When we look at the BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupé we are immediately transported to the «M Performance universe».
It's inevitable. The body color, the black front grille, the sports bumpers, the alloy wheels specific to this version and of course the «M» logos spread all over the body. Almost everything transports us to a very special “universe” — including the list of options.
A universe populated by models capable of «destroying tires» at the same speed as I write these lines — and believe me, I really type very fast. But this member of the M family has different concerns. As a BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupé, we have a four-door body and family ambitions.
Are these family values compatible with what is expected of a BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupé? That's what we'll try to find out in the next few lines.
The numbers of the BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupé
This BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupé doesn't lack firepower. At our disposal we have 306 hp of power and 450 Nm of maximum torque, provided by a four-cylinder 2.0 Turbo engine.
As you've already noticed, by not doing without the acronym xDrive, this M235i has all-wheel drive. Thanks to this system, up to 50% of the power can be sent to the rear axle, ensuring that all horses are effectively placed on the ground.
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And for a quick ride, we have an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, which is as smooth as it is fast — it just depends on the driving mode we select.
Well, it is thanks to this driving configuration that the BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupé is able to reach 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 250 km/h. Result? Every time we press the accelerator pedal harder, we're pushed hard against the seat.
At the wheel of this Gran Coupé
The BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupé is firm without being uncomfortable. The suspension manages to handle all asphalt disturbances with relative ease. It turns out to be on the humps that we realize how firm the tuning of this Gran Coupé is, especially in the rear. Because in other situations this model does not show any difficulty in absorbing irregularities.
When we want to make use of their dynamic skills, what is most impressive is the efficiency with which they let themselves go. All the moves of this M235i are very decisive. Brake, aim, accelerate. No big dramas or complications. But I confess that I missed a little more… involvement.
In fact, it doesn't offer the driving experience I'd expect from an M, but on the other hand, in everyday life it's more capable than I expected.
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These M sports seats cost €422.76. Are mandatory!
Don't get me wrong, the BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupé is a good sports car. Maybe it's even more than what we really need in a sports saloon in this segment. But on a twisted road, where we expect to get big smiles, we even smile, but… we don't let out any laughs at the end of the experience.
That said, if the extra space isn't absolutely necessary, the BMW M240i might be worth a look. It offers rear-wheel drive, in-line six cylinders, 340 hp and is available with manual gearbox. In any case, perhaps this is the smoothest way to access the «M Performance universe».