Grand finale for powerhouse Beemer

The switch to front wheel drive hasn’t worked out too well so far for Holden in Australia.

BMW has already embarked upon the same path, first with its 2 Series Tourer and soon with the second generation 1 Series which makes the switch to front-wheel drive.

Sadly, it means the end of the road for models like the BMW M140i with rear wheel drive and a powerhouse six cylinder engine.

BMW’s best selling M car is likely to morph in to a Golf R clone, with all-wheel drive and a turbocharged four cylinder power plant providing the motivation.

If you’re not keen on this new direction, you’d better get your order in soon for the just announced BMW M140i Finale edition — the last of its kind according to the Bavarian car maker.

The M140i Finale Edition is priced from $62,990, a $3000 premium over the standard, although the word standard does not do the car justice.

For the last example you get special edition badging and additional exterior and interior equipment.

The car is available to order now and will find its way into showrooms from March, with the last cars due off the production come June.

“To celebrate the last six-cylinder, rear-wheel drive 1 Series hot hatch, we are excited to present customers with the BMW M140i Finale Edition,” CEO of BMW Group Australia, Vikram Pawah, said.

“Through aesthetic exterior details and key equipment highlights, the M140i Finale Edition builds on the virtues that have made the M140i our best-selling M Performance vehicle.

“It offers convenience and practicality with a distinctive sporting silhouette and outstanding performance,” he said.

Further enhancing the already-impressive BMW M140i, the Finale Edition adds: