autoevolution
 

European Debut for BMW M235i at Geneva Motor Show 2014

The car that is bound to bring the BMW 2002 spirit back to life, the M235i, just made its European Debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2014. The car was introduced wearing Mineral White, in all its glory.
BMW M235i at Geneva 9 photos
Photo: Stefan Baldauf / Robert Kah
BMW M235i at GenevaBMW M235i at GenevaBMW M235i at GenevaBMW M235i at GenevaBMW M235i at GenevaBMW M235i at GenevaBMW M235i at GenevaBMW M235i at Geneva
Getting used to seeing this car in either Estoril Blue or Melbourne Red, I didn’t expect it to look so good in the purest color of them all, white. However, apart from the exterior color, nothing else was changed from the cars shown at previous events this year.

Inside, the seats were covered in black Dakota leather and a Harman Kardon audio system made you feel welcome. The car was also fitted with the 8-speed automatic gearbox and a couple of other optional features.

Under the bonnet you could take a look at a pretty engine cover that hid a 3-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder unit making 326 HP and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque that is capable of sending this car up to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.8 seconds, a truly impressive time for a car that costs just over $40,000.

Compared to its true predecessor, the 1M Coupe, the M235i isn’t a proper M car but it’s part of BMW’s new M Performance Automobile range of MPA. However, the 2er was tested and prepared by the Bavarians to meet higher expectations than a regular car.

In the wake of welcoming a proper M2 model (that is rumored to make an appearance in 2016) the M235i will have to do. All the previous reviews and test drives praised it and called it a truly enjoyable car so we’re expecting the audience to react exactly the same.

On the road, the M235i is planted and has a lot of grip at its disposal, dealing with tight corners swiftly. Straight roads don’t pose too much trouble either, as the turbocharged engine is more than capable of handling its 1,545 kg (3,406 lbs) weight.

For those that think it’s still not hardcore enough, BMW announced the M Performance Kits that will take your M235i to the next level. Part of them is the limited-slip differential at the back, the improved aerodynamic kit for the exterior, new brakes and other stuff.

Prices for the M235i start at €43,750 for the manual (which is the one you should get) in Germany or $43,100 in the US with the automatic.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories