Textual content by Tom Appel
2025 BMW M235 xDrive
Specs
Class: Premium Sporty/Efficiency Automobile
Nation of Manufacture: Germany
Coloration: Thundernight Metallic
Seating Capability: 5
Miles pushed: 147
Actual-world gas economic system: 24.8 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | C+ |
| Energy and Efficiency | B+ |
| Match and End | A- |
| Gasoline Financial system | B |
| Worth | B- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and should not replicate Shopper Information’s impressions of all the mannequin lineup. | |
| Massive & Tall Consolation | |
| Massive Man | B |
| Tall Man | B |
| Massive & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” ranking based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 312-horsepower 2.0-liter |
| Engine Sort | Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | DCT computerized |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gas economic system: 24/33/27 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gasoline sort: Premium gasoline
Base worth: $49,500 (not together with $1175 vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at automobile: Particular paint ($650), Driving Help Skilled package deal ($1700), M Efficiency Package deal ($2550), Premium Package deal ($1600), Expertise Package deal ($1500), heated steering wheel ($200), common garage-door opener ($200), inside cameras ($100)
Value as examined: $59,175
Execs and Cons
The good: Enjoyable to drive, premium really feel
The nice: first rate gas economic system, roomy front-row
The not so good: Cramped rear-seat lodging, dear choices
Evaluation
Twentieth-century psychologist Carl Jung spoke usually of the duality of man. Common talking, his level was that individuals usually reply to conflicting wants and wishes, leading to personalities traits which might be good and dangerous.
One wonders what Dr. Jung would have considered the 2025 BMW 2-Sequence.
BMW 2-Sequence
Theoretically Conflicted by two ranges of “duality,” BMW’s smallest U.S.-market automobiles would appear splendid candidates for some sofa time with Jung, however we actually can’t discover a draw back to the automotive’s potential id crises, save for some complicated model-name gymnastics.
Coupe versus Sedan
Right here’s the deal: BMW’s 2-Sequence automotive lineup is comprised of two very completely different automobiles. Primarily based on the maker’s in style 3-Sequence automotive, the subcompact 2-Sequence Coupe options rear-drive structure and engines mounted longitudinally alongside the automobiles axis. This drivetrain association is typical of the model.
Gran Coupe
However, the 2-Sequence Gran Coupe, which regardless of being branded a coupe is definitely a small sedan, is constructed on front-drive underpinnings and options transversely located engines. The Gran Coupe shares its “UKL2” structure with a variety of MINI fashions. MINI, by the way in which, is a division of BMW.
Trim Ranges
To make sure that shoppers are totally baffled by the 2-Sequence mannequin portfolio, Coupes are supplied in 230i, sporty M240i, and super-sporty M2 variants. Whereas Gran Coupes are offered in 228 and M235 trim. For 2025, Coupe base costs vary from $40,775 to $66,675.
The Gran Coupe shouldn’t be supplied in range-topping “M” trim, however nonetheless affords shoppers a compelling components of enjoyable—and even worth.
Costs
Right here’s what the 2025 2-Sequence Gran Coupe lineup appears like:
228 xDrive ($42,775)
M235 xDrive ($50,675)
Engines
Energy for each fashions include a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4. For 2025, the engine produces 241 horsepower within the 228 (up 13 from 2024) and 312 within the M235 (up 11). Each automobiles make use of a 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch) computerized transmission for ’25, changing a standard 8-speed computerized. No handbook transmission is obtainable. Each variations of the Gran Coupe come customary with BMW’s xDrive AWD system. Per BMW, a front-drive model (non xDrive) of the 228 shall be added to lineup for 2026, presumably at a lower cost.
Sporty M235
Although there isn’t any pure M mannequin within the Gran Coupe lineup, the M235 does provide a wholesome does of further sportiness. A sport suspension, greater wheels and tires, upgraded brakes, and distinctive exterior and cabin trim are a part of the package deal.
Shopper Information just lately spent every week behind the wheel of a 2025 M235 in Thundernight Metallic. Together with a number of possibility teams and vacation spot cost our take a look at automotive got here to $59,175.
Design
As a part of the 2-Sequence Gran Coupe’s replace for 2025, the outside design was given a whole makeover. We applaud BMW’s restrained use of inflexible profile traces and sharp physique creases. To our eyes the small sedan appears each modern and trendy, and nonetheless very very similar to a BMW.
The identical could be stated for the inside. The cabin is clear, updated, upscale feeling, and ethereal feeling due to a beneficiant quantity of glass space. Our automotive’s leather-based, suede, and aluminum trim got here off as each premium and sporty. Construct high quality is seemingly wonderful, within the custom of dear German automobiles.
Connectivity
And whereas we discovered the console-mounted gear selector (see pic under) somewhat awkward to function, most different operations dealt with through bodily switchgear or touchscreen have been easy sufficient to execute.
Room and Consolation
The cabin is roomy up entrance, and this massive editor discovered getting into and exiting the automotive easy sufficient. The firmly supportive seats are acceptable for sporty enjoyable, and certain comfy on lengthy journeys.
The rear seat isn’t almost so roomy. Placing the coupe in Gran Coupe, the M235’s rear-seat lodging are greatest reserved for smaller and extra agile passengers. This automobile shouldn’t be a 4-adults to dinner form of experience.
Energy and Efficiency
However that lack of passenger area is quickly forgotten when the M235 hits the street. Throttle response is great, and the small turbocharged engine exudes a pleasant refrain because the throttle is utilized. There’s all types of energy out there, even from a cease, and the brand new DCT transmission snicks off satisfying shifts in a well timed trend. Regardless of the ability, we averaged a very affordable 25 mpg in principally routine driving. Observe although that BMW would have really feel your Gran Coupe a gradual weight-reduction plan of dear premium gasoline.
And opposite to a well-liked ding on up to date BMW’s our take a look at automotive served up loads of genuine steering really feel. There’s loads of stopping energy, partially courtesy of the M235’s high-performance 4-piston entrance brakes.
Trip and Dealing with
The M235’s experience is on the agency aspect, and fully acceptable to this small sedan’s efficiency profile. Nonetheless, we advocate taking the automotive for an extended take a look at drive to make certain you need this a lot “street really feel” in a every day drive. We’re cool with the experience, you could not me.
Visibility
We’ve one criticism concerning the Gran Coupe, and it’s a primary for us. The automotive’s sprint floor is punctuated with LED lights, which go a great distance in direction of spiffing up the inside throughout nighttime driving. The ambient lights, nonetheless, could be seen within the passenger-side rearview mirror, to some extent obscuring visibility. This driver discovered the rearview mirror almost ineffective when backing up in darkish driveways and parking tons, as the brilliant LED reflection fully obscured the surface view.
2-Sequence versus 3-Sequence
One in style criticism concerning the 2-Sequence Gran Coupe is that it’s too shut in worth to BMW’s 3-Sequence sedan, which isn’t solely bigger, however can also be constructed on extra brand-traditional rear-drive structure.
Per our calculator, base mannequin to base mannequin ($42,775 versus $47,125), the Gran Coupe is available in $4350 inexpensive than the 3-Sequence, and is supplied with customary AWD, which the bigger sedan shouldn’t be. We expect the worth is there.
Worth
Sure, geared up as our M235 was, BMW’s smallest sedan can appear dear, however for those who admire the driving expertise, the sporty Gran Coupe could be well worth the whereas. It’s good wanting, rewarding to drive, and feels impressively stable. In case your finances permits, additionally take a look at drive the more-traditional 3-Sequence, however you could discover the smaller, easier-to-park, less-expensive 2-Sequence Gran Coupe is the way in which to go. Physician Jung would approve.
Hearken to the Automobile Stuff Podcast
2025 BMW M235 xDrive Photos
Click on under for enlarged pictures