Textual content by Tom Appel
2025 BMW M235 xDrive
Specs
Class: Premium Sporty/Efficiency Automotive
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 Economic 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 mirror Client Information’s impressions of the complete mannequin lineup. | |
| Huge & Tall Consolation | |
| Huge Man | B |
| Tall Man | B |
| Huge & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Huge” 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 Kind | Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | DCT automated |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gas economic system: 24/33/27 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gasoline kind: Premium gasoline
Base value: $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)
Worth as examined: $59,175
Execs and Cons
The nice: Enjoyable to drive, premium really feel
The nice: respectable gas economic system, roomy front-row
The not so good: Cramped rear-seat lodging, dear choices
Evaluation
Twentieth-century psychologist Carl Jung spoke typically of the duality of man. Normal talking, his level was that individuals typically reply to conflicting wants and needs, leading to personalities traits which are 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 excellent candidates for some sofa time with Jung, however we actually can’t discover a draw back to the automobile’s potential identification 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 completely different automobiles. Based mostly on the maker’s standard 3-Sequence automobile, 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 bought in 228 and M235 trim. For 2025, Coupe base costs vary from $40,775 to $66,675.
The Gran Coupe is just not supplied in range-topping “M” trim, however nonetheless gives shoppers a compelling method 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) automated transmission for ’25, changing a standard 8-speed automated. 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 shall 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 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 bundle.
Client Information not too long ago spent per 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 an entire makeover. We applaud BMW’s restrained use of inflexible profile strains and sharp physique creases. To our eyes the small sedan appears each smooth and fashionable, and nonetheless very very similar to a BMW.
The identical might 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 outwardly wonderful, within the custom of dear German automobiles.
Connectivity
And whereas we discovered the console-mounted gear selector (see pic under) just a little awkward to function, most different operations dealt with through 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 acceptable for sporty enjoyable, and sure comfy on lengthy journeys.
The rear seat isn’t practically so roomy. Placing the coupe in Gran Coupe, the M235’s rear-seat lodging are greatest reserved for smaller and extra agile passengers. This car is just not a 4-adults to dinner form of journey.
Energy and Efficiency
However that lack of passenger area is quickly forgotten when the M235 hits the street. 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 style. Regardless of the facility, we averaged a very cheap 25 mpg in principally routine driving. Word although that BMW would have really feel your Gran Coupe a gradual eating regimen of dear premium gasoline.
And opposite to a preferred ding on modern BMW’s our check automobile 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.
Journey and Dealing with
The M235’s journey is on the agency facet, and fully acceptable to this small sedan’s efficiency profile. Nonetheless, we advocate taking the automobile for a protracted check drive to make certain you need this a lot “street really feel” in a every day drive. We’re cool with the journey, you could not me.
Visibility
We now have one grievance concerning 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 direction of spiffing up the inside throughout nighttime driving. The ambient lights, nevertheless, might be seen within the passenger-side rearview mirror, to some extent obscuring visibility. This driver discovered the rearview mirror practically ineffective when backing up in darkish driveways and parking heaps, as the brilliant LED reflection fully obscured the skin view.
2-Sequence versus 3-Sequence
One standard grievance concerning the 2-Sequence Gran Coupe is that it’s too shut in value 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 cheaper than the 3-Sequence, and is supplied with normal AWD, which the bigger sedan is just not. We predict the worth is there.
Worth
Sure, geared up as our M235 was, BMW’s smallest sedan can appear dear, however in case you respect the driving expertise, the sporty Gran Coupe might be definitely worth the whereas. It’s good wanting, rewarding to drive, and feels impressively stable. In case your funds permits, additionally check 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 Automotive Stuff Podcast
2025 BMW M235 xDrive Photos
Click on under for enlarged photos
