A BMW M240i Is Faster Than An M2 In This Speed Comparison

When we tested the new BMW M240i up against ‘our’ M2 longtermer, it was clear the gap between the full-fat M car and the next step down the 2-series ladder had been reduced. The M240i’s mid range feels punchier, and it really doesn’t feel like there’s much in it now in terms of straight-line performance. In fact, a speed comparison that’s since been filmed by a Dutch YouTube channel shows the M240i to be a little quicker.

To 100km/h (62mph) it’s a clear win for the M2, but after that, the M240i catches up and takes the lead. So how the hell did that happen?

Well, it’s important to note that as this isn’t a proper race, we can’t read too much in the result. We don’t know if each of the cars did their runs on the same bit of road, nor if the conditions were the same. And we can’t ignore the significantly more sophisticated chassis the M2 has. But what this video does show is how awkwardly close the pair are in terms of straight-line speed.

The 335bhp from the M240i’s new B58 engine puts it just 35bhp behind the M2’s N55, while its 369 lb ft torque figure is actually 26lb ft greater than twist levels enjoyed by the full-fat M Division machine. For the 0-62mph dash, the M2 is only 0.3sec quicker when comparing the DCT to the M240i automatic, with times of 4.3sec for the M2 and 4.6sec for the M240i.

That being said, like the M Performance version of the 2-series, the M2 is due some updates of its own. And by the looks of it those updates might involve the M4’s mighty S55 appearing under the bonnet…