There has been quite a bit of rumble from M Performance Automobiles (MPA) recently. Not too long ago we had the X5 M50d - an immensively powerful diesel SUV that could do 0-100km/h in sub-five seconds.
Hitting the rod while it's hot, we were soon handed the keys to the M235i - the spicest and quickest 2 Series on sale now.
Despite the renumbering exercise (the 2 Series is essentially a 1 Series Coupe), we couldn't help but to relate the M235i to the 1 Series M Coupe - a car that left many in awe and wanting. And with no M2 in sight, the M235i will have the closest genetic link to the iconic coupe.
In that sense, the new car certainly has much to live up to.Exterior
Like the 4 Series, BMW did more than mere rebadging in creating the 2 Series. The compact coupe gets a unique front fascia, with elongated and slimmer-looking headlamps to give it a more streamlined and aggressive look.
Hitting the rod while it's hot, we were soon handed the keys to the M235i - the spicest and quickest 2 Series on sale now.
Despite the renumbering exercise (the 2 Series is essentially a 1 Series Coupe), we couldn't help but to relate the M235i to the 1 Series M Coupe - a car that left many in awe and wanting. And with no M2 in sight, the M235i will have the closest genetic link to the iconic coupe.
In that sense, the new car certainly has much to live up to.Exterior
Like the 4 Series, BMW did more than mere rebadging in creating the 2 Series. The compact coupe gets a unique front fascia, with elongated and slimmer-looking headlamps to give it a more streamlined and aggressive look.
The rear end is decorated with a very subtle-looking boot lid spoiler and twin exhausts tugged underneath the bumper. This view will be your best bet to tell the pocket rocket from its lesser 220i sibling, which makes do with just a single tailpipe.
Interior
Fans and owners of the Bavarian marque will immediately find themselves at home in the M235i. Like many other Bimmers we have laid our hands on before, the coupe's cabin is cloaked in a dark suit of black leather.
While there's no fault in that, there isn't much drama to be had here, with the lack of contrasting stitching and alcantara swipes. What the M235i does get are aluminium-look trims to liven up the mood - similar to its MPA stablemates.
Fans and owners of the Bavarian marque will immediately find themselves at home in the M235i. Like many other Bimmers we have laid our hands on before, the coupe's cabin is cloaked in a dark suit of black leather.
While there's no fault in that, there isn't much drama to be had here, with the lack of contrasting stitching and alcantara swipes. What the M235i does get are aluminium-look trims to liven up the mood - similar to its MPA stablemates.
Functionalists, however, will take a liking to the setup, because everything falls into place nicely. Plus, with premium quality trims and buttons, you will find yourself at the losing end for sparking any criticism about the cabin.
Adding to the compact coupe's credentials is the cleverly utilised cabin space that will fit four adults adequately. There is also proper 390 litres of boot space to swallow your shopping bags.
Adding to the compact coupe's credentials is the cleverly utilised cabin space that will fit four adults adequately. There is also proper 390 litres of boot space to swallow your shopping bags.
The Drive
Providing the drive, and arguably the soul of the M235i, is a 3.0-litre in-line six unit - the most powerful of its kind to be fitted in an MPA.
It is the same gem found in the M135i, tuned to make six more horses. It's, hence, not wrong to think of the M235i as the youngest in the family who is the most doted upon.
And if you are a keen driver, there's little reason not to like this young chap after you bring it out for a spin.
First, there is the addictive straight line sprint, which is amplified by its pocket-sized dimensions. Everything seems to whiz past at a much faster pace than you'd expect of a sub-five seconds sports car.
Besides the ballistic performance, there is also the balanced and well-sorted handling that is iconic of Bimmers. The low and snug driving position also helps to augment the experience, putting a wide grin on the driver's face each and everytime.
Such indulgence in speed and the car's capability to turn every twisty road into a race track, however, will surely have your license fired in no time.
Despite the driver-centric DNA, the M235i isn't all the maniac road racer that will leave your body aching after an hour of drive. Thankfully, with bespoke chassis tuning, it strives a good balance between driving involvement and creature comfort, and is never punishing even in the most hardcore mode.
Conclusion
With brag-worthy performance and sublime handling, the M235i is almost the perfect car for boy racers. Proper practicality for two more on board and a decent-sized boot for your girlfriend's shopping mean that it will serve as a daily driver too.
Seriously, there isn't much that's not to like about the car.
That is, of course, if you can talk yourself into paying close to $260k (as of 3rd April 2014) - a quarter more over the price of its less powerful 220i sibling.
Conclusion
With brag-worthy performance and sublime handling, the M235i is almost the perfect car for boy racers. Proper practicality for two more on board and a decent-sized boot for your girlfriend's shopping mean that it will serve as a daily driver too.
Seriously, there isn't much that's not to like about the car.
That is, of course, if you can talk yourself into paying close to $260k (as of 3rd April 2014) - a quarter more over the price of its less powerful 220i sibling.
