All the while, that lovely six-cylinder engine whispers breathy sweet nothings into your ears, its voice rising to an urgent wail as you pile on the revs; as you’d expect, it’s less stentorian than the M2’s, but just as enjoyable in its own way, softer and warmer, and shorn of the overblown crackles and farts.
And let’s not forget this is still a car that can accelerate from 0-62mph in four seconds, or as near as makes no difference. The way it does so is entirely in keeping with this car’s more accessible demeanour; a big slug of unstinting urge that chimes in immediately and pounds you into the seat right to the top of the rev range, always available, always relentless. You don’t need to make sure the M240i is in the correct gear to enjoy it – just mash your right foot and it’ll smear your face backwards regardless.
The Telegraph verdict
If you want a weekend toy to bash around a racing circuit and blow away the cobwebs, then, the M2 is the one to choose. But as a daily driver, as a car that’ll bimble around town or burble along a motorway for 80 per cent of the time and blow your hair off the remaining 20, the M240i is no poor relation. In fact, in that role, it’s better. Yes, it’s more of a compromise, but as a result it’s less uncompromising.
And let’s face it: on a public road, you aren’t going to find it any less rewarding unless you’re a true hotshoe.
Against its rivals, meanwhile, the M240i is faster, more involving, smarter, more spacious and on the whole, better value. It’s a no-brainer. If you’re in the market for a sensibly sized, fast, two-door coupé, buy one now – and if your friends tell you it’s a shame it isn’t an M2, be sure to put them right.
The facts
On test: BMW M240i xDrive
Body style: two-door coupé
On sale: now
How much? £49,225 on the road
How fast? 155mph, 0-62mph in 4.3sec
How economical? 34.4mpg (WLTP Combined)
Engine & gearbox: 2,998cc six-cylinder petrol engine, eight-speed automatic gearbox, four-wheel drive
Maximum power/torque: 369bhp/369lb ft
CO2 emissions: 186g/km (WLTP Combined)
VED: £1,040 first year, £570 next five years, then £180
Warranty: 3 years / unlimited miles
Spare wheel as standard: No (not available)
The rivals
Audi TT S Quattro Black Edition
315bhp, 34.0mpg, £49,740 on the road
Don’t be fooled by the Black Edition bit of the name; this is now the most affordable TT S ahead of the model’s imminent discontinuation. And as much as we admire the TT, especially this version with its boosty, grippy persona, it’s outgunned, outclassed and outpriced by the M240i. It’s also much less spacious.
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