Middle child syndrome

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

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.