[CanadianGatorBacon]

All ///M purists, avert your eyes. The M1xxi/M2xxi are getting a pair of big brothers. Now you can complain that this is watering down the ///M brand, or you can see it as BMW trying to return to what many enthusiasts have been clamoring for ... fun, sporty, attainable BMWs.

Before BMW debuted its incredibly popular M2, the favorite Bavarian steed among car enthusiasts was the BMW M235i. It was the first in a growing line of M Performance variants of BMW’s standard cars. It wasn’t a full-on M car, despite the many “M” badges trying to convince you that it was, but it had just enough of the M Division baked into it to make it feel special. It was, and still is, one of my favorite modern BMWs.

If you feel the same way I do, then get excited because BMW is likely going to be doing the same thing with the 3 Series and 4 Series for their next-generation models, according to our sources.

For the upcoming G20 generation BMW 3 Series, and the following 4 Series, BMW will be introducing M Performance variants to become the top-end models in each lineup. So instead of the 340i and 440i, they will be the M340i and M440i.

Some BMW fans feel that this is diluting the M brand, as these aren’t proper M cars but have about a zillion M badges throughout, giving them a “psuedo M” feel. However, it’s actually a good move by BMW, because it makes the top-end model a sportier, more high-performance variant without customers having to spend the extra money to get the full-on M3 or M4. Plus, like Audi’s S4 and S5 models and Mercedes-AMG’s new C43 models that compete, it gives BMW’s cars a hint of a higher performance pedigree.

But name jargon and brand values aside, the BMW M235i was a damn good car and the M240i will be even better. BMW’s M Performance treatment makes the standard car drive and so well that the name on the back becomes irrelevant.

The current BMW M240i uses BMW’s new B58 turbocharged 3.0 liter I6 engine, which is simply one of the best engines on the market and possibly the best engine the Bavarians currently make, and it’s likely going to be used in the future 3 and 4 Series M Performance models. Seeing how good it is now and then wondering what kind of potential is has in the future is very exciting. Being that these M340i and M440i models won’t be out for a couple of years, the B58 will only get better in that time.

If BMW’s M Performance treatment can do to the 3 and 4 Series what it did to the 2 Series, then bring it on. We can’t wait.

[fecurtis]

Was only a matter of time. I think it's better than doing what Mercedes is doing and labeling them as actual AMG cars.

[CanadianGatorBacon]

I am all for it. I love my M235i, and DD it 50 miles a day in the DMV. Don't know if I'd love an M2 driving through DC everyday. The M Performance models strike a great balance. People will argue that M Performance type setups should just be standard BMW, but those day are apparently long gone. So if it takes some marketing badges for BMW to build cars that hark back to the days enthusiast dream about, then do whatever it takes BMW.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by CanadianGatorBacon

I am all for it. I love my M325i, and DD it 50 miles a day in the DMV. Don't know if I'd love an M2 driving through DC everyday. The M Performance models strike a great balance. People will argue that M Performance type setups should just be standard BMW, but those day are apparently long gone. So if it takes some marketing badges for BMW to build cars that hark back to the days enthusiast dream about, then do whatever it takes BMW.

More options is always a good thing. I've stayed away from the "true ///M" cars bc I need AWD and 95% of the time I don't benefit from the added performance trade offs you have to make with a DD. If there's no M240 GC I'd definitely look at either an M340 or M440 GC or whatever they are going to call it if/when I decide I need 4 doors.

[mkoesel]

This was a forgone conclusion given that the top trim level G11 is now the M760i and the top trim level G30 is going to be the M550i.

So, BMW falls in line with Audi as their top trim level models below Quattro RS are designated S* (standard models are A* or Q*). Mercedes also recently changed their naming from Mercedes x### to Mercedes-AMG x## (currently only x43, but more likely to come) for top trim sub-AMG-proper models to leverage the AMG brand.

[BimmerMat135]

Well I just hope to see a M340XI G21 6MT in North America.

[eluded]

Sweet, that's great news, I was at Costco the other day and saw a sweet 3 series with M stickers all over the car. My friend liked the car and was like, is that a M3? Bet you wish you got that instead, huh? To which I replied, not really, it's at 328 with a bunch of M stickers out of the factory. He was shocked, i thought M sticks only went on M3s?

[Sassicaia]

can you buy a BMW without an M somewhere on it?

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by Sassicaia

can you buy a BMW without an M somewhere on it?

i think the i3 is still immune.

[zenmaster]

You gotta laugh at or feel sorry for the people who are displeased that confusion in external branding changes will diminish their car's perceived value to others.

[Mandi90TT]

M240i xDrive looks like it will be a great daily driver for winter drivers in snowy areas and quite a bit of tuning room on the B58

[zenmaster]

Originally Posted by Dave 90TT

M240i xDrive looks like it will be a great daily driver for winter drivers in snowy areas and quite a bit of tuning room on the B58

The M240i will be a great platform. Despite BMW's claims, it looks like it'll put down same stock 330whp as the new M2.

[ipilcher]

Originally Posted by Sassicaia

can you buy a BMW without an M somewhere on it?

Apparently not In Sao Paulo. Who knew BMW made an M3 with a single tailpipe?

[Sassicaia]

The dilution of M satisfies a lot of insecure buyers.

[Sassicaia]

Originally Posted by Kyle B

i think the i3 is still immune.

You're right. I was actually serious with my question. I think that and the i8 might be the only ones

[zenmaster]

Originally Posted by Sassicaia

The dilution of M satisfies a lot of insecure buyers.

It also dissatisfies a lot of insecure buyers. Can't win.

[pikkagtr]

Originally Posted by zenmaster

The M240i will be a great platform. Despite BMW's claims, it looks like it'll put down same stock 330whp as the new M2.

Yup and with the better inline 6 b58💪💪

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by Sassicaia

You're right. I was actually serious with my question. I think that and the i8 might be the only ones

yep, was totally serious with my answer too I'm actually surprised BMW was able to exercise some ///Restraint.

[Diggerdan11]

I like the fact they are selling these "Wattered down" M Cars. They would be perfect for someone like me that wants that little extra umph, but dont want to go full M.

Isnt that kinda what the 335is was? A little more power, better suspension, but not quite as bonkers as the M3? If they would have made a Sedan version of the 335is I would have been all over that. I will definetly be interested in a M340i in the future.

Now that being said I think BMW should be a little careful about using the M name on non-M Cars. It just reminds me of the crappy cars Chevy kept putting SS badges on like the Malibu/Maxx SS, and the non supercharged/turbocharged version of the Cobalt, and it really de-valued the SS badge.

[Jim B]

Originally Posted by Sassicaia

can you buy a BMW without an M somewhere on it?

You would then just have a BW.

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by Diggerdan11

Now that being said I think BMW should be a little careful about using the M name on non-M Cars. It just reminds me of the crappy cars Chevy kept putting SS badges on like the Malibu/Maxx SS, and the non supercharged/turbocharged version of the Cobalt, and it really de-valued the SS badge.

Too late.

[cenix]

BMW can monetize the name and former glory of its Motorsport Division, what's not to like? AMG did it when they sold out to Mercedes. Can't blame them. I'm just waiting for my alcantara lined ///M Performance Motorsport GT-S CSL Evo toilet seat cover so I can take quicker poo's.