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Everyone knows that the Ford Mustang Mach 1, Toyota GR Supra 3.0, and Nissan Z are fast sports cars. However, there is a close relative to the Supra that will outrun it to 60 mph for less money. Better yet, it’s not even a gas-guzzling muscle car. Enter the BMW M240i and its B58 engine, one of the fastest cars under $50,000. 

Is the BMW M240i a fast car?

A BMW M240i isn't just fast; it's one of the fastest coupes for the money.
BMW M240i | BMW

The M240i xDrive is a deceptively fast car among 2+2 sports coupes. With grippy all-wheel drive (AWD) and a powerplant shared with the BMW Z4 and Toyota GR Supra 3.0, the M240i is properly fast. The Bimmer came out on top in Car and Driver’s tests against the Toyota GR Supra, Mustang Mach 1, and Nissan Z Performance. Specifically, the M240i hit 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and a 12.1-second quarter mile, 0.1 seconds faster than the Supra in both sprints. 

That’s fast, considering the BMW has a set of small backseats and nearly 500 lbs on the GR Supra 3.0. Moreover, the internet is awash with amateur drivers hitting 60 mph in the low four-second and high three-second ranges. The combination of a great B58 powerplant, driver aids, and BMW’s xDrive AWD system make the baby Bimmer a beast. 

Is the M240i twin turbo?

While the M240i is powerful and fast, it’s not twin-turbocharged. Instead, the range-topping 2 Series car uses a 3.0L inline six-cylinder BMW B58 powerplant with a single twin-scroll turbocharger. As a result, the smooth motor produces 382 horsepower, a figure that remains the same for the M240i, Z4, and GR Supra 3.0. 

A BMW M240i and its B58 is a powerful combination.
BMW 2 Series | BMW

While the BMW B58’s 382 horsepower might not sound like much compared to the Nissan Z’s 400 and the Ford Mustang GT’s 450 ponies, it’s more than enough to motivate the M240i with ease. 

How much is the baby Bimmer?

While BMW’s badge and namesake are associated with luxury and performance, the M240i is a bit of a bargain. TrueCar says the BMW M240i starts at around $48,895, just under the $50,000 threshold. Better yet, the BMW model is more affordable than the Toyota GR Supra 3.0 and the Nissan Z Performance. The 2023 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 starts at around $53,595, and the Z Performance at about $51,015. 

Of course, the market is brimming with cars that will outrun the range-topping 2 Series. However, the sports coupe is one of the fastest-accelerating cars on the market for around $50,000, full stop. 

What’s faster, the BMW M2 or the M240i?

It might be shocking to some, but neither the previous F87 nor the upcoming G87 M2 are as fast as the latest M240i and its B58, with a big caveat. The German marque intended for its M2 to be quick around a track and fiendishly fun to drive. As a result, BMW never intended for its RWD M2 to outsprint the M240i; instead, it’s one of the best driver’s cars on the market. 

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).