Long before the Munich-based firm bowed to
marketing pressures and released vehicles with raised ride heights, shared
platforms and confusing badge designations, BMW was winning the hearts of
driving enthusiasts around the world with its penchant for creating powerful,
compact rear-wheel-driven sedans and coupes - with relatively affordable price
tags - that celebrated the sheer pleasure of driving.
Yes, without the likes of the soon
-to-be-increased X family and four-door versions of two-door versions (of
four-door versions), BMW wouldn't be able to maintain its position among the
leading automotive brands in the world but, thankfully, every now and then a
propeller-badged vehicle emerges as a reminder of what this Bavarian
manufacturer is capable. The M235i is such a vehicle.
On
the road, the BMW M235i coupe displays good high-speed stability
In line with BMW's modern naming strategy,
the new (F22) 2 Series replaces the outgoing (E82) 1 Series Coupe. Longer (72
mm), wider (26 mm) and lower (5 mm) than the model it supersedes, another
significant gain particularly relevant to the M235i is the 32 mm increase in
wheelbase. While the hottest Two (for now) hasn't necessarily gained mass
through its transformation from a 135i, a kerb weight, as tested, of 1,552 kg
leaves room for a lighter-on-its-feet M2 version.
It's not to say BMW's famed M GmbH division
hasn't already had an influence on the making of the 235i but, strictly
speaking, this particular model falls under the M Performance banner
(essentially an answer to Audi's hot-but-not-searing S range). As a result, a
number of M-tuned parts, including suspension componentry, brakes and,
importantly, engine upgrades feature on the 235i.
BMW
has tuned the engine's sonic performance to unique effect, it claims
With 240 kW available at 5,800 r/min, the
new NSSHP turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine delivers 50 Nm more torque
(450 Nm in total) than the outgoing M3. What's more, it's available all the way
from 1,300 to 4,500 r/min. And, while it stands to reason that most customers
will opt for the convenience (and ultimate performance benefits) of the
eight-speed automatic transmission, it's the six-speed manual 'box that will
have enthusiasts fondly remembering a time when the E30 325iS roamed the
streets.
The
BMW's optional adaptive Xenon headlights are superb on high beam and very good
on dipped
Like the outgoing 135i Coupe and 1M, the
M235i's sense of purpose is underlined by the presence of a (leather-bound) thick-rimmed
steering wheel in a neat but uninspiring cabin. A generous range of height
adjustment on the driver's seat afforded even our tallest testers a low-slung
driving position, while the stubby gearshift lever is never far from reach.
M235i's
kidney grille has 16 vertical bars and leans forward very slightly as it rises,
shark-nose style
While the swept roofline cramps taller rear
occupants, we were pleasantly surprised by the relative usability of the aft
seats.
Despite a firmer default suspension setup
than that of the M135i hatch, the ride quality of the hottest Two is one of the
most compliant we've experienced in the new batch of compact sedans. And, while
adaptive damping is available as an extra-cost option, we would comfortably
leave this box unticked; the standard setup is more than capable of performing
a dual role between everyday commute and weekend warrior.
