distance the next-best choice. It's no M car, but the extra 100 N.m it enjoys behavioural characteristics the M240i inherently lacks - where does that leave the newcomer?

Until the next M2 arrives, the M240i sits at the top of the newly launched 2 Series (the SA-only, coupé-only range, codenamed G42 and additionally comprising the 220i priced at R771 900 and the 220d at R819 278 respectively) and is built on the current 3 and 4 Series platform, as well as sharing the same interior.

The concept of a diesel coupé seems blasphemous, but if the R1 million-plus sticker price on the M240i is an arguable stretch, then the 220d is by some distance the next-best choice. It's no M car, but the extra 100 N.m it enjoys over its lesser 220i petrol sibling is as noticeable as it is useful for cut-and-thrust overtaking, if only to serve as an appetiser for the substantial beefiness of the six cylinder flagship.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 2022 من CAR.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 2022 من CAR.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

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