BMW has taken its existing M235i compact coupe and lifted outputs by 10kW and 50Nm, while adding equipment and lowering the price to create its M240i replacement.

Mirroring the M135i to M140i hatchback changeover, the new M240i now produces from its 3.0-litre turbo six-cylinder a fuller 250kW and M2-beating 500Nm to claim a 4.6-second 0-100km/h.

That’s both two-tenths quicker than before and now only three-tenths off the BMW M2, which gets a standard 465Nm (and 500Nm only on overboost).

BMW 2 series engine

Kit highlights include adaptive LED headlights, 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio, keyless auto-entry and electrically adjustable front seats with heating – all unavailable on M2 Pure.

Bmw 2 series wheel

Other 2 Series models cop a power hike, too, including the 228i that becomes the 230i courtesy of a 5kW lift for its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, to 185kW and 350Nm.

Bmw m230i

Convertible versions also follow the coupe changeover, with the 230i priced from $71,900 and the M240i from $83,900.