Overview
WHY the BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe is a coupe and never a sedan is an idea we are able to’t fairly wrap our head round. It has 4 doorways and a boot, similar to a sedan, and though slightly glossy in profile, is not any much less a competitor to the likes of the Audi S3 Sedan or Mercedes-Benz CLA 250.
Nonetheless, a reputation is only a title, and the M235 xDrive Gran Coupe is a ripping tackle the small sedan style. Yeah, we stated it…
Facelifted earlier this yr, the M235 xDrive Gran Coupe (from $86,600 plus on-road prices, up $5600) boasts up to date exterior and inside styling, a bunch of chassis upgrades and a reworked driveline providing 8kW extra energy than earlier than.
That uptick takes complete output to 233kW/400Nm, the BMW’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive, propelling the M235 xDrive Gran Coupe kind standstill to 100km/h in a claimed 4.9 seconds.
Gasoline consumption is listed at a formidable 7.7 litres per 100km with CO2 emissions of 176 grams per kilometre on 95RON or larger premium unleaded. With a 49-litre gas tank under the again seat, the M235 xDrive Gran Coupe must be able to protecting 630km between fills.
Spec and tech highlights embody a brand new 10.7-inch infotainment touchscreen powered by BMW’s newest technology OS9 software program.
The M235 xDrive Gran Coupe boasts a digital instrument panel, toggle-style gear selector, heated entrance seats with lumbar help and therapeutic massage operate, a chunky, heated sports activities steering wheel, M tri-colour distinction stitching all through the cabin, and a black-painted roof with in-built glass sunroof.
Elsewhere we discover dusk-sensing Matrix LED headlights with auto excessive beam, fake leather-based upholstery, high-gloss black exterior garnishing, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 360-degree digicam system, DAB+ digital radio reception, dual-zone local weather management, and backlit highlights within the dashboard higher – once more in an M tri-colour end.
BMW affords the M235 xDrive Gran Coupe with a complete listing of normal security package together with adaptive cruise management, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, entrance and rear cross-traffic help, entrance and rear parking sensors, lane centring help, lane change help, lane departure warning, facet exit warning, and pace signal recognition to call a number of.
Being a smaller phase providing, the M235 xDrive Gran Coupe is kind of compact inside, with headroom notably restricted. Legroom is passable, even within the backseat, however we reckon it’s an area finest reserved for shorter journeys, and never for on a regular basis use.
The boot affords 430 litres of cargo house, and the again seats could also be folded to increase capability. There isn’t any spare wheel, the M235 xDrive Gran Coupe receiving solely a puncture restore/inflation package.
When it comes to aftersales help, we discover the M235 xDrive Gran Coupe backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
BMW’s Service Inclusive pack ($2369) covers primary upkeep for a interval of 5 years or 80,000km (whichever comes first), whereas the premium Service Inclusive Plus pack ($3782) provides brake pads and wiper blades into the deal.
Driving Impressions
The M235 xDrive Gran Coupe seems like a front-biased automobile from the get-go, which is to be anticipated given it shares its UKL2 platform with a number of Mini variants – and naturally the intently associated M135.
Like these fashions, the xDrive (all-wheel drive) system within the M235 is reactive to these conditions requiring a bit extra enter from the rear axle. The system works nicely in attaining a front-to-rear steadiness when required, notably in pulling away from a nook beneath heavy throttle.
It’s a system you’ll must develop accustomed to earlier than over-committing. This isn’t a rear-wheel drive, six-cylinder M automobile, and can’t be pushed like one.
That stated, it’s actually a very fulfilling drive. The re-tuned springs and frequency-selective dampers retain their firmer edge, however are higher rounded than earlier than, delivering a way of weight switch that continues to be predictable, whereas nonetheless offering a level of consolation.
BMW’s progressive steering rack is sweetly geared and nicely assisted, masking the torque steering typically evident in sportier front-wheel drive choices impeccably nicely. The ‘wheel rim itself is a bit thick for our tastes however is properly introduced with chunky paddle shifters and a helpful array of buttons.
Beneath the bonnet, the turbocharged 2.0-litre ‘4’ stays a spirited performer, notably in a automobile weighing 1650kg (kerb). The mill does require a handful of revs onboard to be really stirring, however is surprisingly linear thereafter, the seven-speed dual-clutch performing swiftly to maintain the engine in its candy spot.
Sadly, the driveline in our 4000km-old check automobile sounded a bit rattly when sustaining larger revolutions, the accompanying exhaust be aware much less theatrical than some within the phase – and at instances fairly synthetic in tone.
Nonetheless, when it comes to gas consumption, the mixture may be very exhausting to fault. A mixture of metropolis and freeway driving returned simply 8.2 litres per 100km, or simply on half-a-litre greater than the official declare.
Like virtually any BMW we’ve sampled, the braking motion and efficiency of the M235 xDrive Gran Coupe is tough to fault.
The pedal stroke is splendidly metered, permitting simply the correct quantity of modulation in any state of affairs. Dawdle round city, and the automobile stops like a refined sedan. Dart from nook to nook and it’s simply as reliable, letting your proper foot know precisely the extent of stress being utilized.
Whereas it mightn’t be the razor-sharp weapon the rear-biased, six-cylinder M235 xDrive Coupe is, the M235 xDrive Gran Coupe is a lovely and fulfilling area of interest providing we predict has its place within the native line-up.
Extra sensible than the two Collection Coupe, and extra enticing than the 1 Collection Hatch, the M235 xDrive Gran Coupe is an providing that deserves your consideration, notably if a small ‘sedan’ is out of the query.
