My driving life during the past few weeks was greatly enriched by two new BMW models, the 2017 M240i xDrive coupe and the 2018 530e xDrive iPerformance sedan. Both of them are fantastic for different reasons. Here are some highlights.
2017 BMW M240i xDRIVE COUPE
For 2017, the two-door, four-passenger BMW 2 Series coupe has all-new twin turbo four-cylinder and six-cylinder inline engines, giving rise to name changes for both. The previous 228i model is now the 230i, and the former M235i is now called M240i.
My tester was the BMW M240i xDrive model, whose inline six-cylinder delivers a rousing 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Tremendous team spirit is created by an eight-speed automatic transmission, and together the happy couple are capable of taking the M240i from zero to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds.
Throw in the xDrive all-wheel drive system and you couldn’t ask for more.
Fuel economy numbers are respectable: 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.
As expected with a small BMW luxury coupe, anything and everything on the car that can be designed or tuned for sportiness has been done so. This engineering and craftsmanship combined with the glorious powertrain pretty much equals a reason to live.
I like that the M240i has beautiful but subtle styling. It turns heads but doesn’t give the impression that its driver is desperate for attention. Or trying to compensate for something, if you know what I mean.
The compact size of the M240i means quite a compromise in rear seat leg room, but I doubt that will be an issue for someone who wants a sport coupe. The trunk is more generous about providing space, so at least there’s that.
By the way, the BMW M240i is also available as a convertible. Quiver!
2018 BMW 530e xDRIVE iPERFORMANCE
The 530e xDrive iPerformance is a plug-in hybrid version of BMW’s 5 Series midsize luxury sedan. It has been dissed by some for not having driving dynamics as sporty as the regular 5 Series, a silly criticism. People buy plug-in hybrids for their fuel economy and environmental benefits, not balls to the wall performance. And anyway, it’s not like the 530e is some kind of dog. Its hybrid powertrain makes it heavier, which takes a tiny toll on the exhilaration quotient, but there’s still plenty of get-up-and-go.
As a resident of the Pacific Northwest, where most of us are forward thinking and have a great love for the region’s natural splendor, I felt proud driving a 5 Series with “eDrive” badging. I hoped other people were noticing the logos and the little extra fuel door for the electric plug-in outlet, and realizing that I was really cool and not just some schmuck in a big fancy BMW.
The 530e sedan is the first BMW iPerformance model available in sDrive rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive. It provides all the abundant elegance, comfort, convenience, technology and safety features as the gasoline-powered version, and the same smooth quiet ride. Remarkably, it costs almost the same, too. No big price premium for it being a plug-in hybrid.
There’s a bit of room for improvement in one area: the brakes. They like to take their time bringing the car to what should be a quick stop.
Output of the 530e hybrid system totals 248 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. In concert with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the MPGe fuel economy rating is 67 using electricity and gasoline, and 28 mpg average when consuming gasoline only. For quick trips, driving can be done in electric-only mode.
2017 BMW M240i xDRIVE COUPE
Base price, including destination charge: $47,445
Price as driven: $54,870
2018 BMW 530e xDRIVE iPERFORMANCE
Base price, including destination charge: $54,695
Price as driven: $68,760
Mary Lowry is an independent automotive writer who lives in Snohomish County. She is a member of the Motor Press Guild, and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturers as a one-week loan for review purposes only. In no way do the manufacturers control the content of the reviews.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
Gallery
