First Drive: BMW M235i Coupe
The performance-focused 2 Series injects some welcome sparkle into BMW’s new compact coupe line-up, Iain Dooley discovers
What’s new?: This M235i variant is the quick version of BMW’s new 2 Series Coupe. Since a recent naming reshuffle, you’re excused for thinking that you’re looking at a 1 Series Coupe. Honestly, this is the ‘new’ 2 Series.
And for buyers seeking proper rear-wheel drive thrills without having to sell a kidney, the M235i is the closest most of us will get to a similar car sporting an ‘M’ badge. Yes, an M2 is on the way but, until then, you’ve got the M235i – likely a more rounded and sensible choice if you’ve only got space for one performance BMW in your life.
Looks and image: It’s not difficult to tell the difference between this M235i and a cooking diesel variant. The former has clearly been at the box marked Shredded Wheat, what with its beefy bodykit, low and purposeful stance plus those equally businesslike chunky wheels and tyres.
It’s a little less in-your-face in the car’s cabin, but the sports seats, M car-like steering wheel and subtle graphics ensure you don’t forget what this car is capable of. Crucially, for all the talk about genuine M cars, this M-lite version offers a good balance of comfort and sportiness in the real world.
Space and practicality: If there’s one thing that the M235i does share with its slower siblings, it’s the fact that it’s a surprisingly practical car for a compact coupe. Granted, space for rear seat occupants is less than great, but it boasts a good size boot and there’s ample storage space in the cabin for all the tat associated with leading an active life.
Behind the wheel: From being a maker of rev-happy cars, BMW has fully embraced turbocharging with its latest range of performance motors. The M235i is no different, and its 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine benefits from turbocharging to the tune of 322bhp. That figure is plenty to get you to the horizon in a hurry, while the rasping from the exhaust ensures your journey is always entertaining.
Crucially the M235i is a doddle to drive at modest speeds, while pushing harder reveals a car eager to please. Only when you really lean on it, does it show its hand as a hooligan. That trick BMW approved tuning bits can be bought to further enhance the experience should please the hardcore fans, while you’ll also want to pay a little extra for the slick eight-speed auto gearbox as the six-speed manual ‘box lacks polish.
Value for money: It’s all relative of course, but in the world of premium hot hatches – or coupes – the M235i should be at the top of your shopping list. It possesses great road manners, is fun and engaging and is docile enough to double as regular transport to the shops and the office. Base trim is a little, well, basic, but you’d be wise to spend your cash on the extra tuning bits instead of fancy paint or gadgets.
Who would buy one?: Anyone who’s been raised on a diet of hot hatches will like the M235i. It’s a mature evolution of the breed yet retains that all-important ‘edge’ to keep you interested away from the city limits. Thankfully its low-key looks don’t scream performance so you’ll rarely turn heads – good news if you want to have some fun but not telegraph it to every man and his dog. Plus it’s rear-wheel drive, which is an important characteristic in a world full of million horsepower front-drive hot hatches.
This car summed up in a single word: thrilling
If this car was a…: Surgical instrument, it would be a scalpel – precise, sharp and to the point
FACTS AT A GLANCE
BMW M235i Coupe, £34,250
Engine: 3.0-litre petrol unit producing 322bhp and 332lb/ft of torque
Transmission: Six-speed manual driving the rear wheels
Performance: Top speed 155mph, 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds
Economy: 34.9mpg combined
Emissions: 189g/km of CO2
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