Textual content by Tom Appel
2025 BMW M235 xDrive
Specs
Class: Premium Sporty/Efficiency Automobile
Nation of Manufacture: Germany
Shade: 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- |
| Gas Economic system | B |
| Worth | B- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and should not mirror Client Information’s impressions of the whole mannequin lineup. | |
| Large & Tall Consolation | |
| Large Man | B |
| Tall Man | B |
| Large & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Large” ranking primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking primarily based 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)
Gas sort: Premium gasoline
Base worth: $49,500 (not together with $1175 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check car: Particular paint ($650), Driving Help Skilled bundle ($1700), M Efficiency Package deal ($2550), Premium Package deal ($1600), Know-how Package deal ($1500), heated steering wheel ($200), common garage-door opener ($200), inside cameras ($100)
Value as examined: $59,175
Execs and Cons
The nice: Enjoyable to drive, premium really feel
The great: respectable gas economic system, roomy front-row
The not so good: Cramped rear-seat lodging, expensive choices
Evaluate
Twentieth-century psychologist Carl Jung spoke usually of the duality of man. Normal talking, his level was that folks usually reply to conflicting wants and needs, leading to character traits which can be good and unhealthy. 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 ultimate candidates for some sofa time with Jung, however we actually can’t discover a draw back to the automobile’s potential id crises, save for some complicated model-name gymnastics.
Coupe versus Sedan
Right here’s the deal: BMW’s 2-Sequence automobile lineup is comprised of two very totally different autos. Primarily based on the maker’s well-liked 3-Sequence automobile, the subcompact 2-Sequence Coupe options rear-drive structure and engines mounted longitudinally alongside the car’s 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 quite a lot of MINI fashions. MINI, by the best way, is a division of BMW.
Trim Ranges
To make sure that customers are totally baffled by the 2-Sequence mannequin portfolio, Coupes are provided 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 is just not provided in range-topping “M” trim, however nonetheless provides customers a compelling formulation of enjoyable—and even worth.
Costs
Right here’s what the 2025 2-Sequence Gran Coupe lineup seems to be like:
228 xDrive ($42,775)
M235 xDrive ($50,675)
Engines
Energy for each fashions come from 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 guide transmission is obtainable. Each variations of the Gran Coupe come normal with BMW’s xDrive AWD system. Per BMW, a front-drive model (non xDrive) of the 228 will probably be added to lineup for 2026, presumably at a cheaper price.
Sporty M235
Although there isn’t any pure M mannequin within the Gran Coupe lineup, the M235 does supply 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 bundle.
Client Information not too long ago 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 check automobile 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 seems to be each smooth and trendy, and nonetheless very very like a BMW.
The identical may be stated for the inside. The cabin is clear, updated, upscale feeling, and ethereal feeling because of a beneficiant quantity of glass space. Our automobile’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 expensive German automobiles.
Connectivity
And whereas we discovered the console-mounted gear selector (see pic under) a little bit awkward to function, most different operations dealt with by way of bodily switchgear or touchscreen had been easy sufficient to execute.
Room and Consolation
The cabin is roomy up entrance, and this massive editor discovered getting into and exiting the automobile easy sufficient. The firmly supportive seats are applicable for sporty enjoyable, and certain snug on lengthy journeys.
The rear seat isn’t almost so roomy. Placing the coupe in Gran Coupe, the M235’s rear-seat lodging are finest reserved for smaller and extra agile passengers. This car is just not a 4-adults to dinner type of trip.
Energy and Efficiency
However that lack of passenger house is quickly forgotten when the M235 hits the highway. Throttle response is superb, and the small turbocharged engine exudes a pleasant refrain because the throttle is utilized. There’s all types of energy accessible, even from a cease, and the brand new DCT transmission snicks off satisfying shifts in a well timed vogue. Regardless of the facility, we averaged a totally affordable 25 mpg in principally routine driving. Word although that BMW would have feed your Gran Coupe a gentle food plan of expensive premium gasoline.
And opposite to a well-liked ding on up to date BMWs, our check automobile served up loads of genuine steering really feel. There’s loads of stopping energy, partly courtesy of the M235’s high-performance 4-piston entrance brakes.
Experience and Dealing with
The M235’s trip is on the agency aspect, and fully applicable to this small sedan’s efficiency profile. Nonetheless, we suggest taking the automobile for an extended check drive to make certain you need this a lot “highway really feel” in a each day drive. We’re cool with the trip, chances are you’ll not me.
Visibility
We’ve got one grievance in regards to the Gran Coupe, and it’s a primary for us. The automobile’s sprint floor is punctuated with LED lights, which go a good distance in the direction of spiffing up the inside throughout nighttime driving. The ambient lights, nonetheless, may be seen within the passenger-side rear-view mirror, to some extent obscuring visibility. This driver discovered the rear-view mirror almost ineffective when backing up in darkish driveways and parking heaps, as the brilliant LED reflection utterly obscured the skin view.
2-Sequence versus 3-Sequence
One well-liked grievance in regards to 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 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 cheaper than the 3-Sequence, and is provided with normal AWD, which the bigger sedan is just not. We expect the worth is there. And, talking of worth…
Worth
Sure, geared up as our M235 was, BMW’s smallest sedan can appear expensive, however when you recognize the driving expertise, the sporty Gran Coupe might be well worth the whereas. It’s good trying, rewarding to drive, and feels impressively stable. In case your finances permits, additionally check drive the more-traditional 3-Sequence, however chances are you’ll discover the smaller, easier-to-park, less-expensive, 2-Sequence Gran Coupe is the best way to go. Physician Jung would approve.
Take heed to the Automobile Stuff Podcast
2025 BMW M235 xDrive Photos
Click on under for enlarged pictures
