BMW upgrades the M Performance 1 and 2 Series

BMW's M135i and M235i boosted to M140i and M240i status.

What's the news?

BMW, using the opportunity of the space in the range created by the more expensive, more powerful M2 Coupe, has given its mid-ranking M Performance versions of the 1 Series and 2 Series a significant engine upgrade.

The 3.0-litre turbo six-cylinder engine now develops 340hp (up by 14hp) and 500Nm of torque. Both M140i and M240i have seen their acceleration figures drop by 0.3 seconds for 0-100km/h, with the M240i able to do that sprint in just 4.4 seconds if fitted with the optional eight-speed automatic gearbox. The M140i can do it in 4.6 seconds. That makes the M240i faster than the original 1 Series M Coupe.

Efficiency hasn't been sacrificed though - both models are claimed to be seven per cent more efficient than before, with the M240i recording 7.1 litres/100km on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 163g/km - both figures achieved when fitted with the automatic.

Four-wheel drive (branded 'xDrive') is optional on both models, although it does have an impact on fuel consumption, pushing the M240i xDrive to 7.8 litres/100km and 179g/km.

BMW is also introducing a new 2.0-litre turbo 184hp petrol four-cylinder engine for the 120i and 220i models. In a 120i five-door, that engine is good for a 7.1-second 0-100km/h time, 5.5 litres/100km fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of 126g/km (again, when fitted with the optional automatic gearbox).

The 125i and 225i models also get more power, increasing to 224hp. There will also be a new 252hp engine, but only available in the 230i Coupe and Convertible.

A new BMW Connected infotainment system is also being introduced across the manufacturer's ranges. Seen already on the 7 Series, the new setup has a menu layout arranged in tiles, better speech recognition (which can recognise simpler phrases), inductive smartphone charging and a WLAN Wi-Fi hotspot.

Published on: May 18, 2016