Let’s get this out of the way in which: The brand new BMW M235 Gran Coupe is just not a looker. I shared these sentiments with the BMW group the primary time I noticed the automobile a couple of months in the past. Granted, it’s higher trying and arguably higher designed than the outgoing mannequin, however you’ll be able to solely achieve this a lot with a package deal of that sort. I’m not in search of excuses on their half; I nonetheless suppose somebody ought to have raised their hand after they first noticed the automobile, however the packaging of front-wheel drive vehicles comes with plenty of design constraints, just like the quick bonnet and stubby rear-end.
The Design – The Elephant within the Room
In truth, from a 3 quarter front-view, the brand new 2 Collection Gran Coupe is definitely fairly sporty trying and classy, however it’s the head-on front-end that’s been attracting comparisons with different manufacturers. The rear finish is precisely what we anticipated, contemplating we’ve already seen the brand new 1 Collection F74: double lights contained in the taillight which are supposed to separate the front-wheel drive lineup from the remainder of the RWD-based household.
Inside, I’ve no points with the automobile. It’s truly fairly fashionable and a bit extra excessive tech than its predecessor. The seats will not be solely lovely to take a look at, but in addition to sit down, on and off the monitor. The dashboard is what I anticipated additionally: largely buttonless and iDriverless. Nonetheless, BMW has given the two Collection Gran Coupe a reasonably premium inside contemplating the value level.
Engine Specs and Efficiency
Now with this out of the way in which, it’s time to deal with what possibly issues to most BMW prospects: the specs and driving expertise. Underneath the hood, the brand new 2025 BMW M235 Gran Coupe is provided with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (B48). Within the U.S. market, this powerplant delivers 312 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, enabling the automobile to speed up from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 4.7 seconds. European fashions, resulting from stricter emissions rules, are tuned to provide 296 horsepower whereas sustaining the identical torque output.
Good
- Inexpensive value for a BMW in 2025
- Loads of energy for each day driving
- Sensible and spacious
Dangerous
- The design is controversial
- The transmission is a bit laggy
- Lack of iDrive controller
A big replace for 2025 is the introduction of a seven-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission, changing the earlier eight-speed computerized. This new gearbox is designed to boost each efficiency and effectivity, however it comes with a draw back as nicely. Extra on that in a second. Moreover, the brand new M235 comes normal with BMW’s M Adaptive Suspension, providing a stability between consolation and sporty really feel on the street.
On The Monitor
A couple of laps across the monitor on the BMW Efficiency Heart supplied the proper alternative to push the automobile to its limits and expertise the way it performs underneath extra demanding driving circumstances. Right here, the M Expertise Bundle makes all of the distinction. The mechanical entrance differential lock and stiffer parts, like aluminum brackets and stable piston dampers, carry a stage of composure and confidence that’s exhausting to fault. Braking, due to M compound brakes with pads borrowed from the M3 and M4, is exact and evokes belief. Nonetheless, the front-wheel-drive platform reveals its limits throughout exhausting cornering, with some torque steer and understeer creeping in. That stated, BMW engineers have cleverly tuned the automobile to imitate rear-wheel-drive habits with a contact of engineered “oversteer” on the rear—sufficient so as to add pleasure however not concern. You may as well see this within the video under.
Off the monitor, the Gran Coupe shifts gears—figuratively and actually. In Consolation Mode, it transforms right into a relaxed commuter, with a softer suspension and extra forgiving throttle response. The twin-clutch transmission is laggy right here although, one thing I’ve skilled in all the brand new BMWs that use this gearbox (X1 and X2, for instance). After all, the steering additionally turns into lighter, which is right for navigating metropolis streets or cruising on highways. It’s a automobile that feels completely at house in your morning commute, which is probably going the place it can spend nearly all of its time.
Steering and Suspension Really feel
Total, the steering, whereas pretty exact, doesn’t supply the extent of suggestions fanatics may anticipate from a BMW. In Consolation Mode, it feels muted and disconnected, although switching to Sport Mode tightens issues up considerably.
The suspension setup is the place the M235 Gran Coupe shines brightest. The usual M Adaptive Suspension strikes a effective stability between consolation and agility, however the M Expertise Bundle takes issues a step additional. The journey turns into firmer and extra managed, significantly in Sport Mode, making it well-suited for high-speed cornering. On curvy roads, the automobile feels planted and responsive, with minimal physique roll, although its stiff setup could make it barely jittery over uneven surfaces.
Driving Curvy Roads: Confidence in Each Flip
When the roads get twisty, the brand new 2025 BMW M235 Gran Coupe proves it may be enjoyable, or as enjoyable as a front-wheel drive automobile may be. Its playful dealing with is enhanced by the fine-tuned chassis and the pretend oversteer impact, which brings the rear finish to life throughout spirited driving. This engineering trickery provides a way of dynamism typically lacking in front-wheel-drive-based vehicles. The result’s a automobile that feels surprisingly agile for its dimension and energy.
That stated, the automobile’s bigger dimensions in comparison with the M135 hatchback are noticeable. Whereas it’s extra secure at increased speeds, the M235 Gran Coupe doesn’t fairly match the nimbleness of its smaller sibling. The M135, with its compact footprint and lighter weight, feels sharper and extra partaking on tighter roads, whereas the M235 shines on extra open, flowing routes. The M135 hatchback is tailor-made for European-style roads, the place its compact dimension and agility come into play. It’s undeniably the extra playful choice for fanatics who prioritize pure driving dynamics.
The M235 Gran Coupe, nevertheless, is healthier suited to the U.S. market, the place its four-door practicality and barely extra refined demeanor attraction to a broader vary of drivers. It’s a extra mature tackle the platform, sacrificing a few of the hatchback’s uncooked pleasure for elevated versatility and luxury.
There’s a caveat, although: except you’re completely sure you’ll be pushing the M235 to its sportier limits, I’d advocate skipping the M Expertise Bundle. Whereas it provides vital worth with its performance-focused options, it does make the automobile really feel noticeably stiffer, which could not go well with the wants of a each day driver.
Remaining Ideas
The 2025 BMW M235 Gran Coupe is a well-rounded package deal, preferrred for these trying to make their entry into the BMW model. On the identical time, the M Expertise Bundle transforms it into a very good performer on curvy roads, although its stiff journey won’t be for everybody. Total, the F74 M235 Gran Coupe has been improved fairly a bit over the primary technology. However for those who’re an fanatic craving the sharpest driving expertise on a tighter funds, the F70 M135 is likely to be the higher choose. Both manner, BMW has created a automobile that’s certain to fulfill prospects within the entry-level premium section.
Exterior Enchantment – 7
Inside High quality – 7.5
Steering Suggestions – 7.5
Efficiency – 7.5
Dealing with – 7.5
BMWness/Final Driving Machine – 7
Worth Level – 7
7.3
The 2025 BMW M235 Gran Coupe is a well-rounded package deal, preferrred for these trying to make their entry into the BMW model. On the identical time, the M Expertise Bundle transforms it into a very good performer on curvy roads, although its stiff journey won’t be for everybody. Total, the F74 M235 Gran Coupe has been improved fairly a bit over the primary technology. However for those who’re an fanatic craving the sharpest driving expertise on a tighter funds, the F70 M135 is likely to be the higher choose. Both manner, BMW has created a automobile that’s certain to fulfill prospects within the entry-level premium section.
