I had one on an extended test drive. Compared to my M140i I didn't miss the RWD. The xDrive is massively confidence inspiring especially when cornering at speed. I did however miss the performance and responsiveness of the 3.0 ltr engine. I still ordered one though.
There is already a (very ugly) 2 series Active Tourer which is FWD as well. So this car isn’t the first I’m afraid. The new 2 series Coupé is said to be RWD though.
@@sad6549775 it's good for the price but you can tell this is BMW's cheapest car (or cheapest series of cars ie: 1 series and 2 series). The touch points are largely good but obviously they have had to cut corners to get this price point
I own the 228xi version in the US. In the red with a beige interior. It is great to drive, gets great gas mileage , is extremely peppy, and has good practicality. I think it looks great.
Just picked up mine yesterday, coming from a 2020 STI it's a huge upgrade in my opinion, and i think people talk so much shit about it becuz it's a 4cyl and the rear end is "ugly", but once you drive it you forget all of that trust me!
It's a really nice car the problem is videos and pictures definitely don't do it justice as soon as I saw one in person I ordered one! I'm currently waiting for it now. Its the fan boys that haven't moved with the times their the problem.
@@Dan-gy4kn ya dude, talking hella smack, and i dnt blame them becuz i was the same, but i never saw it in person or drove it, after driving it i was blown away, look grew on me big time tho, def love it and am planning to tune it!
Totally agree Tom, went for a test drive yesterday , thinking that the rear would like better in the flesh , however I was very disappointed. The ride was to rough felt every bump in the cabin, the engine was very intrusive. I want to hear the exhaust into the cabin not the engine screaming at it. As for the rear , It didn’t improve......... the A35 was a better vehicle to drive , however I have decided on the Alfa Romeo Giulia veloce. Great review Tom
Glad to hear your experience reflected my comments. It’s not a bad car, it’s just a few refinements off being a really good one IMO. Giulia Veloce is an elegant (if brave!) choice.
Good review .. could be where you are in the world will reflect whether it’s two or three series . Personally here in the uk where we have ice frost and snow in the winter I wouldn’t touch rear wheel as totally impractical and dosent move in such conditions . All wheel drive gives all year round performance so it’s a no brainier for me ..
Sweet looking car.... but I agree with you about the 3 series. I recently hired 1 in the UK. I prefer it to my 530d..... O, and don’t forget your sunglasses or a your cap next time!! Keep it coming, great work
Thanks, Cam. Yep - the new 3 Series is a good effort. That’s my kind of BMW, though I understand why they need to diversify into cars like the M235i GC as well. And yes - it was a very bright day! Caught out!
I was a huge BMW fan, my last one was a 228i and it was a great little coupe. Not so good to get in out of with a dodgy back which is why I ultimately traded it on an XC40. I don't like the look and feel of this Grand Coupe, it just doesn't feel BMW to me. Perhaps im just stuck in the past but it wouldn't be on my list. Thanks again for a great review.
You're better off in your current XC40. As a fan of traditional BMWs myself, I don't want us to concede that we're stuck in the past. Small, rear-driven cars have a future - many EVs are rear-drive, which is great!
I did order a M135i, I’ll be driving it early May. In The Netherlands they come standard with Pirelli P Zero tyres, so the tyre-issue is no problem here, cannot wait!
While I was fine with the 1 Series, this car is just so ugly. It is not nearly sleek enough for a coupe. The rear half of the car is just proportioned completely wrongly.
@@RBGoodfat I test drove the 228i and loved it. I am planning to get one for my wife. I want to get the M235, but she doesn't want or need that much car. It's definitely the size car I would want. I am sure you are enjoying it.
Update: 8 months ago i commented on this video, my advice, stay clear of this car, performance is there for sure, but regarding the looks and size i'd say drop it just get a 330 for 100 bucks cheaper or get a new 228i coupe, for the price the car is way too overpriced, i'm coming into 9 months of ownership and it just doesn't excite me, it's fast dnt get me wrong, but it's just not a fun car it's just "a good normal car", not to mention the look is just weird, i really REALLY tried to like the car, but i just gave in, it's not doing it for me, the passion for cars disappeared when i got this car , my advice rather than spending 50k on this car, get a used 2016-2018 bmw m2, which is literally the same price but 3X the fun, i'm trading up this weekend just gotta revert my car back to stock!
I was between an old M2 (2016) and a 2021 M235i. If it's a daily driver, especially in Canada, I'd say M235i is where to go. If you want performance, no driving in winter months and track fun take the M2. They are targeting different audiences
@@alfonsoizquierdo6849 i agree, but in the end it comes down to price, daily or not the M235i lacks so much , you don't have to be a performance oriented car to look fun and sporty, there's many daily vehicles that look just as elegant, sexy, and unique, and if you're gna get a M235 as a daily you might aswell get a 330i or 430i, you get a way better looking car, that's slightly slower, for 10k less, an M2 can be a great daily, good amount of power, great looks and great price, plus it's an inline six, not a knockoff minicooper😂😂😂 idk just my opinion because i've owned both cares, the m235i is really a waste of a vehicle, bmw should just cut production becuz shit ain't selling, people think they're getting a steal, but for the bad looks and and a slow car for 52k , u realize Mcars back in 2015 went for almost that price, and this car has a fraction of the power😂
@@KareemKayy To each their own. Keep in mind I compared an old M2 to new M235i. I chose the lattee because it had warranty and was more reliable. I also would've hated to put my dog on an M2 or M3 getting it dirty, and waste the car in the winter with the added risk of with no xdrive. The 330i is not that attractive to me. I was looking at the M3 (older) and M330i (older). At the end of the day I got a newer car , more reliable, with a good enough performance for someone that uses it daily. Imo this car looks good on the outside (I like it) and the inside quality is top notch (best thing in the car by far). The beautiful thing is is we can both do anything we want with out money and we each have our own formula for choosing a car. I just made this commenta cause I know there's people that like this car and don't appreciate seeing all the hate it gets. Is it a pure BMW? Heck no. Is it the best M series BMW? Heck no. Is it a good M car that's fun to drive and practical thats also entry level? Yeah, and for some that's enough. 🤷♂️
@@alfonsoizquierdo6849 lmao whatever makes you enjoy it bro, you do you, but realistically it's not a practical car, there's so much drama going around abt it, but ya lol i'm glad you like it tho! 😂😂😂
Interesting in USA, they get the 228i 4 cylinder with 8 speed auto, 17" wheels in non M Sport guise and digital round style instruments for driver. This may be a good option for the Australian market as a more conservative approach with a more absorbent ride.
Chasing Cars ... or even better the 6 speed manual you can get in the UK spec 218i. I don’t see the appeal of the dual clutch auto in a premium runaround; not as smooth as a TC auto (as you point out) nor as involving as a manual for those who like driving.
@@jashugg Aussies are looking to buy standard autos these days but a backward step in my opinion. I think some of the reasons may be that electronic radar cruise control and other electronic options through the gear box work better with an auto. A good move by BMW to bring out the new M3/M4 in a manual option though.
Yeah. BMW thinks it’s a totally different customer. I tend to think a 330i is bought by someone who understands driving dynamics really well, whereas the M235i is clearly more extroverted and style-forward (even if the looks aren’t to everybody’s tastes), while dynamics are a lesser priority
Chasing Cars I work for Bmw, I’ll tell you now, we won’t sell many of these, I agree these are aimed at different people, but the people in question won’t be interested in dropping 85k on one. If it was 65-70k it would make sense. At the end of the day it’s just a jcw clubman/countryman but less practical.
Chris Tonacrumpet doubtful. Do you really think they’d spend millions on development not to sell any?? People have said the same about the 1 series and they’re selling shed loads
D J the 1 series is in the same segments as a golf, it’s a market that sells well. Small sedans don’t sell well in Australia, how many Mazda 3 sedans do you see in comparison to hatches? Either way 85k in a bmw dealership will buy you smarter buys. X3 or a 3 series will always sell better for bmw in this price range. I get its for a small market of customers, I just guarantee that the market is tiny in Australia for this type of vehicle
@@pastorofmuppets8834 just looked at it at the showroom ... Didn't even bother driving it. What an ugly thing .. just get a 3series or wait for the new A3 replacement.
It’s a 1 series sedan and yes it’s poorly executed compared to Audi A3/S3 sedan and I did want to like it but marketing department need to understand why to BMW fans a 220i means a 2 door coupe and the M2 is sublime - but this is not a rear drive car like them - not a fan
Unsure if anyone really would read any comments on this excellent review done 3 years ado, but anyway. Mrs drives E-Pace, I drive Macan and kids are getting their L lessons in Arkana (all new cars, very satisfied with all 3 cars). Over the years we had many many cars, lately European brands ( Renault, Peugeot, Jaguar, Porsche). BMW never got a look in except for X4, however after driving Macan, we never got X4. Macan just felt so much better on the road. I test driven Q3 Sportback a few times last 6 month, but subjectively found it sluggish, struggling to accelerate and not fun to drive all. Kids are close to getting their "P"s, so Arkana will not be available for me to do business related trips. For quite some time now I have been researching what next set of wheels to get. Gran Coupe m235i caught my eye on the road. Beauty is in the eye of beholder, so they say. To me, this car is the only BMW sedan / hatch which looks nice. The other 2 BMWs I like the look of are X4 and X6. I guess I am lucky as it seems BMW engineers tapped into my brain and made an exact car to my liking. I am no racing car driver, though I like pushing our machines around corners fast. I was half sold even just seeing this car in a showroom. - front, sides and rear design 10/10 - build quality and feel 10/10 - especially the feel of the paint which is exceptionally smooth to touch, as if Teflon coated - interior 9/10 awesome and truly panoramic sunroof, sound system is to dye for, bucket seats amazingly comfortable and their design out of this world, only E-Pace has more elegant interior - acceleration 10/10 - I like it better than my Macan. Macan makes me happy taking off on a green light. This car made me grin from ear to ear - engine / muffler sound - I must give it 11/10 as this car for a moment made me shed many years of my life and I was a teenager again - cornering 10/10 I could not tell the difference between a double wishbone suspension of our E-Pace and this car - transmission 10/10 - just right in every mode - unlike E-Pace no delay whatsoever and sport mode wild when needs be and calmer when it does not. Macan sports mode is manic 24/7 - cabin ergonomics 10/10 important stuff has dedicated buttons, LCD displays are great All going well, our one will be delivered in a few months. If you are reading this line, congratulations as I would not think anyone would manage to read this far. Caution - do not test drive this car, especially if you drive cars like E-Pace, Macan, Q3, A3 or even S3. Even if you do not like the look of this small sedan, you will probably buy it...
I think the design is fine actually, the problem is that it’s just so uninspired and nowhere near sporty or sleek enough for a compact German car in this segment. The rear of the car is difficult to swallow though, after having the lows lung coupes and gran coupes up until now this thing looks to economy car based. Stick a Kia or a Ford badge on the nose and I think a lot of people would like it... but I suppose that is the problem.
Yeah, it's just a bit generic. I actually quite like the front end, and I think this might have the best 'new BMW grille' implementation in the range, but the rear is bleh, to me.
And look what 3 series everyone drives in the Uk . 320d M sport. You’ll be hard pressed to see one on the road that doesn’t have this engine. Hardly a ‘drivers car’. 😴
The 320d isn’t even available in Australia anymore. Even so, I did drive a G20 320d and thought it was pretty decent to drive despite the heavier engine.
Agreed in images, but I’ll reserve my judgment until seeing it in person of course. Having seen the 2GC in person, it does look slightly better than in photos but the rear end is still really quite ugly.
Looks like a Kia, BMW have ruined their design cues and have no idea in finding their identity. large side profile, big high rear and bland design is what the BmW we know and use to. fire the designer cause all the new BMW cars are very ugly and will bring BMW to the ground. G20, G30 etc are all bad design.
If you want a car that drive like a proper BMW and can push without understeering madness of this FWD platform, get the 330i for the same price and you'll have real rear seats and soemthing with an arguably a better design on the 3 series.
Clicked on and liked the vid, because I like Chasing Cars, but as others have said, I 'm not staying through the entire vid. This car is hideous with a added hit from the hideous stick. BMW has lost the plot trying to be volume manufacturer by totally watering down their brand ethos with pointless, ugly, unreliable products. Merc and Audi may be no better in a lot of regards, but design-wise, Merc is killing it right now, and Audis, though restrained if not boring, are still crisp and well proportioned. BMW needs a strategy reboot... but as long as these medusa cars continue to sell because of fan-people wanting that propeller badge in their driveway, I don't think management will change the current trajectory.
To me it’s a case of BMW’s CLAR platform-based RWD vehicles largely being consistent and good, whereas they’re still figuring out how to do the FWD thing well. Of course, some would argue they shouldn’t have gone to FWD in the first place.
Lindokuhle Ngobese What do you mean? Both are the same 2.0 4 cylinder engine, the 35i has a lot more power. The 330 isn’t a 6 cylinder anymore, so I really don’t get your remark about the engine. Agree on the back 😁
I had one on an extended test drive. Compared to my M140i I didn't miss the RWD. The xDrive is massively confidence inspiring especially when cornering at speed. I did however miss the performance and responsiveness of the 3.0 ltr engine. I still ordered one though.
i guess it is pretty off topic but does anyone know a good place to watch new tv shows online ?
@Zayn Francis Ehh I watch on flixportal. You can find it through google:D -darius
@Darius Ricky thanks, I went there and it seems to work :) Appreciate it !!
@Zayn Francis happy to help xD
I bought a M235 last week and love it.
BMW should've made this a 1 Series "coupe" so the 2 Series could remain an all RWD series Nice review
Or even just a 1 Series sedan, I think.
There is already a (very ugly) 2 series Active Tourer which is FWD as well. So this car isn’t the first I’m afraid. The new 2 series Coupé is said to be RWD though.
Chasing Cars True, is all marketing.
At least we’ll get a new true coupe, with rwd that will expand into a M car
I own this car along with the 2023 M60 and this car is a great run about and a blast to drive. Love it regardless of some of the negative comments.
Great reviews man. Your car knowledge is better than most of these other reviewers.
Really appreciate that, Ivan. Thanks for watching.
Love that rear design... Germans are focused, they’ve done their research and they will continue to make sales in 🇦🇺.
Fair enough! It’s not my favourite look but these things are so subjective and personal.
Agree with Chasing Cars on this one. Would love to put the centre console build quality to the test as he did for Lexus.
Goran Farkas 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂
The front is a 1 series, the back is real nice though. My favourite rear light design even above Porsche
@@sad6549775 it's good for the price but you can tell this is BMW's cheapest car (or cheapest series of cars ie: 1 series and 2 series). The touch points are largely good but obviously they have had to cut corners to get this price point
As a f20/140i owner, I really like the new cabin design. And that’s where improvement ends, won’t upgrade until the facelift in the new gen.
The cabin is a highlight, yep.
The looks are growing on me
I own the 228xi version in the US. In the red with a beige interior. It is great to drive, gets great gas mileage , is extremely peppy, and has good practicality. I think it looks great.
It’s annoying cuz we don’t get that model in Australia 😭
Just picked up mine yesterday, coming from a 2020 STI it's a huge upgrade in my opinion, and i think people talk so much shit about it becuz it's a 4cyl and the rear end is "ugly", but once you drive it you forget all of that trust me!
It's a really nice car the problem is videos and pictures definitely don't do it justice as soon as I saw one in person I ordered one! I'm currently waiting for it now. Its the fan boys that haven't moved with the times their the problem.
@@Dan-gy4kn ya dude, talking hella smack, and i dnt blame them becuz i was the same, but i never saw it in person or drove it, after driving it i was blown away, look grew on me big time tho, def love it and am planning to tune it!
How many weeks did you have the STI for, and which one's faster?
@@anthonykelmann2431 had sti for a year and a half,this car is way faster!
Totally agree Tom, went for a test drive yesterday , thinking that the rear would like better in the flesh , however I was very disappointed. The ride was to rough felt every bump in the cabin, the engine was very intrusive. I want to hear the exhaust into the cabin not the engine screaming at it. As for the rear , It didn’t improve......... the A35 was a better vehicle to drive , however I have decided on the Alfa Romeo Giulia veloce. Great review Tom
Glad to hear your experience reflected my comments. It’s not a bad car, it’s just a few refinements off being a really good one IMO. Giulia Veloce is an elegant (if brave!) choice.
Good review .. could be where you are in the world will reflect whether it’s two or three series . Personally here in the uk where we have ice frost and snow in the winter I wouldn’t touch rear wheel as totally impractical and dosent move in such conditions . All wheel drive gives all year round performance so it’s a no brainier for me ..
Sweet looking car.... but I agree with you about the 3 series. I recently hired 1 in the UK. I prefer it to my 530d.....
O, and don’t forget your sunglasses or a your cap next time!!
Keep it coming, great work
Thanks, Cam. Yep - the new 3 Series is a good effort. That’s my kind of BMW, though I understand why they need to diversify into cars like the M235i GC as well. And yes - it was a very bright day! Caught out!
I was a huge BMW fan, my last one was a 228i and it was a great little coupe. Not so good to get in out of with a dodgy back which is why I ultimately traded it on an XC40. I don't like the look and feel of this Grand Coupe, it just doesn't feel BMW to me. Perhaps im just stuck in the past but it wouldn't be on my list. Thanks again for a great review.
You're better off in your current XC40. As a fan of traditional BMWs myself, I don't want us to concede that we're stuck in the past. Small, rear-driven cars have a future - many EVs are rear-drive, which is great!
I have seriously considered the M135.The hatch looks much better. I don't like the rear quarter view on the M235. Good review.
Yeah, agreed that the 1 Series is a better looking vehicle, though I’m sure this look will suit some people.
I did order a M135i, I’ll be driving it early May. In The Netherlands they come standard with Pirelli P Zero tyres, so the tyre-issue is no problem here, cannot wait!
Sorry Tom, I didn’t make it through this video. I tried but I couldn’t look at that thing for 11 minutes.
Lol, understood Cody. Just hope the “thing” is the car and not my head...
It's so damn ugly.. the car that is!
Chasing Cars “thing” being the car, yes😅
While I was fine with the 1 Series, this car is just so ugly. It is not nearly sleek enough for a coupe. The rear half of the car is just proportioned completely wrongly.
@@CyAn-S completely agree!
Perfect for the people that want a small sedan. The 3 series has grown too large
I just got one of these for that very reason. The car is amazing and the cabin and tech are 👌
@@RBGoodfat I test drove the 228i and loved it. I am planning to get one for my wife. I want to get the M235, but she doesn't want or need that much car. It's definitely the size car I would want. I am sure you are enjoying it.
2:24 Understandable slip of the tongue- “You can customise the 1 series”.
Great review as ever, some of the best car content on RUclips. Keep it up!
Oops! Just too similar inside...
love this car
The blue really pops, though I liked it in black
Nice KIA you be driving around
Luck Ding Wong boring old comment that is now
the front is a fail, why don’t use the existing 2 series front, a much matured and better looking front
XO Sauceror because it’s dated and designs move forward not get stuck in 2014
Totally unnecessary product.. A front wheel drive bmw... Gosh
BMW reckons they’ll be batting customers away - they’re planning on it being very popular. Will be interesting to see.
@@chasingcars People are sheep. They'll eat up whatever crap BMW pumps out.
Why unnecessary?
It still drives fairly good tbh. It's not BMW per se but it's still good imo
Can’t wait to get mine in September
@@MrBormanG had the car a week I absolutely love it drives beautifully am very impressed with it the automatic in it is lovely
beautiful red, could watch for 12 minutes or more
Absolutely Beautiful!!!!!
I suspect I will have to see it in the flesh to decide if I love or hate that rear end.🙄
Cars can look so different in the metal, so that’s a good plan.
Mmmm it’s no different went for a test drive yesterday, the back is ugly, the ride is rough and the engine intrudes into the cabin. I was disappointed
On profile and rear views it looks like Kia Cerato Coupe
That seems to be a very commonly held view!
Nothing beats Italian cars
Update: 8 months ago i commented on this video, my advice, stay clear of this car, performance is there for sure, but regarding the looks and size i'd say drop it just get a 330 for 100 bucks cheaper or get a new 228i coupe, for the price the car is way too overpriced, i'm coming into 9 months of ownership and it just doesn't excite me, it's fast dnt get me wrong, but it's just not a fun car it's just "a good normal car", not to mention the look is just weird, i really REALLY tried to like the car, but i just gave in, it's not doing it for me, the passion for cars disappeared when i got this car , my advice rather than spending 50k on this car, get a used 2016-2018 bmw m2, which is literally the same price but 3X the fun, i'm trading up this weekend just gotta revert my car back to stock!
I was between an old M2 (2016) and a 2021 M235i.
If it's a daily driver, especially in Canada, I'd say M235i is where to go. If you want performance, no driving in winter months and track fun take the M2. They are targeting different audiences
@@alfonsoizquierdo6849 i agree, but in the end it comes down to price, daily or not the M235i lacks so much , you don't have to be a performance oriented car to look fun and sporty, there's many daily vehicles that look just as elegant, sexy, and unique, and if you're gna get a M235 as a daily you might aswell get a 330i or 430i, you get a way better looking car, that's slightly slower, for 10k less, an M2 can be a great daily, good amount of power, great looks and great price, plus it's an inline six, not a knockoff minicooper😂😂😂 idk just my opinion because i've owned both cares, the m235i is really a waste of a vehicle, bmw should just cut production becuz shit ain't selling, people think they're getting a steal, but for the bad looks and and a slow car for 52k , u realize Mcars back in 2015 went for almost that price, and this car has a fraction of the power😂
@@KareemKayy
To each their own. Keep in mind I compared an old M2 to new M235i. I chose the lattee because it had warranty and was more reliable. I also would've hated to put my dog on an M2 or M3 getting it dirty, and waste the car in the winter with the added risk of with no xdrive.
The 330i is not that attractive to me. I was looking at the M3 (older) and M330i (older). At the end of the day I got a newer car , more reliable, with a good enough performance for someone that uses it daily. Imo this car looks good on the outside (I like it) and the inside quality is top notch (best thing in the car by far).
The beautiful thing is is we can both do anything we want with out money and we each have our own formula for choosing a car.
I just made this commenta cause I know there's people that like this car and don't appreciate seeing all the hate it gets. Is it a pure BMW? Heck no. Is it the best M series BMW? Heck no. Is it a good M car that's fun to drive and practical thats also entry level? Yeah, and for some that's enough. 🤷♂️
@@alfonsoizquierdo6849 lmao whatever makes you enjoy it bro, you do you, but realistically it's not a practical car, there's so much drama going around abt it, but ya lol i'm glad you like it tho! 😂😂😂
Interesting in USA, they get the 228i 4 cylinder with 8 speed auto, 17" wheels in non M Sport guise and digital round style instruments for driver. This may be a good option for the Australian market as a more conservative approach with a more absorbent ride.
That sounds like a perfect spec.
Chasing Cars ... or even better the 6 speed manual you can get in the UK spec 218i. I don’t see the appeal of the dual clutch auto in a premium runaround; not as smooth as a TC auto (as you point out) nor as involving as a manual for those who like driving.
@@jashugg Aussies are looking to buy standard autos these days but a backward step in my opinion. I think some of the reasons may be that electronic radar cruise control and other electronic options through the gear box work better with an auto. A good move by BMW to bring out the new M3/M4 in a manual option though.
One of those few cars I dislike the more I look at it. The rear is just awful
thtupid that front end is worse. It really doesn’t fit with the rest of the coupe shape of the rear. It’s like a really bad copy, paste job.
I couldn’t understand anyone buying the m235i over a 330i. Same price but the 3 series is a much better car, drives better, looks better and rwd
Yeah. BMW thinks it’s a totally different customer. I tend to think a 330i is bought by someone who understands driving dynamics really well, whereas the M235i is clearly more extroverted and style-forward (even if the looks aren’t to everybody’s tastes), while dynamics are a lesser priority
Chasing Cars I work for Bmw, I’ll tell you now, we won’t sell many of these, I agree these are aimed at different people, but the people in question won’t be interested in dropping 85k on one. If it was 65-70k it would make sense. At the end of the day it’s just a jcw clubman/countryman but less practical.
Chasing Cars great content as always though👏 personally s3>m235i
Chris Tonacrumpet doubtful. Do you really think they’d spend millions on development not to sell any?? People have said the same about the 1 series and they’re selling shed loads
D J the 1 series is in the same segments as a golf, it’s a market that sells well. Small sedans don’t sell well in Australia, how many Mazda 3 sedans do you see in comparison to hatches? Either way 85k in a bmw dealership will buy you smarter buys. X3 or a 3 series will always sell better for bmw in this price range. I get its for a small market of customers, I just guarantee that the market is tiny in Australia for this type of vehicle
18" wheels are standard in the UK.
Are you sure this is not designed by KIA ?
Yeah it does look a little Cerato!
@@pastorofmuppets8834 just looked at it at the showroom ... Didn't even bother driving it. What an ugly thing .. just get a 3series or wait for the new A3 replacement.
It’s a 1 series sedan and yes it’s poorly executed compared to Audi A3/S3 sedan and I did want to like it but marketing department need to understand why to BMW fans a 220i means a 2 door coupe and the M2 is sublime - but this is not a rear drive car like them - not a fan
Thankfully the coupe 2 Series will be remaining RWD!
why the fuck do ppl hate on this car? its perfect for what it is. looks good
To be clear I definitely don't hate it. Just pointing out the features I like and don't like.
Wish it was rear drive manual
Unsure if anyone really would read any comments on this excellent review done 3 years ado, but anyway. Mrs drives E-Pace, I drive Macan and kids are getting their L lessons in Arkana (all new cars, very satisfied with all 3 cars). Over the years we had many many cars, lately European brands ( Renault, Peugeot, Jaguar, Porsche). BMW never got a look in except for X4, however after driving Macan, we never got X4. Macan just felt so much better on the road. I test driven Q3 Sportback a few times last 6 month, but subjectively found it sluggish, struggling to accelerate and not fun to drive all. Kids are close to getting their "P"s, so Arkana will not be available for me to do business related trips. For quite some time now I have been researching what next set of wheels to get. Gran Coupe m235i caught my eye on the road. Beauty is in the eye of beholder, so they say. To me, this car is the only BMW sedan / hatch which looks nice. The other 2 BMWs I like the look of are X4 and X6. I guess I am lucky as it seems BMW engineers tapped into my brain and made an exact car to my liking. I am no racing car driver, though I like pushing our machines around corners fast. I was half sold even just seeing this car in a showroom.
- front, sides and rear design 10/10
- build quality and feel 10/10 - especially the feel of the paint which is exceptionally smooth to touch, as if Teflon coated
- interior 9/10 awesome and truly panoramic sunroof, sound system is to dye for, bucket seats amazingly comfortable and their design out of this world, only E-Pace has more elegant interior
- acceleration 10/10 - I like it better than my Macan. Macan makes me happy taking off on a green light. This car made me grin from ear to ear
- engine / muffler sound - I must give it 11/10 as this car for a moment made me shed many years of my life and I was a teenager again
- cornering 10/10 I could not tell the difference between a double wishbone suspension of our E-Pace and this car
- transmission 10/10 - just right in every mode - unlike E-Pace no delay whatsoever and sport mode wild when needs be and calmer when it does not. Macan sports mode is manic 24/7
- cabin ergonomics 10/10 important stuff has dedicated buttons, LCD displays are great
All going well, our one will be delivered in a few months.
If you are reading this line, congratulations as I would not think anyone would manage to read this far.
Caution - do not test drive this car, especially if you drive cars like E-Pace, Macan, Q3, A3 or even S3. Even if you do not like the look of this small sedan, you will probably buy it...
I think the design is fine actually, the problem is that it’s just so uninspired and nowhere near sporty or sleek enough for a compact German car in this segment. The rear of the car is difficult to swallow though, after having the lows lung coupes and gran coupes up until now this thing looks to economy car based. Stick a Kia or a Ford badge on the nose and I think a lot of people would like it... but I suppose that is the problem.
Yeah, it's just a bit generic. I actually quite like the front end, and I think this might have the best 'new BMW grille' implementation in the range, but the rear is bleh, to me.
And look what 3 series everyone drives in the Uk . 320d M sport. You’ll be hard pressed to see one on the road that doesn’t have this engine. Hardly a ‘drivers car’. 😴
The 320d isn’t even available in Australia anymore. Even so, I did drive a G20 320d and thought it was pretty decent to drive despite the heavier engine.
Did he change watch at 3:06????
Changed his whole arm
Of the 3 German compact sedans, Audi A3 2021 model wins hands down on looks.
Agreed in images, but I’ll reserve my judgment until seeing it in person of course. Having seen the 2GC in person, it does look slightly better than in photos but the rear end is still really quite ugly.
Thanks Tom. Look forward to your review of the Audi A3 sedan when it lands in Australia in early 2021.
That front end is just horrific. If you blocked the back half of the car with your hand, you would mistake it for a minivan.
Looks like a Kia Cerato
A lot of people have said that - and I see it too
Just no 7 year warranty here! 😜
The car is not a lot to look at, but Tom is cute as always.
The pleasure is all mine.
Looks like a Kia, BMW have ruined their design cues and have no idea in finding their identity. large side profile, big high rear and bland design is what the BmW we know and use to. fire the designer cause all the new BMW cars are very ugly and will bring BMW to the ground. G20, G30 etc are all bad design.
All the new grilles are a joke as well. BMW is dead to me now ... Might as well get a supra ..
And bmw will sell loads and make lots of money. They won’t keep designs the same just to please a few old school fans
I like it
If bmw want to win sales from Mercedes. They need to made the car last longer and not giving lot of problem..
3 series is much better car. Or : Mercedes C :-)
The 3 Series would suit me a little better, I think.
Mazda 3 sedan skyactiv X for me.
Big saving!
@Chasing Cars Indeed
The rear looks fairly disgusting. I'd rather the 1er.
sleight of hand and a quick marriage round 3.07
HI TOM BAKER!
Hello!
If you want a car that drive like a proper BMW and can push without understeering madness of this FWD platform, get the 330i for the same price and you'll have real rear seats and soemthing with an arguably a better design on the 3 series.
Agreed, the 330i is the more natural driver’s car.
Really... looks awful
Mercedes A class is much better
Clicked on and liked the vid, because I like Chasing Cars, but as others have said, I 'm not staying through the entire vid. This car is hideous with a added hit from the hideous stick. BMW has lost the plot trying to be volume manufacturer by totally watering down their brand ethos with pointless, ugly, unreliable products. Merc and Audi may be no better in a lot of regards, but design-wise, Merc is killing it right now, and Audis, though restrained if not boring, are still crisp and well proportioned. BMW needs a strategy reboot... but as long as these medusa cars continue to sell because of fan-people wanting that propeller badge in their driveway, I don't think management will change the current trajectory.
damieg82 you ok hun?
To me it’s a case of BMW’s CLAR platform-based RWD vehicles largely being consistent and good, whereas they’re still figuring out how to do the FWD thing well. Of course, some would argue they shouldn’t have gone to FWD in the first place.
Nice car with looks only a mother could love...
😂
It hides it's ugly looks better in red I must say but who in their right minds gets this car over the 330i🤨.
Also the back is disgusting.
Lindokuhle Ngobese What do you mean? Both are the same 2.0 4 cylinder engine, the 35i has a lot more power. The 330 isn’t a 6 cylinder anymore, so I really don’t get your remark about the engine. Agree on the back 😁
Volvo s60 polestar
Wow, that car looks awful. The new BMW Corolla?
That KIA almost looks like an BMW
Ugly Bimmer every way you look at it! Interior is nice, though
Yep, we really like the interior.
Has BMW just completely forgotten how to design cars?
Sorry. Injust got bored of your commentary after about 4 mins. Inject more personaility into your reviews please. Will check elsewhere...
Sorry you felt that way - happily, most others don’t...
I appreciate he doesnt yell at us.
This thing is HIDEOUS!
Bmws worst car