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 gasoline economic system: 24.8 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | C+ |
| Energy and Efficiency | B+ |
| Match and End | A- |
| Gas Financial 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 degree evaluated, and will not replicate Shopper Information’s impressions of the complete mannequin lineup. | |
| Massive & Tall Consolation | |
| Massive Man | B |
| Tall Man | B |
| Massive & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” score based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score based mostly 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 gasoline economic system: 24/33/27 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gas sort: Premium gasoline
Base value: $49,500 (not together with $1175 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check automobile: Particular paint ($650), Driving Help Skilled bundle ($1700), M Efficiency Bundle ($2550), Premium Bundle ($1600), Expertise Bundle ($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: respectable gasoline 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 folks typically reply to conflicting wants and wishes, leading to personalities traits which are good and dangerous.
One wonders what Dr. Jung would have considered the 2025 BMW 2-Collection.
BMW 2-Collection
Theoretically Conflicted by two ranges of “duality,” BMW’s smallest U.S.-market automobiles would appear best 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.
Cup versus Sedan
Right here’s the deal: BMW’s 2-Collection automobile lineup is comprised of two very completely different autos. Primarily based on the maker’s standard 3-Collection automobile, the subcompact 2-Collection Coupe options rear-drive structure and engines mounted longitudinally alongside the autos axis. This drivetrain association is typical of the model.
Gran Cup
However, the 2-Collection 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 various 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-Collection mannequin portfolio, Coupes are provided 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 just isn’t provided in range-topping “M” trim, however nonetheless provides shoppers a compelling components of enjoyable—and even worth.
Costs
Right here’s what the 2025 2-Collection Gran Coupe lineup seems 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 traditional 8-speed automated. No guide 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 can be added to lineup for 2026, presumably at a cheaper price.
Sporty M235
Although there isn’t a 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.
Shopper Information not too long ago spent per week behind the wheel of a 2025 M235 in Thundernight Metallic. Together with a number of choice teams and vacation spot cost our check automobile got here to $59,175.
Design
As a part of the 2-Collection 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 seems each smooth and fashionable, and nonetheless very very like a BMW.
The identical will be mentioned 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 dear German automobiles.
Connectivity
And whereas we discovered the console-mounted gear selector (see pic beneath) a bit of 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 practically so roomy. Placing the coupe in Gran Coupe, the M235’s rear-seat lodging are finest reserved for smaller and extra agile passengers. This automobile just isn’t 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 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 style. Regardless of the facility, we averaged a totally affordable 25 mpg in largely routine driving. Be aware although that BMW would have really feel your Gran Coupe a gradual weight loss program 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.
Trip and Dealing with
The M235’s journey is on the agency aspect, and fully applicable to this small sedan’s efficiency profile. Nonetheless, we suggest taking the automobile for a protracted check drive to make sure you need this a lot “highway really feel” in a each day drive. We’re cool with the journey, it’s possible you’ll not me.
Visibility
We have now 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, nevertheless, will 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 surface view.
2-Collection versus 3-Collection
One standard grievance in regards to the 2-Collection Gran Coupe is that it’s too shut in value to BMW’s 3-Collection 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-Collection, and is provided with customary AWD, which the bigger sedan just isn’t. We expect the worth is there.
Worth
Sure, outfitted as our M235 was, BMW’s smallest sedan can appear dear, however for those who 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-Collection, however it’s possible you’ll discover the smaller, easier-to-park, less-expensive 2-Collection Gran Coupe is the way in which to go. Physician Jung would approve.
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2025 BMW M235 xDrive Photos
Click on beneath for enlarged photos
