2020 BMW M235i Gran Coupe First Test: Entry-Level Missile
In which this subcompact sport sedan attempts to justify its price.
As do most enthusiasts, we love small, nimble cars. Given we currently have a BMW 228i Gran Coupe in our long-term fleet, we wanted to spend quality time with its spicier 2 Series sibling, the M235i, to see if the more powerful model was worth its additional $8,000 ask, a not inconsequential amount of money. Both have all-wheel drive as standard, but the M235i gets additional power, a limited-slip differential, a louder exhaust, stickier tires, and a standard M Sport suspension in pursuit of a zestier driving experience.
Among the styling cues that distinguish the M235i from the 228i: a different grille pattern, dual trapezoidal exhaust tips, a more aggressive body kit, unique 18-inch wheels, and silver mirror caps. It's pretty obvious you're looking at the hotted-up 2 Series—especially when the cars are viewed side by side—but that fact crystallizes once you start the M235i and hear its burbling exhaust note.
M235i Gran Coupe: Test Results and Impressions
The sweet sounds come courtesy of a 301-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and it's the star of the M235i's show. Minimal turbo lag and a broad powerband make for effortless acceleration at all speeds. The throttle can feel slightly lazy at initial tip-in, but this can be almost entirely mitigated by selecting Sport mode. Once you're moving, the eight-speed automatic does a great job keeping the engine at a boil—so much so, you might be surprised how often you find yourself exceeding the speed limit.
At the test track, the M235i hit 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and covered the quarter-mile in 13.5 seconds at 102.3 mph. In comparison, the 228-hp 228i (it also has a turbo 2.0-liter) was 1.2 seconds slower to 60 mph and a full second slower to the quarter-mile mark. The 302-hp Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 is a direct competitor and should offer similar performance to the M235i, but we have yet to put that one through its paces. The pricier AMG CLA 45, which slots above the M235i, is 1.2 and 1.4 seconds quicker in those marks.
The M235i's stickier rubber and limited-slip differential helped it pull 0.91 g on the skidpad and lap theMTfigure-eight course in 25.8 seconds with a 0.71 g average. The figure-eight result is a second quicker and 0.06 g higher versus the 228i, while overall lateral acceleration improves by 0.09 g. Testing director Kim Reynolds liked the M235i's ability to stay light on its feet and how easy it was to rotate upon corner exit. He also found moderate amounts of understeer but noted that modulating the throttle easily dialed that out and allowed you to balance the M235i at the limit.
BMW's suspension engineers also nailed the body control, and the M235i has a planted, secure feel through corners. The steering lacks feel, however, and it is artificially heavy in an attempt to feel sporty, a sensation that only gets worse as you cycle to the car's most aggressive drive modes. The small BMW sedan took 108 feet to stop from 60 mph, which is about what we'd expect for a car with its mission, though the brakes can be somewhat grabby at the top of the pedal's travel. (A few of our staffers found the braking system's bite to be acceptable.) It's a very capable small car, but perhaps the M235i's main issue is that it rarely stirs the soul while scorching a twisting bit of canyon tarmac.
