China’s premium automobile market is significantly different from any other market in the world. BMW has long recognized this unique demand and therefore offers everything from the X1 to the 5 Series to Chinese buyers. Last year, the newest member of this extended family hit the market: the BMW M235L Gran Coupe, and BMW photographers had the opportunity to capture one in the eye-catching Thunder Night Purple metallic paint.
More than just a route
The “L” designation tells you everything you need to know about this China-exclusive model. Known internally as F78 (as opposed to the global F74), this isn’t simply a matter of adding a few centimeters here and there. BMW engineers have extended the wheelbase by a significant 110 mm (4.3 inches) compared to the international 2 Series Gran Coupe, bringing the total to 2,780 mm (109.4 inches).
To put this in perspective, that’s almost the same wheelbase as the original E23 7 Series from the late 1970s. The total length? At a remarkable 4,663 mm (183.5 inches), it is actually longer than the legendary E28 5 Series from the 1980s. Yes, BMW’s four-door entry-level sedan is now longer than what was once considered a proper full-size sedan. The stretch is most noticeable on the extended rear doors. BMW has retained the frameless window design that gives the Gran Coupe its sporty character, but the rear doors have grown to accommodate the increased wheelbase. The result is a surprisingly elegant design that doesn’t appear overly proportioned – not an easy task when you’re elongating a compact sedan.
Thunder Night Purple: A bold statement
The photo subject is wearing Thunder Night Metallic, a color-changing paint that BMW introduced for the first time in 2021 for the G42 2 Series Coupé. This is not your average purple. Depending on the lighting and viewing angle, Thunder Night changes from a deep, rich purple to an almost black hue, creating a dramatic effect that changes as you walk around the car. In terms of design, the M235L features the usual M Performance design – complete with quad exhaust pipes, M kidney grille, M mirrors and subtle rear spoiler.
China-specific characteristics and priorities
While the M235L shares its basic architecture with the global Gran Coupe, BMW has tailored several features specifically for the Chinese market. The most obvious is the extra legroom in the rear – the main reason for the wheelbase extension. Chinese buyers often prefer to be chauffeured, so rear seat comfort is paramount, even in a sporty compact sedan.
The rear seat features improved padding and seating position compared to the standard wheelbase model. BMW has also equipped the M235L with a panoramic sunroof, a feature that is particularly popular in the Chinese market, where it is often viewed as a luxury must-have rather than an option.
The drive: M Performance with a China twist
Under the hood, the M235L features BMW’s familiar B48 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but with an interesting twist. While the US M235 Gran Coupe produces 312 hp, the Chinese version is slightly toned down to 296 hp (221 kW) – which corresponds to the European specification. This is in line with Chinese emissions and fuel consumption regulations while still delivering robust performance.
Power is transmitted to BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT). The 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint takes a flat five seconds, which is a tenth of a second slower than the European model – probably due to the extra weight from the longer wheelbase and additional equipment.
It is worth noting that the M235L is the second M Performance model to be built in China via the BMW Brilliance joint venture at the Shenyang plant, after the X1 M35L. The fact that BMW produces M Performance variants locally is a testament to both the growing complexity of Chinese production facilities and the importance of the local market.
The Chinese 2 Series Gran Coupe range is not limited to the M235L. BMW also offers a 225L with a 2.0-liter engine and an output of 224 hp (167 kW) and a base 220L with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder and an output of 172 hp (128 kW). All variants have the extended wheelbase and the seven-speed DCT transmission.
Pricing and market position
BMW prices the M235L at RMB 363,900 (about $50,000), which interestingly is almost exactly the same as the standard wheelbase M235 Gran Coupe sold in the US. The cheaper 225L starts at RMB 259,900 (around $35,500), making it a compelling entry point into the premium compact sedan segment.
