BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe a Driver’s Car

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YARMOUTH PORT, Mass – The sound says performance and it means exhilarating driving is but a pull on the transmission selector and stab of the accelerator after firing up the second-generation subcompact 2025 BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe.

At this point, the driver has settled into the form-fitting, fabric-gripping, power adjustable sport seats with low-to-the-ground positioning, sighted the head-up display and is ready for the experience of, according to years of BMW marketing, an ultimate driving machine.

Make no mistake, although thoroughly modern, with comprehensive advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS); dual-zone automatic climate control; excellent fuel efficiency; reasonable room for four (five in a pinch in the four-door, coupe-like body, and a decent trunk, the M235 xDrive Gran Coupe is designed for the moments when the driver can go off alone and let the car stretch its legs on a challenging road. This is a true sports sedan, a type of vehicle pioneered by the German company with its 1968 BMW 2002.

Power and efficiency under the hood

The 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine features M TwinPower Turbo technology producing 312 horsepower and 295 pounds-feet of torque. This power moves through a 7-speed Steptronic Dual Clutch Transmission with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles and, when engaged, offers dynamic shifts. In addition, it also can activate M Sport Boost for maximum sporty response when the left-hand shift paddle is pulled for more than one second.

A BMW with xDrive in its name indicates an all-wheel drive (AWD) system. This BMW one ensures variable distribution of drive torque between the front and rear axles. In combination with the mechanical differential lock for the front wheels, it also ensures excellent traction and cornering dynamics.

The Gran Coupe’s traction capabilities contribute to its acceleration which BMW modestly says can achieve 60 miles per hour from rest in 4.7 seconds. Car and Driver testing, however, produced 0-60 times of 4.2 seconds!

In addition, I got 28.5 miles per gallon while aggressively driving the Gran Coupe, a bit better than the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s rating of 27 mpg overall (24 urban, 33 highway).

Any result of less than four seconds is fast, and the Gran Coupe’s real-world response is both quick and fast. There is no noticeable turbo lag; just instant zoom after pushing the accelerator.

Once I became accustomed to the M235’s characteristics, which was just a matter of finding the right road, it was smooth and rewarding to drive quickly. I always felt in complete control, knowing I had a lot more power if I needed or wanted it. And the powertrain was just one aspect; the Gran Coupe’s platform was designed for sporty motoring – a design which works.

Technology helps provide a performance platform, including special brake system

Chassis hardware enhanced by computer controls provided a balanced handling experience. The cliché “handles like it’s on rails” came to mind while I swiftly navigated some of the more challenging roads on Cape Cod (they do exist; you have to find them). The Gran Coupe responds so smoothly I just wanted to keep driving. I had to work to keep from going too fast; the Vegas Red Metallic ($650 option) low-slung machine, unfortunately, cut a not-so-subtle figure while maneuvering through the coastal region.

Here is how BMW describes the basic chassis setup of the M235 xDrive Gran Coupe which delivers the superb driving dynamics:  Both the single-joint suspension strut-type front axle at the front and the modular three-link rear axle have been extensively revised and fitted with new components to optimize rigidity and weight. Highly preloaded anti-roll bar mounts contribute to improved body support in bends and increased roll management, while robust wheel bearings increase the steering precision of the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. In addition, the optimized kinematics of the front axle promote agile steering behavior. The model-specific rear axle is especially rigid. Combined with a rigidly connected rear axle support, this enables precise wheel guidance with high lateral acceleration.

Part of the package is the standard Adaptive M suspension with variable, mechanically controlled and frequency-selective shock absorbers which promotes both agility and comfort. Sport steering provides quick, precise response.

All BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe models, including the M235, features an integrated braking system that combines brake actuation, brake boosting, and brake control of the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system in a single compact module. The required braking pressure is applied quickly and precisely by means of an electric actuator.

In the review model, this brake system incorporated the M Compound brakes, the heart of the optional ($2,550 M Performance Package. The M Compound components include four-piston, fixed-caliper disc brakes with 15.2-inch drilled rotors up front and single-piston, floating-caliper units with 13.0-inch discs in the rear.

The system is designed to provide comfortable braking, superb feel and stable stopping power even under hi loads. Weight has been minimized in the design and unsprung masses are lower compared with conventional braking systems. The calipers are painted gray and bear the M logo.

I did not put the brakes through any ultimate tests, never needing to find out just how well they might perform under high loads, but in my drives around the Cape, the brakes responded perfectly. Stops were short and straight, with excellent peddle feel.

Long ADAS list enhances driving experience

Technology further enhances the driving experience through the extensive standard and optional advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) on the M235 xDrive Gran Coupe.

The standard features include forward-collision mitigation; active blind-spot detection; lane-keeping assistant, and parking assistant.

The optional ($1,600) Premium Package, ($1,500) Technology Package and ($1700) Driving Assistance brought features like surround-view monitor; parking-assistant plus; active cruise control with stop; active driving assistant pro, and traffic-jam assistant.

Technology, comfort highlight intimate cabin

The BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe provides the lucky driver with an intimate, comfortable driving environment in which to enjoy the dynamic qualities of the car. The Alcantara-trimmed sport seats are firm, comfortable and keep the driver glued in position during even the most aggressive driving.

Complete luxury technology is at the driver’s fingertips through steering-wheel and voice commands as well as the most intuitive iDrive interface I have experienced. The infotainment system brings wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite and HD Radio, as well as a slew of additional subscription digital services, controlled through a new 10.7-inch color LCD touchscreen.

There is a lot of technology offered to the Gran Coupe driver which enhance the overall ownership as well driving experience. This is a car which will reward the owner who spends some time with the owner’s manual.

M235 sits atop the 2 Series range

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe range comes in rear-wheel and AWD 228i variants beginning priced at $39,600 and $41,600 respectively. Moving up to the ultimate M version, like the M235 xDrive Gran Coupe I drove brings a base price of $49,600. The review unit had the key options outlined above, as well as lesser ones like a heated steering wheel ($200), interior camera ($100) and universal garage door opener ($200), as well as $1,175 destination charge for an as tested price of $59,175.

A week behind the wheel of a performance-oriented BMW is always special and the time with the M235 xDrive Gran Coupe provided the driving enjoyment I expected.

Next week TBR Drives the 2025 Ford Mustang GT