BMW M 235i Coupé

They seem to be changing the initials and dimensions, yet the sporting character remains. This one has an M-badge in front, which means that it goes like stink…

The 2 Series has grown quite a bit with respect to the previous 1 coupe, and not just in width. The new sports car is 7cm longer, three of which are in between the wheels. And then, there’s the track – quite large in front, and larger still at the back. Planted on 19-inch wheels, and oversized tyres (especially the ones at the back), the M 235i does nothing to hide its sporting demeanour. On the road, it’s simply great – elegant and powerful. In fact, ferocious in this version of M!

Under the bonnet, we discover the turbocharged three-litre straight-six engine – retuned especially for this vehicle, with an added twenty bhp. In total, it makes 326 – which is really too much, providing the ability for the 235i to touch 100km/h from a standstill in just 4.8 seconds. Flexible, ready at any revs, with almost non-existent turbo-lag, the six cylinders push forth with force. But (perhaps for the sake of being fussy) not with the aggression that one would expect from a car of this sort. Blame the torque curve – with a maximum count of 450Nm, virtually constant between 1300 and 4500rpm. It renders it very smooth, maybe a little too much for a sports car.

Well balanced – the weight is divided equally between the two axles – agile and manoeuvrable, this BMW moves from one corner to another with great ease. The turn in is quick, with minimum understeer, and the transfer of weight back to the rear tyres is very progressive and secure. From mid-corner onwards, one can accelerate, taking care only to calibrate the 326bhp with a little bit of attention. Slight power oversteer ensues, which the driver can control with ease – thanks to the rapidity and precision of the steering, and the M 235i is already launched onto the next straight. Pure pleasure.

TESTED VERSION
M235i

2,979cc, 6 cylinders, turbocharged
326bhp @ 5800rpm
450Nm @ 1300-4500rpm
Rear-wheel drive
8-speed automatic
Maximum speed: 250km/h
0-100 km/h: 4.8 secs
Length 4,432mm, Width 1,774mm,
Height 1,418mm
Weight 1,545kgs

435i Cabriolet
THE ROOF OPENS, BUT IN ITS OWN WAY

It looks good closed, the 435i – strongly elegant. On the other hand, its beautiful when open – nothing can interfere with the purity of its lines. Transforming this machine from one body-type to another, it’s enough to want to keep the button in the cabin pressed – which permits the folding roof to disappear in three pieces in 20 seconds. This is something you can do even while driving, as long you’re below 18km/h. The 3-litre six-cylinder turbo, here in the 306bhp version, provides high levels of performance, and also an extraordinary driving flexibility. The comfort is plentiful, the noise negligible, and there’s hardly any air turbulence at all with the roof down.

The M 235i doesn’t disappoint
The turn in is quick, with minimum understeer, and the transfer of weight back to the rear tyres is very progressive and secure

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