Let’s get this out of the best way: The brand new BMW M235 Gran Coupe isn’t a looker. I shared these sentiments with the BMW workforce 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 possibly can solely accomplish that a lot with a bundle of that sort. I’m not in search of excuses on their half; I nonetheless assume somebody ought to have raised their hand after they first noticed the automobile, however the packaging of front-wheel drive automobiles comes with quite a lot of design constraints, just like the quick bonnet and stubby rear-end.
The Design – The Elephant within the Room
In reality, from a 3 quarter front-view, the brand new 2 Collection Gran Coupe is definitely fairly sporty trying and trendy, but it surely’s the head-on front-end that’s been attracting comparisons with different manufacturers. The rear finish is strictly 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 trendy and a bit extra excessive tech than its predecessor. The seats should not solely stunning to have a look at, but in addition to sit down, on and off the observe. 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 worth level.
Engine Specs and Efficiency
Now with this out of the best way, it’s time to deal with what perhaps issues to most BMW prospects: the specs and driving expertise. Below 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 car to speed up from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 4.7 seconds. European fashions, because of stricter emissions rules, are tuned to provide 296 horsepower whereas sustaining the identical torque output.
Good
- Inexpensive worth for a BMW in 2025
- Loads of energy for each day driving
- Sensible and spacious
Unhealthy
- The design is controversial
- The transmission is a bit laggy
- Lack of iDrive controller
A major replace for 2025 is the introduction of a seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission, changing the earlier eight-speed automated. This new gearbox is designed to boost each efficiency and effectivity, but it surely comes with a draw back as nicely. Extra on that in a second. Moreover, the brand new M235 comes customary with BMW’s M Adaptive Suspension, providing a stability between consolation and sporty really feel on the street.
On The Observe
A number of laps across the observe on the BMW Efficiency Middle offered the right alternative to push the automobile to its limits and expertise the way it performs underneath extra demanding driving situations. Right here, the M Know-how Bundle makes all of the distinction. The mechanical entrance differential lock and stiffer parts, like aluminum brackets and stable piston dampers, deliver a stage of composure and confidence that’s laborious to fault. Braking, because of M compound brakes with pads borrowed from the M3 and M4, is exact and conjures up belief. Nevertheless, the front-wheel-drive platform reveals its limits throughout laborious 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. It’s also possible to see this within the video under.
Off the observe, 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). In fact, the steering additionally turns into lighter, which is good 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’ll spend the vast majority 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 tremendous stability between consolation and agility, however the M Know-how Bundle takes issues a step additional. The experience 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 could 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 automobiles. The result’s a automobile that feels surprisingly agile for its measurement and energy.
That stated, the automobile’s bigger dimensions in comparison with the M135 hatchback are noticeable. Whereas it’s extra steady 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 measurement and agility come into play. It’s undeniably the extra playful possibility for fanatics who prioritize pure driving dynamics.
The M235 Gran Coupe, nevertheless, is best 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 number 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 Know-how Bundle. Whereas it provides important 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.
Last Ideas
The 2025 BMW M235 Gran Coupe is a well-rounded bundle, excellent for these seeking to make their entry into the BMW model. On the identical time, the M Know-how Bundle transforms it into performer on curvy roads, although its stiff experience may not be for everybody. Total, the F74 M235 Gran Coupe has been improved fairly a bit over the primary technology. However should you’re an fanatic craving the sharpest driving expertise on a tighter finances, the F70 M135 is perhaps the higher decide. Both approach, BMW has created a automobile that’s positive to fulfill prospects within the entry-level premium phase.
Exterior Attraction – 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 bundle, excellent for these seeking to make their entry into the BMW model. On the identical time, the M Know-how Bundle transforms it into performer on curvy roads, although its stiff experience may not be for everybody. Total, the F74 M235 Gran Coupe has been improved fairly a bit over the primary technology. However should you’re an fanatic craving the sharpest driving expertise on a tighter finances, the F70 M135 is perhaps the higher decide. Both approach, BMW has created a automobile that’s positive to fulfill prospects within the entry-level premium phase.
