M240i xDrive VS sDrive Track Test - G42

Disclaimer - Both cars are technically on the same Pirelli tires but the sDrive is RFT while the xDrive is non-RFT! This may be a difference in time from about half a second to maybe even a second in split time. It’s not enough to null the comparison; please enjoy the driving-dynamic review!
When it comes to performance, does the xDrive come out ahead of the sDrive despite being heavier?

[@CubanRider]

Watching this casually, then realizing you're at Harris Hill Raceway which is down the road from me. We just picked up a '23 M240i xDrive, still in its break-in miles, but I can already tell it's got good driving dynamics despite the weight.

[@VictorPitstop]

That’s awesome! Congrats! Maybe I’ll see you there? I am a member!

[@CubanRider]

@@VictorPitstop thanks. It's unlikely I'll ever track the BMW, I go down to H2R for motorcycle events. Maybe in the future I will get me something a little more track worthy.

[@emileyounes4321]

Good informative video. The run flat vs non-run flat surely was a limitation though.

[@rsotis]

The 2023 RWD with 30# of fuel weighed 3640# (heads up display, no track pack, 225 F/255R run flats) on a digit scale. It should be 122# lighter than the X drive.

[@Mp-jw1qg]

my 2023 xdrive on scales is 3812

[@rsotis]

@@Mp-jw1qg //////////were you in it?!?! The weights that I posted above did NOT include me... and are very close to the #s published by BMW.

[@10essee10titans]

perfect conditions, RWD. anything other than perfect conditions, AWD

[@davidzvezda]

How does the m340i x drive behaves on track? If Bwm does not build driver’s car,who is building it : Alfa, Mercedes with C43 ? Audi?

[@VictorPitstop]

I have not driven M340ix on track yet but plan to. BMW are technology cars now. More luxury too. Alfa makes better drivers cars now. You’ll have to buy an older car to get the sensation now.

[@jdbsoccer100]

@@VictorPitstopThank you for the thorough review. Such a shame there is not much feedback through the steering wheel. My 2016 340i is getting up there in age and I was thinking about purchasing one of these. Might have to check out a 2018 m2

[@VictorPitstop]

@@jdbsoccer100 the M2 is a great car. I had a 2019 and it, to me, was one of the last engaging cars from BMW.

[@jdbsoccer100]

@@VictorPitstop I will be test driving the 2018 this Wednesday. Might want to check out a 2019/2020 as well. Did you enjoy the s55 engine? The 2018 has a n55 engine

[@VictorPitstop]

@@jdbsoccer100 I actually did a comparison video between both M2’s but the short of it is that the N55 is a great motor and feels more like a playful and natural power delivery compared to the twin turbo s55. The s55 hits hard after a tad bit of turbo lag but the power and kind of gets flat around 5500+ rpm (you can tell BMW detuned it for the M2C).

[@ossumopossum]

video cut right b4 final thoughts 😢 lol was this the right version upload

[@CorCast]

Still recommend the m240i RWD as daily? 😬 You sound maybe a bit less enthusiastic than less time 😂

[@VictorPitstop]

100% would recommend as a daily. My enthusiasm is still there but not as much on the track for these cars in stock form. They would fair better with better/square tires for sure.

[@CorCast]

@@VictorPitstop thanks again for the advise! I’m still super in doubt wether to go for a (practical and I find good looking) m340i touring xdrive (no rwd in Europe) or the m240i rwd.. going from left to right the last couple of weeks..

[@VictorPitstop]

@@CorCast Id highly recommend the M340i. They are practical, longer wheelbase is more comfortable and they are a great chassis. The M240i RWD is great if you’re not needing 4 doors and want a really fun GT car. My only problem is that these cars weigh about the same weight.

[@kasio22B]

Could you test drive the base rear wheel drive model?

[@VictorPitstop]

Yes! I absolutely love the 30i! The front end is so much lighter. I actually want to find a 2.0 Supra as well to see how they compare!

[@ossumopossum]

there has gotta be a better pov cam solution

[@VictorPitstop]

There is a helmet cam, my buddy has one and is has tested it out but I’ve never heard any feedback. This cam is literally in my vision and it doesn’t bother me too much but it’s definitely there.

[@Verknechter]

So M240i or X3M - which would you prefer for daily driving?

[@VictorPitstop]

X3M. I like the M240i a lot but for daily, the X3M is just a big M3 and I don’t mind a harsher ride. If you like small cars, the M240i is great but it’s already so heavy. The plus side is that cost of ownership is less on an M240i (gas, insurance, tires, brakes, etc).

[@rsotis]

Now put the non run flats on the RWD... it will run 4 tenths faster than the X drive.

[@VictorPitstop]

You’re probably right. It’s still too nominal of a difference to pick which one is ‘faster’ but I personally prefer RWD. I also wager the LSD is a key factor for the RWD since the xDrive doesn’t have an MPerformance LSD like the RWD.

[@rsotis]

@@VictorPitstop Agreed! Great video and "Work!" ;)

[@VictorPitstop]

@@rsotis thank you and thank you for the further insight to the weight!

[@CubanRider]

​@@VictorPitstop M240i xDrive has an M Sport differential as well in US and Canada.

[@VictorPitstop]

@@CubanRider good to know actually! That’s why it rotates like the sDrive.

[@Stephan77645]

Xdrive is senseless for normal cars or sporty ones like this.

[@VictorPitstop]

They are so close but I wouldn’t say senseless if you live where it snows a lot.

[@wingedhussar5528]

It's not. Good luck driving RWD during some hard NJ snow.

[@Stephan77645]

im From Germany :) @@wingedhussar5528

[@gabe5476]

Would have been nice to see 0-60 times in here

[@VictorPitstop]

I’d rather convey driving dynamics not hOw fASt iS It iN A stRaIGhT LInE?!? There are too many videos that show you that already!

[@HaloDude557]

EVs win. There’s your answer

[@evanwilson6957]

this car is twin turbo not single

[@VictorPitstop]

THESE cars are Single turbo. Do some research. B58 motor, not S58.

[@VictorPitstop]

If you’re thinking about BMW’s stupid brand for a single, twin-scroll turbo system called ‘twin-power turbo’, that’s a twin scroll, not 2 turbos.