It would seem the Germans are taking a page out of the American’s books and inundating their lineups with as many choices as a McD’s menu, with lots of extras and specials for all. Is it a good thing? In some cases I’m not too sure (read: MINI), however, when it comes to BMW and their recent lineup additions, like the new 2 Series, it can only mean good things.
And I’m serious when I say good things. Enter the 2014 BMW M235i.
What is a BMW M235i?
It’s been brought in just this year to replace the 1 Series (just like the 4 Series is stepping in to replace the 3 Series coupe). An ideal blend of 1 Series drivability and 3 Series space and amenities, the 2 Series (228i and M235i) may just be the BMW you’ve been searching for..
Why isn’t this particular model referred to as an M2? Well, because it’s not a “real” M car in the sense of the word. The previous, and very excellent 1M wasn’t one either but we can all agree that true “M” cars are a breed all their own.
2014 BMW M235i Price and Specs
My particular tester was priced to start at $45,000. A pretty penny for a pretty little coupe, and a good starting mark I think. With a few choice packages added (Premium, Executive and ConnectedDrive Services) my particular Estoril Blue Metallic BMW M235i reach a final price of $53,745.
Some would argue this is quite steep for a vehicle that’s not a “real” M vehicle, but it’s well worth the coinage. Equipped with the glorious turbocharged inline-6, this little coupe is good for 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox, the 2 Series puts any sticker shock to rest once you slip behind the wheel.
Driving the 2014 BMW M235i
I like slipping behind the wheel of a BMW; I always know what to expect. However, this time I had to take a moment. I had to keep in mind this isn’t an actual M car, so no fancy M steering wheel (the best in the biz in my opinion), no uber fancy seats, either. However, the soul of what makes an M car and M car is definitely there with the M235i.
Pop the car into Sport + mode and the traction control automatically deactivates, the exhaust gets snortier and throttle response becomes almost volatile. I don’t think I’ve ever been so impressed with a manual transmission before. There was something ridiculously smooth and supple about it, and not in a lazy you-can’t-drive-so-I’ll-help-you way. This transmission just knew what you wanted it to do, and the clutch, throttle and shifter worked so well together -- I really felt like one with the car on more than one occasion.
It is a true joy to pilot. Driver seating is mint, and the pedals are perfectly placed and sized for spirited jaunts on twisty backroads, as is the M shifter. Note: Tail-wagging is highly acceptable and encouraged in the M235i, trust me.
Playful and eager, the inline-6 is so ready to please. This isn’t an excessively fast car, but it’s quick in the sense that it’s always sprung, ready to explode. Oh and when that inline-6 explodes, the dual exhaust pipes, bark, burble and growl. The gentle turbo spool whistle whipping by in the wind offers ambiance to the elevated revs as the M235i happily climbs to redline as many times as asked.
Yes, this is a driver’s car. BMW did a fabulous job. Period.
Inside and Out of the BMW M235i
This is kind of a funny little creature, and I’m still not 100% sure how I feel about its curves. One thing’s for sure; I really like the front face. Loaded with attitude, BMW does front ends right. Aggressive in all the right ways, the 2014 BMW M235i is no M3 in terms of sporty bits and pieces, but the wide-mouthed front lip spoiler and bumper allude to the beastly nature beneath the hood.
Now, come round the back and that’s where things get a bit weird for me. I like the black-tipped dual exhaust, but there’s something “big” about the rump.
Inside, the usual BMW fare is found with the iDrive knob positioned perfectly for driver manipulation. While a coupe, the M235i is quite roomy inside, and offered plenty of room for my son’s car seat (where he very, very happily rode all week). A 2+2, this is not a family hauler, however, the trunk is capacious enough and I was able to but the BMW M235i to good use after a move transporting bar stools, curtain rods and a few lamps -- all at the same time.
Comparing the 2014 BMW M235i
While BMW may have created a new of their compact car, this is a segment that has quite a few players already. Audi’s brand new S3 offers some serious competition as does Merc’s brand new CLA AMG. As BMW’s M235i isn’t a true M, I’m not sure how it’ll stack up… I smell a German comparison showdown in the future.
And I’m serious when I say good things. Enter the 2014 BMW M235i.
 |
What is a BMW M235i?
It’s been brought in just this year to replace the 1 Series (just like the 4 Series is stepping in to replace the 3 Series coupe). An ideal blend of 1 Series drivability and 3 Series space and amenities, the 2 Series (228i and M235i) may just be the BMW you’ve been searching for..
Why isn’t this particular model referred to as an M2? Well, because it’s not a “real” M car in the sense of the word. The previous, and very excellent 1M wasn’t one either but we can all agree that true “M” cars are a breed all their own.
2014 BMW M235i Price and Specs
My particular tester was priced to start at $45,000. A pretty penny for a pretty little coupe, and a good starting mark I think. With a few choice packages added (Premium, Executive and ConnectedDrive Services) my particular Estoril Blue Metallic BMW M235i reach a final price of $53,745.
Some would argue this is quite steep for a vehicle that’s not a “real” M vehicle, but it’s well worth the coinage. Equipped with the glorious turbocharged inline-6, this little coupe is good for 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox, the 2 Series puts any sticker shock to rest once you slip behind the wheel.
Driving the 2014 BMW M235i
I like slipping behind the wheel of a BMW; I always know what to expect. However, this time I had to take a moment. I had to keep in mind this isn’t an actual M car, so no fancy M steering wheel (the best in the biz in my opinion), no uber fancy seats, either. However, the soul of what makes an M car and M car is definitely there with the M235i.
Pop the car into Sport + mode and the traction control automatically deactivates, the exhaust gets snortier and throttle response becomes almost volatile. I don’t think I’ve ever been so impressed with a manual transmission before. There was something ridiculously smooth and supple about it, and not in a lazy you-can’t-drive-so-I’ll-help-you way. This transmission just knew what you wanted it to do, and the clutch, throttle and shifter worked so well together -- I really felt like one with the car on more than one occasion.
It is a true joy to pilot. Driver seating is mint, and the pedals are perfectly placed and sized for spirited jaunts on twisty backroads, as is the M shifter. Note: Tail-wagging is highly acceptable and encouraged in the M235i, trust me.
Playful and eager, the inline-6 is so ready to please. This isn’t an excessively fast car, but it’s quick in the sense that it’s always sprung, ready to explode. Oh and when that inline-6 explodes, the dual exhaust pipes, bark, burble and growl. The gentle turbo spool whistle whipping by in the wind offers ambiance to the elevated revs as the M235i happily climbs to redline as many times as asked.
Yes, this is a driver’s car. BMW did a fabulous job. Period.
Inside and Out of the BMW M235i
This is kind of a funny little creature, and I’m still not 100% sure how I feel about its curves. One thing’s for sure; I really like the front face. Loaded with attitude, BMW does front ends right. Aggressive in all the right ways, the 2014 BMW M235i is no M3 in terms of sporty bits and pieces, but the wide-mouthed front lip spoiler and bumper allude to the beastly nature beneath the hood.
Now, come round the back and that’s where things get a bit weird for me. I like the black-tipped dual exhaust, but there’s something “big” about the rump.
Inside, the usual BMW fare is found with the iDrive knob positioned perfectly for driver manipulation. While a coupe, the M235i is quite roomy inside, and offered plenty of room for my son’s car seat (where he very, very happily rode all week). A 2+2, this is not a family hauler, however, the trunk is capacious enough and I was able to but the BMW M235i to good use after a move transporting bar stools, curtain rods and a few lamps -- all at the same time.
Comparing the 2014 BMW M235i
While BMW may have created a new of their compact car, this is a segment that has quite a few players already. Audi’s brand new S3 offers some serious competition as does Merc’s brand new CLA AMG. As BMW’s M235i isn’t a true M, I’m not sure how it’ll stack up… I smell a German comparison showdown in the future.
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