China’s premium automotive market is pretty totally different from every other market on the earth. BMW has lengthy understood this distinctive demand, which is why the model stretches every thing from the X1 to the 5 Collection for Chinese language consumers. Final yr, the newest member of this prolonged household arrived: the BMW M235L Gran Coupe, and BMW’s photographers had the chance to {photograph} one within the placing Thunder Night time Purple metallic end.
Extra Than Only a Stretch
The “L” designation tells you every thing it’s worthwhile to find out about this China-exclusive mannequin. Identified internally because the F78 (versus the worldwide F74), this isn’t a easy case of including a couple of inches right here and there. BMW engineers have stretched the wheelbase by a considerable 110mm (4.3 inches) in comparison with the worldwide 2 Collection Gran Coupe, bringing the whole to 2,780mm (109.4 inches).
To place this in perspective, that’s almost the identical wheelbase as the unique E23 7 Collection from the late Nineteen Seventies. The general size? A considerable 4,663mm (183.5 inches), which really makes it longer than the legendary E28 5 Collection from the Nineteen Eighties. Sure, BMW’s entry-level four-door sedan is now longer than what was as soon as thought of a correct govt sedan. The stretch is most seen within the elongated rear doorways. BMW has retained the frameless window design that offers the Gran Coupe its sporty character, however the rear doorways have grown to accommodate the elevated wheelbase. The result’s a surprisingly elegant execution that doesn’t look awkwardly proportioned—no straightforward feat when stretching a compact sedan.
Thunder Night time Purple: A Daring Assertion
Thephoto topic wears Thunder Night time Metallic, a color-shifting paint that BMW first launched on the G42 2 Collection Coupe in 2021. That is no atypical purple. Relying on the lighting and viewing angle, Thunder Night time shifts from a deep, wealthy purple to an nearly black shade, making a dramatic impact that adjustments as you stroll across the automobile. Design smart, the M235L comes with the same old M Efficiency styling—full with quad exhaust ideas, M kidney grille, M mirrors, and delicate rear spoiler.
China-Particular Options and Priorities
Whereas the M235L shares its primary structure with the worldwide Gran Coupe, BMW has tailor-made a number of options particularly for the Chinese language market. The obvious is that additional rear legroom—the first motive for the wheelbase extension. Chinese language consumers typically want to be chauffeur-driven, making rear-seat consolation paramount even in a sporty compact sedan.
The rear seat options enhanced cushioning and improved seating place in comparison with the usual wheelbase mannequin. BMW has additionally geared up the M235L with a panoramic sunroof, a function that’s notably fashionable within the Chinese language market the place it’s typically seen as a luxurious must-have moderately than an choice.
The Drivetrain: M Efficiency with a China Twist
Below the hood, the M235L packs BMW’s acquainted B48 turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, however with an fascinating twist. Whereas the U.S.-spec M235 Gran Coupe produces 312 horsepower, the Chinese language model is barely detuned to 296 hp (221 kW)—matching the European specification. This aligns with China’s emissions and gas economic system laws whereas nonetheless delivering sturdy efficiency.
Energy routes via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) to BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) dash takes 5 seconds flat, which is a tenth of a second slower than the European mannequin—doubtless because of the added weight from the longer wheelbase and extra gear.
It’s value noting that this makes the M235L the second M Efficiency mannequin to be inbuilt China via the BMW Brilliance three way partnership on the Shenyang plant, following the X1 M35L. The truth that BMW is domestically manufacturing M Efficiency variants speaks to each the rising sophistication of Chinese language manufacturing amenities and the significance of the native market.
The Chinese language 2 Collection Gran Coupe vary isn’t restricted to the M235L. BMW additionally presents a 225L with a 2.0-liter engine producing 224 hp (167 kW), and a base 220L with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder producing 172 hp (128 kW). All variants function the prolonged wheelbase and seven-speed DCT transmission.
Pricing and Market Place
BMW costs the M235L at 363,900 RMB (roughly $50,000), which curiously aligns nearly precisely with the standard-wheelbase M235 Gran Coupe bought in the USA. The extra accessible 225L begins at 259,900 RMB (round $35,500), making it a compelling entry level into the premium compact sedan section.
