BMW M240i Coupé

FIRST DRIVE Straight-six power remains as BMW tweaks looks and adds kit to flagship two-door

- Richard Ingram

IN a world where even Porsche is fitting its smallest sports cars with downsized turbo engines, BMW’s M240i stands proud as one of the only models still available with a sonorous six-cylinder motor.

It still uses a turbo to boost performance and reduce emissions, but its comparatively large 3.0-litre engine is unique in this class. Like the diesel 2 Series we drove in Issue 1,483, the flagship two-door has been given a mid-life facelift – adding a subtle new look and fresh in-car tech.

Our model on the international launch featured xDrive all-wheel drive, although UK cars will continue to be rear-drive only. All versions get a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, but our Coupé had the more desirable £1,300 ZF eight-speed auto.