2020 BMW M240i

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Rating7.4

Ranked #2 in 

Subcompact Coupe
Write Review
$45,800 - $52,400
Starting Price 
M. Hannigan's image
M. Hannigan 

Content Writer,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Frugal powertrain alongside impressive performance

Confined rear seating

Carrying over essentially unchanged from its previous iteration, the 2 series sees introduction to Advanced Safety Features and Parking Sensors as standard.

Athletic handling and comfortable ride

Boot space better in rivals

Plus cabin alongside a wealth of features

Specs & Features

$45,800

price

335 hp @ 5500 rpm

horsepower

369 lb.-ft. @ 1520 rpm

torque

8-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

3.0L 6cyl RWD 8A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Europe doesn’t really do dedicated muscle cars as Americans. But in spirit, we know which ones the Americans would call if it were in their hometown. BMW for instance makes some brawny cars out there, and with the 2 series, while catering as an entry model to the lineup and affordable at the same time, aesthetic and drivability still has the touch of higher model BMW. While it may not look resemble a bully, its muscularity comes from the brains of the engineers. Its M division have packed all sorts of bells and whistles under its hood, making sure you can jab the adrenaline-rushing throttle to a passive cruise in the city.

Powered by a 3.0L turbocharged engine 6-cylinders, the M240i coupe boasts mighty numbers of over 335 horses and 369 pound feet of pulling power. Blending power with the acclaimed German’s attention to detailing the cabin alongside abundance of features, the 2020 BMW M240i starts at $45,800.

Buying Advice

Needless to say, this is a well equipped trim with all the bells and whistles

Comparative Analysis against Competition

Competing against the Bavarian pocket rocket are the luxury packs from the big guns like Mercedes with its C-Class, and the Audi A5. These coupes belong in the same price bracket and deliver great drivability. Where does the kidney-grilled 2-door stand against these guys? Let’s find out.

Features
6.5/10

The coupe comes in a single trim. Starting at $45,800, the lineup is offered in two drivetrains costing $2000 apart where one is the standard RWD while the xDrive which is an AWD configuration which requires automatic transmission.

Powering the M240i is a 3.0L turbocharged engine (335 hp and 369 lb.-ft) and is mated to a standard 8-speed automatic transmission with an optional 6-speed manual. The performance variant offers plethora of features as well as advanced safety functions.

Trim

M240i

MSRP

$45,800

Key

Features

LED Headlights

 

Aerodynamic kit

 

Rear spoiler

 

Aluminum Hexagon interior trim with Estoril Blue highlight

 

4-way power lumbar support for front seats

 

SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 1-year All Access subscription

 

3-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function M sport steering wheel

 

Rear-view Camera

 

3.0-liter BMW M Performance Turbocharged inline 6-cylinder 335-hp engine

 

Sport exhaust system

We recommend

While the coupe already receives a host of standard technology and safety features, put in the extra $2000 and get the xDrive variant where you’d drive with an AWD system with excellent drivability.

Fuel Economy
5.2/10

Clearly the M badged BMW 2 series is a great performer but also manages to remain a tad efficient going by how far it is from its rivals. It gulps 21 miles per gallon in the city while staying around 30 miles on a single gulp in the highway. The coupe’s rivals are not that distant ahead, with mostly hovering around mid 24s in the city and 33s on highway, while being 24 combined.

Model

BMW M 240i coupe

Cadillac ATS coupe

Alfa Romeo Giulia

Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Premium sportback

Mercedes C300 4Matic

Jaguar XE

Lexus IS 300

MPG (city)

21

22

24

24

22

24

21

MPG (highway)

30

30

33

34

33

34

30

MPG (combined)

24

25

27

27

26

28

24

Interior
5.5/10

“The 2 Series uses interior components from larger and more expensive models in the BMW lineup. The design and quality of materials are close to identical, and as a result, the car exceeds entry-level expectations.” -edmunds

What would you expect from a BMW cabin? The athletic M240i basically answers that question in style; using materials from the high-end models of the manufacturer, the cabin exceeds its class. Black leather sport seats with M-steering wrapped in leather make up the interiors. With seat adjustments and quality upholstery, you’re placed comfortably inside with but the rear takes a hit due to the sloping roofline and the compact size of the coupe, deeming it unfit and cramped for adults; the kids would love it back there though!

The cabin is neatly designed and appropriately placed with abundant tech and conveniences. Noise isolation is very well taken care of; you’d barely hear what the outside world is going through but the noteworthy point is its constant engine humming, which quite frankly is more pleasing to the ears than otherwise.

Models

BMW M 240i coupe

Cadillac ATS Coupe

Alfa Romeo Giulia

Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Premium Sportback

Mercedes C300 4Matic

Jaguar XE

Lexus IS 300

Passenger capacity

4

5

5

5

5

5

5

Front Headroom(cu.ft)

40.5

40.1

38.6

39.4

37.6

37.1

-

Front Shoulder room

54.4

56.1

55.7

54.1

55.3

-

56.7

Front Legroom

41.5

42.4

41.3

42.3

NA

-

44.5

Rear Headroom(cu.ft)

37.0

36.5

37.6

NA

35.1

37.1

-

Rear Shoulder room

53.4

53.6

54.5

51.1

55

-

56.1

Rear Legroom

33.0

35.1

35.1

33.5

NA

-

35.1

Infotainment System

The iDrive system on the BMW measures 6.5” with an intuitive interface and easy controllers. The interface does take a bit of time to get used to, but the iDrive is better than most in the class segment. The infotainment system includes some of the following features –

  • BMW ConnectedDrive Services
  • 7-speaker sound system with CD Player
  • Onboard Hands-Free Communications System
  • AM/FM Radio
  • Bluetooth
  • Sat Navigation
  • USB Input

Interior Features

Features include in the interior are –

  • 10-way power front sport seats; including 2-way power side bolsters, 1-way manual headrests and thigh support; driver memory for exterior mirror and seat positions
  • 60/40 split fold-down through-load rear seats
  • High-gloss Black interior trim with Pearl Gloss Chrome highlight
  • SensaTec upholstery
  • Folding rear-seat headrests

Cargo Volume

While being sporty, the coupe also shows off some practicality, even though it isn’t by much. At an average 13.8 cubic feet, you’d be able to pack a suitcase or two and places it amongst the bottom of the list. The Audi A5 takes the crown here for the most copious boot space in the field followed at a distant by the Jaguar XE.

Model

BMW M 240i coupe

Cadillac ATS coupe

Alfa Romeo Giulia

Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Premium sportback

Mercedes C300 4Matic

Jaguar XE

Lexus IS 300

Cargo Volume (ft.3)

13.8

10.4

13.0

21.8

12.6

16.1

10.8

Exterior
7.5/10

“The 2020 2-Series channels BMW’s past style in all the right ways.” -thecarconnection

Sitting 5” from the ground rolling on four 18” double-spoke bi-color wheels on four corners, the curvy BMW M240i blends simple aesthetic with a sporty aerodynamic body kit. Compact, narrow and short, meet the iconic BMW chrome-accented kidney-grille making up the front fascia, LED headlights to flank the BMW insignia sitting in the center. Mesh grilles sit across the bumpers with more pronounced design over the face. Its detailing continues over the headlight with a hard-line running across it under which sit the lamps.

This coupe sits tamed on the tarmac when not moving but a look at the front has a bit of menace to it, thanks to the grilles, while the whole framework has looked like it awaits being released from its leash. Its straightforward design continues all throughout the character lines found on the sides, to the rear of the body. Over the roof lies a shark fin, while the rear consists of an athletic spoiler and mono sport exhaust pipe on either sides.

Model

BMW M 240i coupe

Cadillac ATS coupe

Alfa Romeo Giulia

Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Premium sportback

Mercedes C300 4Matic

Jaguar XE

Lexus IS 300

Curb weight (lbs.)

3519

3418

3521

3704

3500*

3500 lbs

3,583

Length(in)

175.9

183.6

182.6

186.3

184.5

183.9

184.3

Width(in)

69.8

72.5

73.7

72.6

71.3

77.4

71.3

Height(in)

55.4

54.8

56.5

54.6

56.3

55.8

56.3*

Ground clearance (in)

5.1

N/A

NA

N/A

3.8

-

5.3

Wheelbase (in)

105.9

109.3

111

111.2

111.8

111.6

110.2

Track width (in) F/R

59.9/61.3

60.3/61.7

61.3/63.9

62.5/61.7

61.5/60.9

62.8/62.4

60.4/61*

Exterior Features

Some of the features included in the exterior are –

  • Aerodynamic body kit
  • Rear spoiler
  • Chrome-line exterior trim
  • 18” alloy wheels
  • LED fog lights
  • LED headlights
  • Sport kidney-grille

Safety
7.5/10

Included standard safety features in the BMW are impressive and in abundance. While the Government safety data is yet to be completed, the manufacturer has carefully crafted the coupe with a host of precautions and sensors in case of any destructive event. Some of the features are -

  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Seat-mounted front side-impact airbags
  • Driver's and passenger's front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with advanced technology: dual-threshold, dual-stage deployment
  • Front and rear Head Protection System (HPS)
  • Knee airbags for driver and front passenger
  • Automatic-locking retractors (ALR) on all passenger safety belts for installation of child-restraint seat
  • LATCH attachments for child-restraint safety installation
  • Coded Driveaway Protection
  • Anti-theft alarm system

Competition
8.0/10

BMW M240i vs Audi A5

The M packaged BMW 2 series is far more sporty and athletic compared to the poised and refined luxury coupe by Audi in its A5. The M420i packs more punch and power, handles like an athletic sports machine alongside comfort. However the Audi A5 offers opulence and plush quality along with comfortable ride while being a tamed hooligan, plus excellent storage and spacious rear seats. Since both are priced along the same lines, it depends on your priority; you have two extremes here with both different purposes. Competitive and technologically rich? Or luxurious and plush? Your call.

BMW M240i vs Mercedes C-Class

The Mercedes C300 is an engaging coupe with great driving dynamics and is feature rich. It provides efficient powertrain, plush seating and upscale interior quality. Like the Audi A5, the Mercedes is more attuned towards luxury and opulent ride, but at the same time the silver arrow has enough grip to cater the enthusiast as well. It has better seating space as well. The BMW M240i is all about sports package fused with the Bavarian’s excellent technology and driving experience. Once again it all depends on your preference whether you want opulence or sports.

Final Verdict

The M240i is a hooligan placed on the track; it is fun and spirited while remaining tamed when not needed. It comes with a handful of features alongside technology and a powerful machine under the hood. It is rapid, swift and handles nimbly. Its steering is exceptionally responsive and feels great in your hands.

While not being the most efficient amongst its rivals, its powertrain does provide good returns. You wouldn’t buy the M240i for its practicality or the rear seats so clearly the car is designed for fun and occasionally is pragmatic. Why would you want the BMW M240i? So you’d enjoy a small sized, BMW with M badged performance kit alongside an abundance of technology-a bit of an upgrade over its normal 2 series in all frankness.

Trims

    Base
    $45,800 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl RWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 335 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 369 lb.-ft. @ 1520 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 4.3 sec
    • Top Speed: 155 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 25 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$45,800- $52,400

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.42

Horsepower

335 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque

369 lb.-ft. @ 1520 rpm

Capacity

4

Read Review

$30,090- $39,490

Gasoline

6.95

332 hp @ 7000 rpm

270 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm

2

Read Review

$42,900- $59,600

Gasoline

7.62

248 hp @ 5000 rpm

273 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

4

Read Review

$43,000- $45,600

Gasoline

7.6

288 hp @ 5400 rpm

280 lb.-ft. @ 1900 rpm

5

Read Review

$54,500

Gasoline

7.33

288 hp @ 5400 rpm

280 lb.-ft. @ 1900 rpm

4

Read Review

$44,225- $50,905

Gasoline

7.25

311 hp @ 6600 rpm

280 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

4

Read Review

2020 BMW M240i vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    4.3 sec12.9 sec155 mph
    2020 Audi TTS

    Ranked #2

    4.4 sec13.4 sec155 mph
    2020 Audi S3

    Ranked #3

    4.7 sec13.6 sec155 mph
    4.8 sec13.3 sec-
    2020 Audi A5

    Ranked #5

    5.6 sec14.4 sec130 mph
    5.8 sec14.3 sec-

    2020 BMW M240i vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      19 mpg30 mpg25 mpg13.7 gal.301.4/411 mi.
      2020 Audi A5

      Ranked #1

      24 mpg32 mpg27 mpg15.3 gal.367.2/489.6 mi.
      2020 Audi TTS

      Ranked #2

      23 mpg29 mpg25 mpg14.5 gal.333.5/420.5 mi.
      2020 Audi S3

      Ranked #2

      22 mpg29 mpg25 mpg14.5 gal.-
      20 mpg28 mpg23 mpg17.4 gal.348/487.2 mi.
      17 mpg26 mpg20 mpg19 gal.323/494 mi.

      2020 BMW M240i vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        175.9 in.69.8 in.55.4 in.5.1 in.105.9 in.
        185 in.72.4 in.54.9 in.5.3 in.107.5 in.
        2020 Audi A5

        Ranked #2

        184.9 in.72.7 in.54.5 in.6.5 in.108.8 in.
        2020 Audi S3

        Ranked #4

        175.8 in.70.7 in.54.8 in.-103.6 in.
        167.5 in.72.6 in.51.8 in.4.8 in.100.4 in.
        2020 Audi TTS

        Ranked #6

        165 in.72.1 in.53.3 in.-98.6 in.

        2020 BMW M240i vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          13.8 cu.ft.94.6 cu.ft.11.3 cu.ft.
          2020 Audi A5

          Ranked #1

          10.9 cu.ft.81 cu.ft.79.2 cu.ft.
          10.4 cu.ft.83.8 cu.ft.66 cu.ft.
          2020 Audi S3

          Ranked #3

          --59.7 cu.ft.
          2020 Audi TTS

          Ranked #4

          12 cu.ft.125.3 cu.ft.50.3 cu.ft.
          6.9 cu.ft.51.6 cu.ft.6.9 cu.ft.

          2020 BMW M240i vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            11.3 cu.ft.13.8 cu.ft.11.3 cu.ft.-
            9.4 cu.ft.6.9 cu.ft.6.9 cu.ft.-
            2020 Audi S3

            Ranked #3

            59.7 cu.ft.-59.7 cu.ft.-
            2020 Audi TTS

            Ranked #4

            50.3 cu.ft.12 cu.ft.50.3 cu.ft.67 ft.
            2020 Audi A5

            Ranked #5

            79.2 cu.ft.10.9 cu.ft.79.2 cu.ft.-
            66 cu.ft.10.4 cu.ft.66 cu.ft.-

            2020 BMW M240i vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              785 lbs.3519 lbs.
              2020 Audi A5

              Ranked #1

              882 lbs.3638 lbs.
              2020 Audi TTS

              Ranked #1

              772 lbs.3263 lbs.
              2020 Audi S3

              Ranked #1

              1102 lbs.3461 lbs. -
              700 lbs.3748 lbs.
              606 lbs.3333 lbs.

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