Genuine high-performance European coupe for serious drivers; and exhaust note this good should be your ringtone.
Complicated and lengthy list of options
Way back before speed cameras and hybrid cars, BMW’s ‘M’ division carved its reputation for sporty excellence based on compact, lightweight cars with powerful engines…need we mention the 2002 turbo? So memories flooded back when we sampled the all-new BMW M235i…good as the X5 and 7 Series are, this is the sort of car which created the BMW mystique.
Put simply the BMW M235i will be one of the best cars we’ll drive this year. And without doubt BMW’s ‘M’ products, Mercedes-Benz AMG and Audi’s RS vehicles are proof positive that the Germans do these sorts of cars better than anyone else.
Sure it’s not for everyone (it is a compact two-door coupe with miniscule rear seat legroom) and the $79,900 starting price is substantial - but for performance and driving dynamics, the BMW M235i is right at the top of the list.
BMW M235i Overview
BMW’s all-new 2 Series Coupe debuted early this year and slots-in between the 1 Series hatchback and 3 Series sedan. The model lineup kicks-off with the 220i priced at $50,500 and the M235i is the range-topper stickered at $80,400 for the automatic version we tested ($79,900 for the six-speed manual).
In a world of hatchbacks, the BMW 235 stands out with its compact coupe looks. Many have drawn a line from the iconic 2002 turbo from way-back-when and that’s understandable.
Also understandable is why the M235i hits the sweetspot for savvy European buyers – those megacities just get more crowded each day and this thing would carve-up Frankfurt’s rush hour better than most. And when you’re carving, all those ‘M’ performance goodies are certainly appreciated.
BMW M235i Engine
BMW fans will know the M235i is powered by the N55B3000 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine. With twin-scroll turbocharger technology and direct injection, this is right at the forefront of BMW engine technology and is as sweet as V6s go…the exhaust note at speed is just awesome.
Maximum power is 240kW between 5800-6000rpm and peak torque of 450Nm is delivered between 1300-4500rpm. In a car weighing just 1470kgs, that’s a lot of engine (265kW/450Nm for the Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG or 206kW/380Nm for the Audi S3).
The BMW M235i is compliant with EU6 exhaust emissions standards and combined cycle fuel consumption is rated at 7.6l/100kms.
Drive is to the rear wheels (hey this is a BMW you know!) and BMW’s eight-speed automatic transmission is a gem whether you leave it in auto or swap cogs manually.
BMW M235i The Interior
Regardless of the model, climbing into a BMW wearing the ‘M’ badge is pleasing to the eye and gets the hairs on the back of your neck standing on edge. So it is with the M235i – you get the sense this compact coupe was designed from the get-go for serious steering.
Thick, leather ‘M’ steering wheel height and reach adjustable - tick. Beautiful leather-trimmed ‘M’ sports seats with adjustable under-thigh support - tick. Upscale ‘M’ instruments - tick.
To the left, centre dashboard sits the large navigation and audio screen and under that is the beautifully-shaped gear lever for the eight-speeder.
Lanky mates won’t love the small rear seat (nor will finicky teenagers). However it split-folds 60/40 for cargo versatility.
Boot space is 390-litres which is impressive in a car of this size but not massive. Full size golf bags might be tested but with careful packing, family-sized luggage will most likely be accommodated.
BMW M235i Exterior & Styling
The 2 Series is a new addition to the BMW range. A two-door coupe which sits between the 1 Series hatchback and the 3 Series sedan, the 2 Series shows-off the hallmark BMW coupe styling cues – long bonnet, set-back passenger compartment and short overhangs, all topped by a swooping coupe roofline.
Executing all of this is a compact car like the 2 Series is the clever bit and BMW’s stylists have excelled – even is base model 220i, the 2 Series looks upscale, sporty and purposeful.
Easy to pick the BMW M235i is from the M stable with its ‘M’ 18-inch alloy wheels, ‘M’ aero kit body highlights and exterior mirrors in ’Ferric Grey’, the eight vertical slats in the kidney grille in high-gloss black, Bi-Xenon headlights and BMW Individual high-gloss shadowline.
And of course the ‘M’ suspension means the M235i sits lower than regular models – enhancing its sporty visuals.
BMW M235i On The Road
As you’d expect, the BMW M235i can be docile and easy to drive in every day city traffic. OK, now we’ve covered that let’s get onto the important stuff – the high-speed stuff.
Over our high-speed mountain roads test loop the BMW M235i ranks as one the best cars we’ve driven. It just sliced up and down the hills and through the various tight and open corners with astonishing pace, precision and balance.
Snick down the gears to get the desired engine speed, get the braking right, turn in and feed on the power and the rewards match…well it’s up there with the BMW M6 to be honest. Impressive as the turbo six-cylinder is (and it very, very impressive), even better is the way BMW and the team at the ‘M’ division have nailed body, chassis and suspension tune with this car – it’s just brilliant.
“Too European stiff for many,” you’re saying? Well, no actually – in fact the ride in the BMW M235i isn’t as harsh as say the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG.
And, like the BMW M3 and M4, set things up in the sporty way and the M235i responds with a noticeable rear-biased feel. So, in the damp corners encountered on our way back down the mountain, judicious use of the throttle delivered a hint of oversteer – just as all performance cars should.
As we said, the BMW M235i is simply one of the best cars we’ll drive this year.
BMW M235i Challenges
As with all BMWs the list of options, no-cost options and packs is extensive so you’ll need to study intently and take your time ordering to make sure your M235i is exactly what you want.
BMW M235i Verdict
Like we said at the outset, the M235i is the sort of car which built the BMW brand. Sure the early ‘M’ cars had screaming naturally-aspirated six-cylinder engines but the turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder in the compact 2 Series coupe is absolutely brilliant and the noise when revving hard is as good as it gets.
And just as brilliant is the drive. For performance, driving dynamics and handling, on a scale of one to 10, the BMW M235i scores a 20.
Honestly, this thing is that good.
Sure once the youngsters hit teenage years they’ll be getting cramped in the rear seat. When they’re nagging, just blip the throttle and tell them to get over it.
BMW M235i The Competition
Audi’s S3 Sportback is a standout and great value at $59,900. 206kW/380Nm 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo and Quattro all-wheel-drive but only a six-speed automatic transmission (eight-speed for the BMW M235i). A bit more rear seat room in the Audi too.
Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG is one of the best cars we’ve driven. Period. And at $74,900 it will save you some coin over the BMW M235i. 265kW/250Nm of AMG 2.0-litre turbocharged grunt, all-wheel-drive and to-die-for driving dynamics stamp the A45 AMG as very special.
