The 2025 BMW M235i XDRIVE Gran Coupé is what BMW happens when BMW tries to scatter its motorsport magic on a platform based on front applications-and the result is … good, complicated. On paper you can expect everything you would expect from a car that is wearing an M power badge: a high starting engine, an aggressive styling and an optimized chassis. But peel the shiny piano black back, and the M235i feels more like a compromise – a car that looks quick, has the statistics to secure it, but does not quite provide the ultimate driving machine experience that BMW fans expect.
But will buyers notice at all?
Background, availability and pricing
Let’s first talk about what the Gran Coupé of the BMW 2 series 2025 and what it is not. This is not a completely new car, but it’s tight. Based on a revision of the previous GC platform of the 2 series, considerable updates are introduced, including an abundance of new technologies, important mechanical improvements and completely redesigned styling inside and outside. Production begins in the fourth quarter of 2024 in the Leipzig plant from BMW, whereby the availability of the market is reduced in March 2025.
The 2 Series we tested was an M235I variant before production and was driven on incredible streets in South Carolina (through an amazing autumn leaves).
Two options will be available for US buyers at the start: the 241-PS-228i XDRIVE Gran Coupé, a price of $ 41,600 (plus $ 1,175) and the more power-oriented 312 hp-M235i XDRIVE Gran Coupé, from $ 49,500 (Plus $ 1,175 $ 1,1755). Goal). For those who are looking for a more budget-friendly entry point, a variant of the front-wheel drive-the debut of 241 PS 228i Sdrive Gran Coupé-AB in mid-2025 from $ 39,600 (plus $ 1,175 destination).
Performance – with some restrictions
Under the bonnet, the M235i BMWS packs 2.0-liter twinpower-turbo four-cylinder engine from B48. It arouses a little more power than before (Redlining at 6,500 rpm) with 312 hp. This is good enough to absorb this four -door coupé (as BMW calls it) in just 4.7 seconds to 60 miles per hour. It is a solid upgrade on paper, but things are interesting here: This torque figure is actually lower than before with only 295 ft LB.
Why? It is the new seven-speed dual clutch transmission. While BMW’s old eight-speed automatic could deal with a fleshier torque curve, the new DCT is apparently a little more sensitive. In order to preserve his internal, BMW engineers had to choose the turn back, which is disappointing when you consider that the torque is a signature of the previous B48 in the M235i. It is unfortunately a concession one so that the BMW offers a single gear across all cars at the base of front applications.
The M235i had some improvements in the suspension, which gives him a touch more feedback and a somewhat eager selection in our early trip. A revised steering ratio also helped with the feeling of increased immediacy, and the optional four piston brakes have added confidence in the Appalachia Bergstrasse.
The DCT dilemma
Speaking of transmission, let us go into it. BMWS Siebengang-Steptronic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) is new to the M235i and it is … In order. This is the best way to describe it. In theory, two -insert gears are supposed to deliver lightning -fast shifts, but here the execution feels inconsistent. In the city and in comfort mode, the DCT can feel hesitant, especially at a standstill. It is the type of hesitation that makes her second, what happens when you put your foot down. We felt something similar (but worse) than new X1 and X2, and BMW clearly did not completely solve the problem. However, we were informed that such problems can often be solved with software updates.
Things improve in sports mode, where the gearboxes and more feel more with the engine in synchronization. But even then the universities are not consistently as snappy as they would hope. It is as if the DCT is often a half step behind what you want. This is particularly striking when driving aggressive, in which the gearbox reacts immediately. Instead, there is a slight delay that react the trust you have in the car. Nevertheless, this DCT is smoother than the previous speed of the AISIN 8 speed and can be almost predictive thanks to its close integration into the assignment data.
Styling: BMW over FWD
At a glance, the M235i XDRIVE Gran Coupé is sharp and modern, with many aggressive design information that screams the limousine of the modern front wheel drive. It is handsome and in no way controversial. But what it doesn’t scream is BMW.
The wide kidney grille is flanked by slim LED headlights, and the large air inlets in the front bumper, which indicates its sporting intentions. The rear is probably the best angle of the car with slim taillights, a shaped trunk lid and two exhaust peaks, which add exactly the correct setting. The frameless door alluding to the coupé-inspired silhouette-sind a nice gesture that gives the design a certain elegance.
But then there is the side profile in which things become a little … cumbersome. The architecture based on the front Wheel base creates a long front overhang, a design feature that is unavoidable when you are packing a transverse engine in advance the front axis. This is common for limousines with front -wheel drive, but it is shaken on a BMW. The proportions simply do not shout “sporty”, and the car lacks the balanced attitude that defines the traditional limousines of the brand. Instead, the nostrous appearance of the M235i gives an indication of the unification, which feels out of place for a BMW sedan.
The overall effect is a car that looks modern on a mass market. But don’t make a mistake, you will not confuse this car for a 2 series coupe or even a 3 series.
Value for money – or not?
Here the M235i XDrive Gran Coupé finds its reason: value. The front-wheel drive 241 PS 228 SDRIVE Gran Coupé begins at only $ 39,600. The M235i (the car tested here) starts at 49,800 US dollars and undercuts the 3 Series by several thousand dollars and offers similar performance figures. Factor in its standard all-wheel drive system, a well-equipped interior with the latest BMW-curved display and a decent list of standard functions, and the M235i begins as a budget-friendly way to realize and realize and achieve something sporty and something Understand bonus.
However, this calculation changes quickly as soon as you have checked the option boxes. Add the Premium package, improved bikes, M -Performance extras and some advanced driver aids, and suddenly stare a price that crawls uncomfortably close to $ 60,000. At this point in time, you are equipped in a decently equipped territory of the 3 Series-a car that offers a superior platform for the rear wheel drive, more appealing handling and a smoother gear even in the basic equipment.
Conclusion: a compromise with a purpose
The 2025 BMW M235i XDRIVE Gran Coupé is a car that tries to be everything for everyone – and in a way it succeeds. It is quick, comfortable and with technology, which makes it an attractive choice for buyers who are looking for a stylish, premium compact car that offers solid value. For those who prioritize BMW’s famous reputation for driving dynamics, the compromises of the architecture on the front drive and sometimes financial DCT can be difficult to ignore.
The bigger problem with the new M235i is not the car itself – it is the BMW 3 Series that is available for almost the same price. For everyone who is attracted to BMW as much for his dynamic driving experience as for their badge, the 3 Series remains a much more convincing choice.
BMW M235i XDRIVE Gran Coupé Fotogalie
