2014 BMW M235i - TestDriveNow.com Video Review

2014 BMW M235i – Video Review:

BMW’s naming of their vehicles can be confusing, even to those of us in the biz. But you can call this car anything you’d like as long as you call it the Ultimate Driving Machine. It’s the first ever M235i.

If you’re into cars you know the letter M on a BMW means business, with the iconic M3 serving as the benchmark example. But with this all-new 2 Series – the even numbered successor to the 1-series – you’ll notice the ‘M’ has too many characters after it. That’s because this is the first car in what possibly will be a lineup of M Performance Automobiles coming Stateside, or MPA cars as they’re called, designed to challenge the Audi S line in price. So though it’s not a full-fledged M, it captures the essence of BMW’s high performance models in a befitting, less expensive manner.

Longer and wider than the car it replaces, the 2 Series affords more front headroom, additional rear legroom and greater trunk capacity all while reducing its roofline for a more dynamic appearance. You could opt for the 228i – the lowest priced non X model in BMW’s lineup at $33,025 – or step up to this; the M235i for an extra $11,000. That added cash gets you all of the M goods – starting with BMW’s exemplar TwinPower turbo inline 6 spawning 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. Following the main upgrade is specific chassis tuning with a driver selectable adaptive suspension, a more powerful sport braking system, variable sport steering and a set of aggressive, staggered width Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires. On top of that, you get the aerodynamically optimized body design and a sport exhaust which loves to signal gear changes. If you’re going to talk the talk you had better walk the walk and the M235i performs in a thrilling manner with the standard 8-speed sport automatic transmission a perfect fit. You could opt for the no-cost 6-speed manual but why? This unit has sport mode and paddle shifters, can run a faster launch controlled 0-to-60mph time of 4.8 seconds and returns significantly better gas mileage, netting 22mpg city/32mpg highway. An Auto Start-Stop function furthers that cause. Choose from ECO PRO, Comfort, Sport or Sport + settings to find just the right total car setup for you and the M235i will deliver.

This BMW is for those who believe the 4 Series has gotten a little too big for its britches. It’s now the company’s purest, most focused coupe, yet its diminutive size is only part of that equation. It’s been engineered, first and foremost, for spirited driving. Sure, BMW’s hallmark supple ride quality is still on board so it’s definitely good-to-go for everyday use. But take it out here to where the road curves and you’ll soon discover a high-revving, turbocharged tenaciousness that’s oh so addicting.

Lift your foot off the throttle and there’s ample engine restraint to provide braking. And the car’s nimbleness speaks to its light weight, perfect 50:50 balance and tidy dimensions. It’s exciting to drive with various layers to its personality, able to go hard or play it easy on demand. Though quite subjective, I find this combination of leather sport seat and M Sport steering wheel to be the best in the industry. I’d take this seat out and use it as my office chair if I could – so soft and supportive and the wheel is wrapped in that same soft leather that feels perfect in the hand.

What’s not so exciting, surprise-surprise is the interior. $46,575 doesn’t get you navigation, Bluetooth streaming audio, Sat radio, smart key entry, a backup cam or any notable safety electronics. If you’re into stuff this will leave you wanting. And despite the size increase the rear seats are not adult friendly, though the front 2 enjoy these awesome vantage points and a surprisingly quiet cabin. For the performance-minded, the 2014 M235i is a great, though pricey way to get into the BMW game.

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