Leading the pack

There’s no doubt about it that the BMW M240 is a special car when it comes to the compact segment and that is due in large part to its inline-six engine under roof. To put that engine to the test, “Sports Auto” decided to put it up against the Toyota GR Supra, with its smaller BMW 2.0-liter unit “B48” engine, and the Volkswagen Golf R, a hot hatch with all-wheel drive. A clear winner came out on top! Here’s more….

How they looked!

Dressed for battle, the BMW boasted Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires while Toyota was equipped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport. The Golf R came with Bridgestone Potenza S005 rubber. While the tires differed, all three competing vehicles had automatic transmissions, although the Supra’s four-cylinder is sold with a manual, and the Golf R can be had with a stick shift in the U.S.

Where they competed!

The three cars showed their stuff in Hockenheimring, where they raced back to back on the Grand Prix layout of the German track, which measures 2.84 miles or 4.57 kilometers long. With no fewer than 17 turns, the track served as the ideal location to test sports cars that boast sharp handling.

The winner/their specs!

Coming out on top was the M240i RWD, completing a lap time of 2:00.07, followed by the Golf R at 2:01.00 and the Supra at 2:03.00.

When it comes to the most affordable of the trio, the Supra stands out, retailing in Germany from 52,850. Next affordable is the Golf at 54,800, whereas the M240i comes in at 58,100 in RWD and 60,100 in Germany for those desiring the xDrive.

A look closer!

2024 2 series Starting at $39,795, the 2024 M240, with its athletic handling, compliant ride and strong braking performance, boasts latest generation styling. Two engines are offered with this model, including the 230i, which packs a 255-hp turbocharged inline-four that’s shared with the Toyota Supra 2.0, while the M240i steps it up a notch to a turbocharged inline-six that makes 382 ponies. Both of these powertrains can be paired with rear- or all-wheel-drive.

Inside, the cabin has an interior design that is enhanced by excellent build quality and satisfying ergonomics. A set of analog gauges are standard, and there is a fully digital instrument panel that measures 12.3 inches and a head-up display is also available. Unfortunately, the coupe’s back seat has less headroom than its predecessor.

In the area of infotainment, the 2-series has a system that runs through either a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen or an available 10.3-inch unit. In addition to steering-wheel controls and voice commands, the interface has the ability to be manipulated via a rotary controller on the center

console that’s surrounded by useful shortcut buttons. Each and every model comes equipped with a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a 10-speaker stereo. Those desiring more amps can upgrade to a 14-speaker, 464-watt Harman Kardon setup.

This vehicle sits atop 19-inch wheels on performance tires, a sportier suspension, upgraded brakes, a variable-ratio steering system and an electronically controlled rear differential. All of these come standard on the M240i, which can also jump to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds.

In the area of fuel economy, the all-wheel-drive six cylinder M240i is rated at 23 mpg city and 32 highway. It is also chock full of safety and driver-assistance features and technology, including blind-spot monitoring and front and rear parking sensors. There is also an option of self-parking assist that will work by automatically parking the vehicle in or out of parallel or perpendicular spots. More info on the 2-Series crash-test results can be found by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety websites.

A limited warranty and powertrain warranty covers your vehicle for four years or 50,000 miles, respectively, and complimentary scheduled maintenance is also covered for three years or 36,000 miles.

For 2024, the Supra boasts quality materials, an overall fun drive and a powerful turn six and stick shift, proving to be a wonderful combination!

Fast, fun and fashionable, this fan-favorite sports car is ironically based on the BMW Z4 convertible, bringing with it its very own curb appeal. Like the BMW, the Supra features a 255-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and a 382-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder. All Supras are rear-wheel drive and can either have an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual, which is the preference for many!

Like the BMW, the inside of the Supra offers ample space for all occupants, even on the longest drives. A driver-focused cockpit and roomy cargo space is found within with the same switchgear and infotainment controls as the BMW. And with the infotainment comes an 8.8-inch unit with a very slightly altered version of BMW’s latest iDrive interface. A digital gauge display is standard and Navigation and Apple CarPlay (not Android Auto) is available. A 12-speaker JBL audio system is optional, although the 10-speaker audio system that’s standard will surely suffice.

This vehicle also comes for 2024 with the addition of a 45th Anniversary Edition model, with only 900 produced. This Anniversary model will be presented in either white or orange paint, be available with only a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and feature matte-black wheels, a black body-side graphic and a manually adjustable rear spoiler.

Starting at $46,635, the Supra has a base trim level which comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder as well as others that all come with the inline-six. At the test track, it reached a 0-60 mph speed in just 4.7 seconds. That got even better wth the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and eight-speed automatic, reaching the speed in 3.7 seconds.

A Driver’s Assist package adds adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and a lane-keeping assist system, with the vehicle’s EPA ratings of 25 mph city and 32 highway.

The Golf R, starting at $46,605, comes with ample power, practicality that only a hatchback can bring, as well as just being overall fun to drive!

Within a new cabin design is a sporty aesthetic, including a thick-trimmed steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls that operate a 10.2-inch Digital gauge cluster with configurable layouts. Inside is also bolstered front seats wrapped in soft nappa leather, with the exclusive buckets featuring blue and carbon-look accents in the side sections as well as a blue “R” logo in back. Other interior features include ambient lighting with 30 colors, stainless-steel pedals and more carbon-look trim on the dash. Ample cargo space is found within as is a comfortable rear seat.

Under hood, a 315-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, which features 310 lb-ft of torque, gives great power to all four wheels, all while offering a smooth and quiet ride. The engine pairs with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

As a standard offering, the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system features a rear differential that can actively distribute torque between the left and right rear wheels for improved handling. This vehicle comes in selectable drive modes, including Comfort, Sport, Race, Special, Drift and Individual. Just press “R” and make your selection! A sport exhaust system comes with every model, and on the test track, the Golf with its seven-speed automatic transmission hit 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, with the six-speed manual reaching that mark in 4.9 seconds.

Top infotainment is found within and runs through a 10.0-inch touchscreen that is situated in the center of the dash. Second controls include touch-sensitive sliders. There is also as standard a 9-speaker Harmon/Kardon premium audio system with the ever-popular content of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Driver-assistance and safety features abound, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Lane-departure warning is also standard as is adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking.

The Golf earned ratings of 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, with more information on its fuel economy found on the EPA’s website. It is also important to note that the Golf’s limited warranty, which covers four years or 50,000 miles, and its complimentary scheduled maintenance, covering two years or 20,000 miles, are among the best around.

From a track battle to all-out wonderful individual features, these three vehicles are worth their weight in gold. From power and performance to affordability, comfort and expert handling, see which one might be your next best purchase and which is the leader of the pack!