It seems we will very soon have the BMW M140i and BMW M240i with us

Until a few weeks ago, since the arrival of the BMW M2, the sportiest versions of the BMW 1 Series and 2 Series Coupé were the M135i and M235i. The M135i is currently the most powerful variant of the German compact.

Both models use, in these versions, the six-cylinder, three-litre twin-turbocharged engine TwinPower Turbo, producing a power figure of 326 hp and available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission.

Their performance is, to say the least, sporty. In the case of the two-door model, the 2 Series, it is capable of covering the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds with the ZF automatic gearbox and exactly 5 seconds with the manual transmission. Not bad for rear-wheel-drive vehicles of that size.

According to BMW Blog, it seems these versions could soon be relegated to a second or, rather, third plane. BMW may be considering launching a new version under the name M140i for the hatchback and M240i for the coupé. It would not be very surprising given that the Bavarian brand already uses this naming (40i) on some models such as the BMW X4 M40i or the 3 Series saloon 340i.

Although the German manufacturer has not yet confirmed anything at all, the rumours say this change of name would come accompanied by a slight power increase raising the figure to around 340 hp, while keeping the same N55 TwinPower Turbo engine. These rumours also suggest that both cars could offer the manual gearbox or the ZF 8-speed automatic, with the option of choosing xDrive four-wheel drive system with the automatic.

It would not seem at all strange that, if confirmed, these new versions arrive with the launch of a light restyling of both models. BMW Blog says they would arrive this summer.

Despite everything, it is somewhat strange that BMW would want to increase the performance of these two models, especially the coupé. The M235i has received very good reviews since its launch, and a power increase like the one being rumoured would leave it just 30 hp away from the BMW M2. It is true that the M2 is a somewhat different concept, much more sporty and effective on track thanks to its chassis and extra power, but the price difference for just 30 extra hp could overshadow the M2 and further increase the desire for the variant just below it.

Via | BMW Blog

Technical specifications of the cars in this article

SedanBMW Serie 218 versions · from 38,650 €

HatchbackBMW Serie 15 versions · from 35,150 €