AC SCHNITZER ACS2 401

German tuning experts airn tomake the BMW M240iless tourer, more sportster

-  RICHARD LANE

BMW’s G42-generation M240i is a fine performance coupé, but there’s no question that its character lies more towards the grand touring end of the spectrum than the outright dynamism end. Four-wheel drive, an automatic box and 1700kg naturally make it lean that way. It also means anyone who wants their compact coupé to be more of an athlete is funnelled towards the forthcoming M2 all 61,495 of it, in its fat-hipped, 454bhp glory with, if you desire, a manual).

But now there’s a middle ground, even if it might not appear that way. Ata glance, famed Aachen-based tuner AC Schnitzer’s adjustments to the M240i seem to take the car too far in the other direction: too hardcore and uncompromising.

That’s mostly due to the wheels. You may wonder how on earth 20in alloys wearing filigree 30-section Michelins up from 19in and 40 section on the standard car) can work in the UK, yet they do. You may also imagine that pairing such a package with 20mm-shorter springs at the both ends of the chassis would sign the death warrant for ride quality and road manners, yet it hasn't. Quite the opposite, because if anything, AC Schnitzer’s ACS2 kit unlocks the hottest sub-M 2 Series and helps it fully deliver on its potential as a rewarding day-to-day driver’s car.

As ever with AC Schnitzer, you can choose which upgrades and accoutrements you want, ranging from aluminium pedals that cost 198 right up to the full conversion package, which totals roughly 20,000 and morphs the M240i into a414bhp, 443lb ft Porsche 911-baiter.