Unveiling the Wildly Upgraded 2026 BMW M240i xDrive

BMW is kicking off 2026 with a bang, giving its already-beloved M240i xDrive a serious power bump, one that nudges the compact performance coupé tantalisingly close to the 300kW mark. For Kiwi drivers who crave a mix of agility, attitude, and straight-line punch, this refreshed model is shaping up to be one of the year’s most compelling performance offerings. And in true Tarmac Life fashion, there’s plenty here to unpack for enthusiasts, weekend warriors, and anyone hunting for “the best performance coupé NZ 2026”. At the heart of the upgrade is BMW’s renowned TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder engine, now boosted by a 48‑volt mild hybrid system. This electrified assist isn’t just tech fluff, it’s the key reason the M240i xDrive now delivers a robust 288kW and 540Nm, representing gains of 13kW and 40Nm compared with the outgoing model. It’s a meaningful jump, especially in a model already known for punching above its weight. With the additional power, acceleration remains razor sharp. BMW quotes a 0–100km/h time of just 4.3 seconds, meaning the M240i continues to nip at the heels of its full-fat M stablemates while maintaining the everyday usability that made it a favourite on New Zealand roads. Whether you’re blasting across the Kaimais or carving your way around Wellington’s hillside switchbacks, this is a coupé that thrives on being driven. BMW New Zealand has confirmed that customer deliveries of the enhanced M240i xDrive will begin in Q1 2026, giving local buyers an early taste of the brand’s updated performance formula. With pricing holding steady at $119,900, the improvements represent compelling value in a segment where rivals frequently require pricey option packs to match this level of spec. Of course, straight‑line pace is only half the story. The M240i xDrive’s chassis continues to benefit from technology derived from the BMW 4 Series, giving the compact coupé a planted, confidence‑inspiring feel. The xDrive all‑wheel‑drive system channels torque intelligently, ensuring traction even when the weather turns unpredictable, a major plus for New Zealand’s famously changeable climate. The result is a performance package that feels balanced, composed, and ready to be exploited by drivers of all skill levels. Yet perhaps the most intriguing improvement for 2026 is efficiency. Despite the power hike, WLTP fuel consumption has dropped to 8.0L/100km, down from 8.8–8.7L/100km previously. CO₂ emissions have fallen too, now sitting at 183g/km. For a six‑cylinder turbocharged coupé producing nearly 300kW, those are standout numbers, and they make the M240i an appealing choice for performance buyers who don’t want to stop at the pump every other day. It sits in a sweet spot, more focused than the 4 Series, more practical than the Toyota GR Supra, and far less intimidating than an M4 Competition. In short, it’s a driver’s car that doesn’t ask for compromises. What hasn’t changed? The specification. BMW is keeping all the features Kiwis already valued: premium materials, sharp digital displays, a driver‑centric cockpit, adaptive suspension, and that unmistakable blend of sports styling and muscular stance. In a world where performance cars increasingly lean on electrification, the M240i’s straight‑six soundtrack and dynamic purity remain refreshingly analogue, just augmented, not replaced. Tarmac Takeaway The 2026 BMW M240i xDrive is more than a mid‑cycle update. It’s a refined, recalibrated, and re‑energised performance coupé that strengthens BMW’s already‑impressive offering in the New Zealand market. With more power, better efficiency, and no price creep, it stands ready to thrill a new wave of drivers. If this is what BMW can do with a mild hybrid, just imagine what’s coming next. But for now, the M240i xDrive might just be the perfect balance of modern tech and old‑school BMW spirit, lighting up Kiwi tarmac with every squeeze of the throttle. Here’s our video review of the old model while you wait: