BMW 2 Series M240i vs BMW M2 – which is best?

Despite using a lot of the same parts, these two models have their differences – including the price! But, whichever you pick, you’re guaranteed a fun driving experience and a powerful six-cylinder engine. We’ll help you choose between the BMW M240i and BMW M2.

BMW M240i vs BMW M2 compared

Styling

The M240i is broadly similar looking to the less powerful 2 Series models, although there are a couple of details that stand out if you know what to look for. You get specific wing mirrors in a brushed finish, as well as bigger wheels than the standard model and exclusive badges.

While it stands out against regular traffic – it’s rare to see a two-door coupe these days – the M240i could be called subtle against the M2. The M2 is guaranteed to draw attention thanks to its wider track and chiselled front end, featuring deepset air intakes and piercing headlights. The M2 divides opinion in our team – a few love the widebody look while others think it looks like a pig.

It’s the automotive equivalent of brutalist architecture, although it doesn’t help that it follows the original M2 – subjectively one of the best-looking cars in recent years.

Interior

The M2 has the sportier interior of the two, with a pair of bright red configurable M buttons on the steering wheel that you’ll struggle not to fiddle with. There’s a matching red starter button and, if you go for the optional carbon fibre interior trim, it extends a lot further than in the M240i – you get the carbon weave on the steering wheel and gearshift paddles in the M2. In comparison, the M240i risks not feeling sporty enough, although in new cars you get a red 12 o’clock marker on the steering wheel and sportier seats than a standard 2 Series.

Dimensions and practicality

The M2’s swollen bodywork makes it a little longer and wider than the M240i, but you’re unlikely to find one more difficult to park than the other. Having said that, you’re very aware of the M2’s big arches in your mirrors.

The main body shell is the same in both cars. There’s a decent amount of space for a smallish coupe, with sufficient rear legroom for adults. However, even average-sized adults will wish for a bit more rear headroom. The 390-litre boot is large and useful, unless you try to fit in something that’s an awkward shape for the boot opening.

Engine and performance

The M2 should have the clear advantage here – its 480hp comfortably beats the 374hp you get in the M240i. But the M240i’s xDrive four-wheel-drive system levels the playing field.

In the 0-62mph sprint, the M2 is only a tenth of a second faster – you’re not going to notice the difference between 4.3 and 4.2 seconds. Once it’s up to speed, the M2 will leave the M240i in its dust. Both are limited to 155mph, but in the M2 you can pick the M Driver’s Pack that increases the top speed to 177mph.

Just like the M2, the M240i packs a turbocharged 3.0-litre engine. Both sound great and the M240i still has the muscular six-cylinder feel. In our time with the M240i, we didn’t feel like we were missing out on the M2’s driving experience. Only the option of a manual gearbox would sweeten the deal, like you can get in the M2.

Value

There’s only one winner here. As new cars, the M2 is around £20,000 dearer than the M240i – and that’s before choosing the M2’s Racetrack Pack or going for the near-six-figure M2 CS.

Of course, the M240i doesn’t get the M2’s steroidal looks, nor its flagship status, but the driving experience is nine-tenths of the M2’s at a much lower cost.

It’s worth noting that the M240i isn’t going to be much cheaper to run than the M2. Insurance will be a bit cheaper but you’ll still be spending a lot on fuel and road tax.

Which is best?

Before we drove the M240i, we couldn’t imagine it being as exciting as the M2. But seeing as the M240i still gives you an engaging drive and a big engine, plus a quick-shifting automatic transmission and grippy all-wheel drive, it’s a compelling choice.

You’ll want the M240i if you think the M2 looks like a caricature of itself. But the main difference is the price, and we can’t overlook the massive saving you get from the M240i.

Read our BMW M240i review and BMW M2 review for more details, or shop used BMW M240i cars and used BMW M2 cars for sale at Motorpoint.