Since its introduction for the 2020 model year, the 2-series sedan has functioned as BMW’s entry-level offering.
2-series four-door
(“Gran Coupe”) employs an uncommon-for-BMW transverse engine, front-wheel-drive configuration. This differs from the traditional setup.
2-series two-door
The “actual coupe” maintains a conventional longitudinal-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration. This has led certain devoted fans to doubt the true BMW pedigree of the 2-Series Gran Coupe, since it uses an underpinning shared with Mini vehicles. It’s worth noting that although the two-door version comes as a complete M2 model, the four-door variant maxes out at the M235 specification, indicating that such considerations aren’t unheard of within BMW.
M-Adjacent Performance
Despite this, the M235 boasts statistics that can compete with compact, agile four-door competitors like the
Acura Integra Type S
and the
Audi S3
Similar to those, it features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The vehicle comes equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, reflecting the setup of the S3 (note that unlike the Integra, this model does not offer a manual option).
This powertrain delivers a lively and robust performance. The dual-clutch gearbox executes quick downshifts, while the high-revving engine propels the vehicle forward with a surge of turbo-enhanced torque. The turbocharged 2.0-liter unit now produces 312 horsepower—a boost of 11 horsepower compared to the prior year—and significantly more than the lower-tier 228 model’s 241 horsepower. It offers 295 pound-feet of torque available between 2000 and 4500 rpm, slightly less than last year’s 332 pound-feet—but this difference would be hard to discern during driving. In testing, it accelerated from standstill to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, equalling the acceleration time of the preceding generation, and completed the quarter-mile sprint in 12.9 seconds at a speed of 108 mph.
The powerful engine can be somewhat rough at times. Although the new dual-clutch transmission has replaced last year’s eight-speed torque converter, it may still stumble during takeoff from a slow roll. This issue becomes even more pronounced due to the sensitive throttle response in Sport Plus mode. However, you probably won’t stay in this mode often. Instead, consider holding down the left shift paddle for over a second to activate M Sport Boost. This feature temporarily sets both the drivetrain and suspension to their most dynamic configurations.
Outside of the paddles, gear selection takes place via a flipper switch instead of the previous shift lever. There’s no Park position—the transmission puts itself into Park when the engine is switched off, or the driver can engage the parking brake.
The M235 has been given a chassis makeover this year, but our assessments from a previous test of the 2020 model still ring true. The M235 changes direction eagerly, with super-sharp steering that weights up decently. Wearing sticky Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport summer tires, the M235 managed 0.94 g of grip on the skidpad. But when equipped with the stiffer tuning of our car’s M Performance package, we found the Adaptive M Suspension to be unforgiving, kicking up over bumps and doing little to cushion broken pavement. You’ll wince when an unavoidable pothole appears in front of you.
The M235 also includes an M Sport brake system that includes larger front discs and four-piston front calipers. Our car was further equipped with M Compound brakes, bringing 15.2-inch drilled front rotors squeezed by four-piston calipers and 13.0-inch rear discs. They are not hard to modulate, and they haul the M235 to a stop from 70 mph in a tidy 154 feet and from 100 mph in 307 feet.
The 2-Series includes a typical set of driver assistance technologies such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping support, and front-collision alert. For an additional $500, you can get adaptive cruise control along with lane-centering aid. If you opt for the Driving Assistance Professional package at $1700, you’ll be able to drive hands-free; however, this feature is limited to specific roads and speeds under 40 mph.
Screen Scenes
The M235’s interior boasts a contemporary design featuring striking M-themed red and blue highlights throughout the cabin, even illuminating the dashboard trim. However, many surfaces are made from rigid plastic. Our vehicle was equipped with the available M Sport seats that have integrated headrests and feature an illuminated M emblem; although these seats are quite stiff, their shape provides good support. The rear seating area is passable, though individuals over six feet tall might find themselves somewhat cramped due to the slanted roofline.
The vehicle features a 10.3-inch digital dashboard and an angled 10.7-inch touchscreen for managing entertainment systems along with many climate control settings. Physical buttons would have been preferable since adjusting simple things like fan speed requires navigating through several touch-screen menus. Users can personalize the appearance of these displays using options such as Expressive mode or Digital Art themes, which feature swirling patterns spanning both screens; this arrangement places the speedometer reading in one corner. While stationary, the central display transforms into a game interface thanks to integration with the AirConsole service where your phone doubles as the gamepad. However, during our test drive in a California-based M235 model, we encountered some issues: the middle screen went entirely dark on two occasions, preventing us from accessing air conditioning controls.
Additional technology highlights consist of built-in wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside a wireless charging dock and keyless entry via smartphone. The optional Tech pack introduces an advanced HD multi-view camera system, augmented reality integration within the navigation interface, a heads-up display, and automatic self-parking capabilities.
The exterior styling of the M235 has remained largely unchanged. Derived from the 2-series Gran Coupe’s front-wheel-drive platform, it lacks the same sleek appearance as its 3-, 5-, and 7-series counterparts. For 2025, an illuminated grille becomes available as a new feature, and buyers have the option to choose a glossy black roof; however, none of these additions mask the compact car-like dimensions which define its overall profile.
The M235’s combo of performance and tech doesn’t come cheap. Pricing starts at $50,675— versus $42,775 for the lesser 228 xDrive—which is wandering into
3-series
The base price for a 330i starts at $47,125 or $49,125 with xDrive included. When equipped with numerous additional options, our tester’s final cost reached $59,175, which is quite close to the M340i priced at $61,375. Although our M235 came packed with plenty of features, they pale compared to what you get with an M340i. Spending just another $2,000 gets you into the M340i, offering not only similar sporty handling but also a much better overall experience.
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