Driven: BMW M240i Convertible

BMW’s 2-Series range offers drivers sporting thrills in a compact package – with equipment and engine changes this year that replace the previous M235i, we put the new M240i Convertible to the test.  

Exterior

While the M240i Convertible replaces last year’s M235i, the exterior remains exactly the same. Featuring short overhangs and upwards-sloping headlights, the M240i doesn’t exactly look intimidating, but BMW remedies this with aggressive contouring and large air intakes on the front.

Performance

Under the bonnet sits a new 6-cylinder, 3.0-litre turbocharged engine, churning out an impressive 250kW of power – enough to send the M240i Convertible from 0-100km/h in just 4.7 seconds. In comparison, Audi’s S3 Cabriolet is a little stodgier, making 213kW of power, and hitting 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.

Despite its compact size, the M240i Convertible is heavy, weighing in at close to 1700kg thanks to the extra stiffening and chassis adjustments required for convertibles.

This means that if you’re looking for pure driving thrills, the Coupe option is a better choice. That being said, the convertible model is still a blast to drive, and if you prefer the wind in your hair and a compact footprint, the M240i Convertible is perfect for you.

The 8-speed automatic gearbox is quick and doesn’t have trouble finding the right gear, and for the purists there’s also a no-cost 5-speed manual option.

Interior

Inside, you’ll find genuine leather (including on the door-mounted arm rests) and a plethora of standard kit, including a 12-speaker Harman Kardon entertainment setup, heated and powered seats, and an 8.8-inch screen for navigation, climate control and settings adjustment.

With the roof down, the interior cabin is quiet and refined, even on the highway. Raising and lowering the roof takes around 20 seconds, which isn’t exactly spry, but once you put the roof and your foot down you’ll soon forget about any minor niggles.

Top down thrills, compact package

With a drive-away price of close to $92,000, the M240i Convertible is almost in a segment of its own, simply because there are not a lot of manufacturers with direct competitors.

For a convertible that’s small enough for the inner-city, with a stonking engine and a high level of trim, your only real other option in this price range is the Audi S3 Cabriolet – but for our money, we’d prefer the quicker, and higher-specced M240i Convertible.

That being said, if you don’t absolutely need a drop-top in your garage, the M240i Coupe offers a better driving experience and knocks almost $10k off the drive-away price. 

James Fordham

James has been interested in aviation ever since his first flight. When he’s not travelling, he’s still on the road indulging his motoring hobby, or trying a new whisky.