BMW M235i Review

The future of BMW lies in things like OLED and smells like hybrid driving machines. Nevertheless, we’re here to discuss BMW's retro glory, the inspiring models of the past decades that made the carmaker what it is today. We’re here to drive the M235i.

BMW itself only makes subtle reference to the spiritual predecessors of the M235i, the models of the good old days. That’s only natural, especially when retro fans posting comments online are not exactly the same people who walk out of the showroom after having signed some papers.

What BMW suggests here is that the M235i is not just the official performance premium coupe, but also a fun little car.

The actual connection between the M235i and the BMWs of old is made by enthusiasts. They may not buy all that many cars, but they do keep the brand image shining. And some of them do actually invest. After all, those E30 M3 prices on eBay didn't skyrocket all on their own.

Just to stay with the fun theme, let’s start our visual assessment from the back of the M235i.

The M Performance exterior bits do help the 2-Series silhouette, which isn't necessarily that kind of coupe that visually charms you into buying it on the spot.

Returning to the back of the M235i, here is where we find a rear fascia with a dark lower section, one that incorporates twin tailpipes.

Even more credit for the vehicle's athletic stance goes to the sculpted side skirts. The profile view of the car also reveals the M Performance division's Ferric Gray color fetish for the mirror caps. That hue is mirrored on the 18-inch wheels, but we still see the color scheme as a bit artificial.

Up front, the fog lamps are gone, making room for some extra flaps. Something to let the others know you've got three liters of engine to cool.

All these elements are held in a package that's not much larger than what the 1-Series Coupe used to offer. The 2-Series is 2.8 inches (72 mm) longer, out of which 1.2 inches (30 mm) go into the extended wheelbase. The new coupe also measures an extra 1 inches (26 mm) in width, with the front and rear tracks being 1.5 inches (40 mm) wider.

When you approach the vehicle, make sure you don't get overly manly while handling the frameless doors of the 2-Series, as the windows seem a bit fragile.

Once inside, we find a perfectly balanced atmosphere. We've always complained about BMW interiors not being premium enough, but the cabin matches the fresh spirit of the M235i well.

We are thrilled to meet those slim-fit sporty seats of the BMW M135i once again, with their mix of Alcantara and bespoke hexagon-shaped textile material. We can't wait to hammer it and let the inertia push us into the soft padding of these seats.

The driving position borrows from the M135i's hatchbackness and we're fond of it. Not sitting all that low offers good visibility, a treat many coupes forget about.

Our M235i test car was gifted with the M Performance LED steering wheel. Many dream of becoming race drivers and, with the proper road under the car, this steering wheel quenches some of that thirst. The grip of the Alcantara is superb and using the LEDs to change gear just short of the rev limiter feels perfect.

The only problem is that the wheel doesn't come off as easy as in a race car. You can't replace it with a standard one once you return to everyday driving. This means you'll have to deal with its ridiculously large upper central section whenever you have to park. All of a sudden, you realize the fit and finish is rather poor. And that the screen displaying the performance apps looks like it's taken from a mobile phone from back when Nokia ruled the world. In the end, this wheel belongs in its original location - within the pages of a catalogue.

The M235i offers plenty of room up front, where you'll also get to enjoy the trim - we recommend sticking to the M135i-borrowed aluminum. Sporty indeed.

You can even fit two medium-sized adults in the back. The only limitation is brought by the headroom, so try not to grow over 5’10” (1.78 meters) in height. If blindfolded, one wouldn't feel such a big difference to the rear-seat experience of the BMW 4-Series, for instance. We did miss the rear center armrest though. What are we supposed to do with our elbows?

While we figure that one out, we'll head behind the car. Here is where we find a luggage compartment measuring 13.8 cubic feet (390 liters). The volume sounds barely decent and you do get by with the boot. At least you can fold the rear seats in a 60:40 layout. As an option, you can go for a 40:20:40 configuration.

One boulevard after another, the M235i proves to be a fun partner for the city. This thing spells "lifestyle", exactly what you want to feel when you're out to have a good time in the city. From the way it looks parked outside the office, to the feeling you get when heading downtown at night, it's all just right.

Mind you, the width of the M235i is a bit greater than what you perceive from behind the wheel. This means you'll have to pay extra attention on narrow streets. Smile and wave.

Somebody in BMW's management likes his cars cozy. This is the golden rule and only after it has been applied can the engineers perform their go-fast tricks.

Whether you drive it on the highway or go for the smile-inducing B-roads, this BMW knows how to cover ground quickly while keeping you and your passengers in comfort. The M135i managed to offer the same kind of long-trip abilities, but its hatchback shape didn't inspire you to use the car in this manner.