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 crew the primary time I noticed the automotive a number of months in the past. Granted, it’s higher wanting and arguably higher designed than the outgoing mannequin, however you may solely accomplish that a lot with a bundle of that sort. I’m not on the lookout for excuses on their half; I nonetheless suppose somebody ought to have raised their hand once they first noticed the automotive, however the packaging of front-wheel drive vehicles comes with a variety of design constraints, just like the quick bonnet and stubby rear-end.
The Design – The Elephant within the Room
The truth is, from a 3 quarter front-view, the brand new 2 Collection Gran Coupe is definitely fairly sporty wanting and classy, nevertheless 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 automotive. It’s truly fairly trendy and a bit extra excessive tech than its predecessor. The seats usually are not solely lovely to take a look at, but additionally to take a seat, 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 way in which, it’s time to give attention to what possibly issues to most BMW prospects: the specs and driving expertise. Beneath the hood, the brand new 2025 BMW M235 Gran Coupe is supplied 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, because of stricter emissions rules, are tuned to supply 296 horsepower whereas sustaining the identical torque output.
Good
- Reasonably priced value for a BMW in 2025
- Loads of energy for day by day driving
- Sensible and spacious
Unhealthy
- 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 automated transmission, changing the earlier eight-speed automated. This new gearbox is designed to reinforce each efficiency and effectivity, nevertheless it comes with a draw back as properly. 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 highway.
On The Observe
A couple of laps across the observe on the BMW Efficiency Heart supplied the proper alternative to push the automotive to its limits and expertise the way it performs beneath extra demanding driving situations. Right here, the M Know-how Package deal makes all of the distinction. The mechanical entrance differential lock and stiffer elements, like aluminum brackets and strong piston dampers, convey a stage of composure and confidence that’s arduous 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 arduous cornering, with some torque steer and understeer creeping in. That stated, BMW engineers have cleverly tuned the automotive to imitate rear-wheel-drive conduct with a contact of engineered “oversteer” on the rear—sufficient so as to add pleasure however not concern. You can even see this within the video beneath.
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 right for navigating metropolis streets or cruising on highways. It’s a automotive that feels completely at dwelling in your morning commute, which is probably going the place it’s going to spend the vast majority of its time.
Steering and Suspension Really feel
Total, the steering, whereas pretty exact, doesn’t provide the extent of suggestions fans would possibly count on 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 wonderful stability between consolation and agility, however the M Know-how Package deal takes issues a step additional. The journey turns into firmer and extra managed, notably in Sport Mode, making it well-suited for high-speed cornering. On curvy roads, the automotive 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 automotive could be. Its playful dealing with is enhanced by the fine-tuned chassis and the faux oversteer impact, which brings the rear finish to life throughout spirited driving. This engineering trickery provides a way of dynamism usually lacking in front-wheel-drive-based vehicles. The result’s a automotive that feels surprisingly agile for its dimension and energy.
That stated, the automotive’s bigger dimensions in comparison with the M135 hatchback are noticeable. Whereas it’s extra secure at larger 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 participating 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 fans 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 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 Package deal. Whereas it provides important worth with its performance-focused options, it does make the automotive really feel noticeably stiffer, which could not swimsuit the wants of a day by day driver.
Closing Ideas
The 2025 BMW M235 Gran Coupe is a well-rounded bundle, supreme for these trying to make their entry into the BMW model. On the similar time, the M Know-how Package deal transforms it into performer on curvy roads, although its stiff journey may not be for everybody. Total, the F74 M235 Gran Coupe has been improved fairly a bit over the primary era. However should you’re an fanatic craving the sharpest driving expertise on a tighter funds, the F70 M135 could be the higher choose. Both means, BMW has created a automotive that’s positive 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
Value Level – 7
7.3
The 2025 BMW M235 Gran Coupe is a well-rounded bundle, supreme for these trying to make their entry into the BMW model. On the similar time, the M Know-how Package deal transforms it into performer on curvy roads, although its stiff journey may not be for everybody. Total, the F74 M235 Gran Coupe has been improved fairly a bit over the primary era. However should you’re an fanatic craving the sharpest driving expertise on a tighter funds, the F70 M135 could be the higher choose. Both means, BMW has created a automotive that’s positive to fulfill prospects within the entry-level premium section.
