why the M240i offers better overall value
The debate between BMW’s best performance compact cars has never been more intense, and many buyers automatically assume that the more expensive, track-focused option is the obvious choice. But in 2025, this hypothesis does not hold. The more accessible alternative offers almost the same straight-line speed, everyday comfort and modern technology, making it a much more realistic and well-rounded option for most drivers.
While the flagship model offers sharper handling and more aggressive tuning, the less expensive choice still offers serious power, a composed chassis and a driving experience that feels unmistakably BMW. It’s also easier to live with, thanks to a smoother ride, lower running costs, and a price that leaves plenty of room in the budget for options or upgrades. In many real-world scenarios, it offers much of the performance for significantly less cost.
This article breaks down the differences in power, features, practicality and value to explain why this “second-rate” performance coupe might actually be the smarter buy. For enthusiasts who want real thrills without spending too much, this might be the best buy.
To provide you with the most current and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article comes from various manufacturers’ websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA.
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The M240i offers fantastic performance for thousands of dollars less than an M2
Yes, you’ll have to deal with a bunch of people telling you that you haven’t bought a real M car, but if you can get past the harsh words you’ll find that the M240i is a much better value sports coupe than its full-fledged M sibling. While some concessions were made along the way to keep the price low, BMW’s baby-M delivers a driving experience you’ll actually enjoy on a daily basis, where the M2 is best saved for the weekend.
Save over $15,000
|
Model (2026) |
Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
|
M240i |
$53,000 |
|
M240i xDrive |
$55,000 |
|
M2 |
$68,200 |
If you’re looking to get a BMW with an inline-six engine, there are few more affordable ways than getting an M240i. Its six-cylinder engine offers a huge power gain over the base 230i coupe, and it comes with a number of other performance upgrades, including a limited-slip differential, much sportier suspension tuning, and larger brakes. For the average person looking for a sporty coupe, it offers just about everything you could want.
The M2 represents a jump of over $15,000 over the M240i, which is no small amount of money. While there’s no denying that it’s the fastest and most powerful car, packing an extra 91 horsepower over the baby-M, its limits are much harder for the average person to reach. This is especially true off the track, where the M2 is limited by road rules, meaning you can only really enjoy so much of that performance.
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Most will never take full advantage of the performance difference between the M240i and M2
The M2, like many M models before it, aims to deliver the pinnacle of performance. That means more power, tighter suspension and a number of improvements that make it more focused and precise. However, unless you’re a professional driver on a racetrack, you probably won’t benefit from all of these performance improvements. In this regard, the M240i seems to be the best coupe for the average person, and its performance remains truly fantastic.
M240i performance specs vs. M2
|
Model |
2026M240i |
2026M2 |
|---|---|---|
|
Powertrain |
3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six |
3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six |
|
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic |
|
Power |
382 hp |
473 hp |
|
Couple |
369 LB-PI |
406-443 LB-PI |
|
Transmission |
RWD or all-wheel drive |
all-wheel drive |
|
0-60 mph |
3.6 seconds |
3.5 seconds |
Both the M240i and M2 benefit from throaty but smooth power from turbocharged inline-sixes. Obviously, the M2 produces a bit more power. The M240i can be had with rear- or all-wheel drive and comes with an eight-speed automatic as its only transmission choice. The M2, however, is all-wheel drive only and can be had with a six-speed manual at no extra cost.
Despite the huge difference in power, the M240i is actually as fast as the M2 up to 60 miles per hour. Beyond that, the full-fledged M model obviously takes the lead. It’s sharper, tighter and more precise than its cheaper sibling, making it a weapon on a racetrack. However, its tight suspension tuning, sharp brakes, and heavy steering make it a much more difficult car to live with as a daily driver.
The M240i offers truly impressive performance for the price you pay. For $55,000, few coupes can keep up, in a straight line or on a track. While it’s disappointing that this model can’t be had with a manual transmission, the eight-speed gearbox is smooth and responsive, and you can also shift the gears yourself via the paddle shifters if you want. The M240i also feels lively without compromising ride quality, meaning it’s just as easy to enjoy on the highway as it is on a track day.
Fuel economy
|
Model |
City |
Highway |
Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
|
M240i |
23 mpg |
32 mpg |
26 mpg |
|
M2 |
16 mpg |
23 mpg |
19 mpg |
This may seem a bit trivial in a comparison of two sports coupes, but fuel costs are certainly a factor that sets these two cars apart. The M2 is a bit gas guzzler, which isn’t a big problem for a car you only drive on the track, but if you drive it every day, your bank account will definitely start to hurt.
It’s just another reason why the M240i is the better daily car, delivering 7 more miles per gallon than the M2 in most scenarios. In fact, for the performance it offers, the beefed-up Series 2 is actually impressively efficient.
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The M2 is exceptional, but the M240i is the car you’ll really want to own
In our opinion, comparing the M2 and M240i presents a fairly common marketing tactic. The M2 is a fantastic machine, and that’s not something that can be disputed, but the average person doesn’t have the skills to truly unlock its full potential. It also costs a ridiculous amount of money, making it even more inaccessible. Being out of reach, the M2 exists, at least in part, to sell cheaper cars like the M240i.
If you’re looking for a track toy or a second car to take on the weekends, the M2 is great. However, if you’re looking for a coupe that you can drive and enjoy every day without taking a hit to your bank account, or your back for that matter, then the M240i makes more sense. It’s as fast as an M2, has a slightly more compliant ride, comes with the same bells and whistles, and will cost you thousands of dollars less.
