My problem with most of the reviews of this car is most of them start off with overt biased language against it showing preconceived notions about what a BMW is, and then for the whole review they are like, 'wow, this is really good, but it's not a BMW.' With all the hate over the 3 series over the past generation, and now these new ones that are butt ugly, I didn't even consider a 3. I was actually looking to buy an old 2 but when I saw this m235i at the dealership, I changed my mind. I don't NEED rear wheel drive farting around town. 2 more doors help with the people moving, even though I'm solo 95% of the time. The car "looks like an econobox." Sure, but a lot of econoboxes catch my eye, but not my wallet, because they are cheap and slow. This car is not cheap or slow.
Ok, not a bad review, but seems like all the other reviews of this car I have watched, you get too hung up over the fact that the base platform is based on FWD. it does not matter, this car is a lot of fun to drive and has great performance. I have had mine a few months now and love how it feels. Yes, it could use a few more amenities and bells and whistles, but the great part is it’s size. The 3 series has grown in size a bit too much for my taste and this car fits the bill for me. Had it parked right next to an Alga Quadrofoglio yesterday, it is almost identical in size. As for the transverse engine, so what? Torque steer? There is none, so no need to tell us that FWD leads to torque steer. I have had five new BMWs before this one since 2008. This has the best paint finish of all of them.
That M235 has the superior interior (that mocha is sweet) to all of its competitors who are going for the same things at the same price point (S3, Integra, CT4-V, etc). It may not be a "true BMW driving experience" but it's still a great car that has equal or better value than its competitors.
BMW really crack the performace recipe again, mix of both borexstroke that total 500cc per cylinder will be historical. Their best heritage no doubt Using that recipe, they could make inline 6(b58), inline 4(b48) and or even inline triple(b38). Using that recipe into inline sixies is perfectest they have done Mark my word. In decades ahead, there will be saying "BMW legendary B series"
Cylinder block from their diesel engine, almost close jacket, so no worry of upgrading boost, water to water intercooler and whole intake systems and dont forget.. (people will be saying this in the future) "their legendary 8speed torque converter automatic tranny"
It makes more sense as 1 series hatch. Then it’s a Golf R competitor, but with a much better dealership / service experience. I almost bought the M235 as my lease was up. The dealer was having trouble locating a car I wanted. Then I sat there longer with the numbers in front of me. He had an inbound 2021 Portimao Blue M340 optioned almost how I would option it myself. He gave a better discount on the M340, the rest is history.
I love watching Khumo (I hope I spelled his name correctly) walk across the camera field of view. He has "bounce in his step" for sure. A beautiful animal. My wife would love to pet him. I am so glad that you are healing up. What would this retired CHP officer do with his spare time if there was no "Moto-Man" to provide the technical side of things as they relate to the automobile. You are the best. All the best to you and Khumo in 2021.
He goes on comparing this to the RWD F22 BMW 2 series. Thing is, that car is out of production, was going out at the time this was filmed and is being replaced. Then again he tried to compare a M235i which is a 235 with a m-sport pack to a M5. a 340i vs a M5 would also be a failure. The person buying the M235i is not cross shopping M5's. This car is going for the people that would buy a 1-Series Sedan if they would release it in the US.
I like this car I have a 2014 mustang gt and need a 4 door look car with performance and gasmilage and I just discovered the 235i M sport I would purchase one used as my dad car
I dont mind that BMW wanted a piece of that market share, but one glaring oversight is that for that price, you can get much better\faster cars. Its the same problem the CT4V has.
I'm looking for a list of cars that are faster at the $45k price. I thought maybe the 2020 M240i (last gen) I bought my wife, but nope. That car, while more fun in RWD slippy mode, is a tenth slower, according to C&D. I don't see a lot of $45k cars in the mid 4 second 0-60 range, or with faster 1/4 mile times. (Beyond that is pointless, because America.)
This is a car we have plenty of in here in the streets - I got use to it's looks not a big fan still. It's a break from tradition since it shares the platform with Mini and got front wheel drive. It's a clubman in a BMW dress, I guess they had 2 platform prior (costs) and now they have one platform? The RWD 2 series is a great toy, this one should be a compact premium car. Sadly no wishes...agreed it's overpriced for it is and it's DNA is not really BMW.
let me tell you why this car makes sense: 1. you gotta be young and not rich enough to afford m240i or even m2 2. your parents would sponsor you with a used car with a price range (25000 - 30000 USD). Yes, you are not super rich spoiled kids but your parents do love you enough to let you buy a "sports" car so you can enjoy ur early life 3. you love the VW golf gti, or Mercedes A35(clearly, FWD or FWD-based performance car), but somehow you couldn't get an M135i (you live in the USA, Canada, China ....) 4. golf R or A35 hatchback (or even A45, A45s exclude the USA. ) is too expensive (yes, it is a VW. you are still young and you need a BMW) 5. You can't afford A35 6. You are buying a used 2020 M235i GC in 2024 (certified preowned would provide you 1 more year of warranty) 7. I will let you know when I find out.
BMW should've stuck with the RWD platform for the 2 series (although the next M2 - thankfully - will still be RWD). They should've also sent their exterior stylists back to the drawing board. The slanted front headlights just don't work on a BMW. The headlights should be straight, to give the classic BMW shark look. Furthermore, the rear just looks too dumpy and fat.
The 2 series coupes will remain RWD, this platform is the same platform as the X1/X2, the mini countryman chassis with a stranger AWD system that's able to send more power to the rear vs the mini system. This should've been called the 1 series, both for non confusion purposes and following the naming scheme of BMW Even numbers being coupes and odd numbers being sedans. BUT the 1 series already exists elsewhere in the world, which confuses me as to why this shit even exists, Call it a 1 series sedan, and offer the 1 series hatch.
Agreed, it would have made a very exciting MINI this car. For me BMW starts at 3 series, miss the times of 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 series done. Don’t need all those other models.
Ive said it I say it again, Audi, BMW, Merc and in some respect Jaguar are in too many categories. Luxury cars are supposed to be no smaller than a 3 series. This full spectrum visibility thing is debilitating. Soon Kia will be making 300mph 2 door supercars
Um, you seriously don't think an M235i with 0-60 time at 4.2 (according to C&D, not launch controlled) is slower than a Honda Accord do you? The fastest Accord does 0-60 in 5.6 seconds, which is slower than every petrol-powered BMW not named X2 and is the same quickness as the second slowest BMW, X1 crossover.
@@stuartstribling2296 incorrect, C&D uses launch control (or brake torquing) on all 0-60's. C&D uses the 5-60 metric for non-launch control/non-brake torqued launches. If you look at C&D's 5-60mph times... Accord: 5.9 sec M235i: 6.0 sec X2 M35i: 6.4 sec --- the Bimmers' 2.0T is plagued by turbo lag and has some of the biggest 0-60 vs 5-60 discrepancies in the industry (almost 2 seconds slower), while the Accord only has a 0.6 second discrepancy. So in the real world, unless you're brake-torquing at every red light (lol), the Accord is actually quicker.
@@TheBreakfastLover I have been reading Car & Driver for 30+ years and have never recalled them stating they use launch control for their 0-60 times, when they don't explicitly say they do, as in "and in launch control, it's even faster!". Also, brake torquing isn't launch control. Also, even by C&D record, the 5-60 for the Accord 2.0T is in fact, slower than the M235i, but not by much. So I'll take the "perfect world" fast launches and overall general faster at everything over a single cherry picked 5-60 time. Especially since it's my money, and especially since I'm never gonna drop $40k on a Honda.
@@stuartstribling2296 "To better mimic real-world off-the-line starts, Car and Driver, and then R&T began measuring 5-60 rolling starts. By rolling the car in its lowest gear, and using a switch on the gas pedal to precisely measure timing, this eliminates the abuse a hard launch requires. It also better simulates what happens IRL, and allows better comparison of different cars’ engine and transmission tuning." www.motorbiscuit.com/why-0-60-times-dont-matter-in-the-real-world/
@@TheBreakfastLover Lol, lost me at "But, in the real world, you’re rarely sitting at a traffic light revving your engine. Instead, when the light turns green, and you press the gas pedal, the engine’s idling." This is literally how I drive every car for the past 35 years (always at least one manual in the stable...not like I rev to 6000rpm and drop the clutch, but come on...nobody with a clutch starts from 0 rpms.) Regardless, no matter how hard you try to justify the Honda as being "real-world" quicker, it still is 1 tenth slower by C&D measure. Granted, that's great, and I didn't know that until today, but I'm still not dropping that much cash on a Honda. Subjective, but I love the looks of the M235i. It doesn't look like a Kia to me, drives more sporty than 95% of the cars on the road and is a nicer-but-more-boring cruiser compared to my M240. It's the family car, while the M240i is the more fun car. To be honest, I had to force myself into accepting the X-drive and automatic knowing they aren't likely going to make a RWD manual version of this until late 2023, and I needed a new car now. I'll likely trade it in when those become available or if I could ever find an M2 with a manual (thanks, lazy Americans.)
don't be an idiot and get this over a 3 series or a proper 2 series. m240i and m340i occupy the same price bracket but aren't compromised abominations.
@@iamdaviddor dude i just picked mine up last week, 330i is too basic, doesn't offer red interior, and you'll probablly pay more for it, i got my m235i for 600 down 550 a month, it's 51 hp more, way lighter and awd, not to mention its a m235i not a 330 or 230 , it's a toy car for sure, but i will admit i hated it before i test drove but after the drive i loved it!
So many of my friends made the same, unfortunately wrong comment that I should have got a 330i because faster and better. Not faster, and you are paying extra money for more space (air) when I'm 95% solo. M235i doesn't have the awful steering feel of the 3 series either. And, well, it's just a lot faster and more fun, which is priority #1 on my shopping list.
I sort of don't mind Audi building the A3 because it fits within the history and DNA of the brand better to have a less expensive small car, but this is BMW shilling out to brand snobs who only care about the badge on the front of the car. The design is quite bad for a BMW, other than the badge you can't really tell this apart from a Japanese or Korean compact, and it's absurdly expensive for what it is. BMW needs to get back to being what made it the coveted name it is today: they need to go back to being an enthusiast-oriented brand.
You are absolutely correct about this car. I can't think of a single good reason to buy it. The 228 is a value play and I get it. This car makes no sense when the 330 exists. Also, the real 2 series coupe also exists, which is significantly better than this car (though it's very overrated by many). If someone wants a BMW badge so badly, just buy a CPO model of a much better car for less.
I own both the M240i 2-door RWD manual version from 2020, and this new M235i automatic, 4-door, x-drive. The 235 is a better car, the 240 is more fun. I consider the 235 my family car with 4 doors and I think it's a better car than the more expensive 3-series, with more power. I'm always underwhelmed by the 330i loaner vehicle I get from the dealership. I'd be mad if I paid $50k for that car.
@@stuartstribling2296 I might be a little jaded these days. I got rid of my 235i coupe and don't think much of any BMW. That said, there is nothing I find appealing about this 235. Feature content and driving engagement are frankly poor given its price. If you like it, that's great. But this is far from a great car and is eclipsed by many other cars from other brands.
@@darrell9616 Well, before I found my wife's unicorn M240i w/manual and less than 10,000 miles (good luck finding ones new on the lot with manuals) I went in to the dealership to checkout a 2018 in manual, but it had sold. I didn't even know about the M235i Gran Coupe, saw a 228 w/ M-performance appearance and thought it looked 100% better than a regular one, so I had them ship an M235 from another dealership. I'm so glad I did, because like I said, it's a better car overall, just as quick, but not as fun without the RWD and manual. The grown up in me would pick the M235i Gran Coupe (also, my drums don't fit in the M240i Coupe) :-)
@@stuartstribling2296 I hear you. It was hard to find my 235 as I was looking for M-Perf exhaust and other options. The 6 is a better engine, but the couple is old and isn't the performance car that reviews claim it is. It's sporty and fast to be sure. But that's all it is. It's good you're happy with the Gran Coupe and can have both for the different driving experiences.
This car is an embarrassment. The "ultimate driving machine" for people who care more about having an M badge on a luxury car than having actual engagement and dynamics. Or a car that looks good.
It’s called appealing to mass market and by the way they are selling they have nailed it .. Rear wheel drive cars are shockingly bad as daily drivers in ice and snow so for many they are not a sensible option for year round driving ..
@@Tonysoprano497 appealing to mass market and selling were neither of my points. RWD is a more engaging and enjoyable driving experience for those who care about driving, and the right tires fix any concern with wet or winter conditions. If it’s selling, then it’s back to my point that they want the badge and none of what made BMW a notable brand to begin with.
Multi national companies make products for mass market that is just fact . Bmw are not niche , this car will be used on commuter journeys and generally as a daily use machine . If people feel the need to take their car to the track or scirt around backroads like boy racers then there are other variants to choose from ..if you need a car that performs well on a daily basis without drama this more than fits the bill ..
@@Tonysoprano497 I have no problem with other companies making that. There’s tons of them and can do that well. I take issue with BMW choosing this path because it is far from their ethos as a company, for people who also like to track and enjoy backroads like “boy racers” as you said.
Every BMW (Mercedes, Audi, VW, Porsche) is expensive in more ways than one. You can bury me in most any German car because the cost of ownership will send me to my grave.
Wow, just looked up those impressive specs with real world performance. The GT does 0-60 in 1.6 seconds slower than the BMW with only a few less HP and actually weighs 300 lbs. less. But hey, the specs look nice, which is why I don't buy cars on specs.
Anything done to tart this car up is putting lipstick on a pig. It's a loser, but with a price tag designed to fool marks into believing it's not a loser. You can fool some of the people some of time, or at least that's what BMW dealers are hoping....
The M235i is more fun to drive than the base 3 series to. Dealer discounts are decent as well. By the way mine has the panoramic sunroof.
Wayyyyy more fun than the best loaded out 3 series. Keep the RPM's up and this car is seriously quick for completely stock 300 hp.
My problem with most of the reviews of this car is most of them start off with overt biased language against it showing preconceived notions about what a BMW is, and then for the whole review they are like, 'wow, this is really good, but it's not a BMW.' With all the hate over the 3 series over the past generation, and now these new ones that are butt ugly, I didn't even consider a 3. I was actually looking to buy an old 2 but when I saw this m235i at the dealership, I changed my mind. I don't NEED rear wheel drive farting around town. 2 more doors help with the people moving, even though I'm solo 95% of the time. The car "looks like an econobox." Sure, but a lot of econoboxes catch my eye, but not my wallet, because they are cheap and slow. This car is not cheap or slow.
This car is more fun to drive than a 3 series. I love blending in and going under the radar.
I just bought a M235 and i love it.
Ok, not a bad review, but seems like all the other reviews of this car I have watched, you get too hung up over the fact that the base platform is based on FWD. it does not matter, this car is a lot of fun to drive and has great performance. I have had mine a few months now and love how it feels. Yes, it could use a few more amenities and bells and whistles, but the great part is it’s size. The 3 series has grown in size a bit too much for my taste and this car fits the bill for me. Had it parked right next to an Alga Quadrofoglio yesterday, it is almost identical in size. As for the transverse engine, so what? Torque steer? There is none, so no need to tell us that FWD leads to torque steer. I have had five new BMWs before this one since 2008. This has the best paint finish of all of them.
Drive this back to back with any rear drive BMW and it is painfully obvious what car folks like myself are talking about.
@@MotoManTV Drive this and then drive a 3 series and tell me which car is more agile and nimble and which one feels like a boat.
That M235 has the superior interior (that mocha is sweet) to all of its competitors who are going for the same things at the same price point (S3, Integra, CT4-V, etc). It may not be a "true BMW driving experience" but it's still a great car that has equal or better value than its competitors.
BMW really crack the performace recipe again, mix of both borexstroke that total 500cc per cylinder will be historical. Their best heritage no doubt
Using that recipe, they could make inline 6(b58), inline 4(b48) and or even inline triple(b38). Using that recipe into inline sixies is perfectest they have done
Mark my word. In decades ahead, there will be saying "BMW legendary B series"
Cylinder block from their diesel engine, almost close jacket, so no worry of upgrading boost, water to water intercooler and whole intake systems and dont forget.. (people will be saying this in the future) "their legendary 8speed torque converter automatic tranny"
It makes more sense as 1 series hatch. Then it’s a Golf R competitor, but with a much better dealership / service experience. I almost bought the M235 as my lease was up. The dealer was having trouble locating a car I wanted. Then I sat there longer with the numbers in front of me. He had an inbound 2021 Portimao Blue M340 optioned almost how I would option it myself. He gave a better discount on the M340, the rest is history.
Kinda snobby tbh. For most people they’d be incredibly happy to own a car like this. I love mine 🤷🏻♂️
I love watching Khumo (I hope I spelled his name correctly) walk across the camera field of view. He has "bounce in his step" for sure. A beautiful animal. My wife would love to pet him. I am so glad that you are healing up. What would this retired CHP officer do with his spare time if there was no "Moto-Man" to provide the technical side of things as they relate to the automobile. You are the best. All the best to you and Khumo in 2021.
He goes on comparing this to the RWD F22 BMW 2 series. Thing is, that car is out of production, was going out at the time this was filmed and is being replaced. Then again he tried to compare a M235i which is a 235 with a m-sport pack to a M5. a 340i vs a M5 would also be a failure.
The person buying the M235i is not cross shopping M5's. This car is going for the people that would buy a 1-Series Sedan if they would release it in the US.
You are right . It is all about marketing shares against its competitors.
I like this car I have a 2014 mustang gt and need a 4 door look car with performance and gasmilage and I just discovered the 235i M sport I would purchase one used as my dad car
I dont mind that BMW wanted a piece of that market share, but one glaring oversight is that for that price, you can get much better\faster cars. Its the same problem the CT4V has.
I'm looking for a list of cars that are faster at the $45k price. I thought maybe the 2020 M240i (last gen) I bought my wife, but nope. That car, while more fun in RWD slippy mode, is a tenth slower, according to C&D. I don't see a lot of $45k cars in the mid 4 second 0-60 range, or with faster 1/4 mile times. (Beyond that is pointless, because America.)
All these responses from people that haven't driven one...Lol
This is a car we have plenty of in here in the streets - I got use to it's looks not a big fan still. It's a break from tradition since it shares the platform with Mini and got front wheel drive. It's a clubman in a BMW dress, I guess they had 2 platform prior (costs) and now they have one platform? The RWD 2 series is a great toy, this one should be a compact premium car. Sadly no wishes...agreed it's overpriced for it is and it's DNA is not really BMW.
This reminds me of E21.
Nice Kia Forte
you need to test drive 2021 bmw m2cs with a manual transmission
Coming this Saturday . . . but with the DCT.
@@MotoManTV well it's still good in that it's faster then the manual but for driving engagement you still can't beat a manual.
Badgesnobs will by this
BMW Corolla! The 1 series hatch looks so much better which we can’t have. Damn Sedans and SUVs!
let me tell you why this car makes sense:
1. you gotta be young and not rich enough to afford m240i or even m2
2. your parents would sponsor you with a used car with a price range (25000 - 30000 USD). Yes, you are not super rich spoiled kids but your parents do love you enough to let you buy a "sports" car so you can enjoy ur early life
3. you love the VW golf gti, or Mercedes A35(clearly, FWD or FWD-based performance car), but somehow you couldn't get an M135i (you live in the USA, Canada, China ....)
4. golf R or A35 hatchback (or even A45, A45s exclude the USA. ) is too expensive (yes, it is a VW. you are still young and you need a BMW)
5. You can't afford A35
6. You are buying a used 2020 M235i GC in 2024 (certified preowned would provide you 1 more year of warranty)
7. I will let you know when I find out.
Ehhhhhh, what about a Model3 awd?
They should listen to u on this one!
Ahhhh the gran Corolla is back!!!
BMW should've stuck with the RWD platform for the 2 series (although the next M2 - thankfully - will still be RWD). They should've also sent their exterior stylists back to the drawing board. The slanted front headlights just don't work on a BMW. The headlights should be straight, to give the classic BMW shark look. Furthermore, the rear just looks too dumpy and fat.
The 2 series coupes will remain RWD, this platform is the same platform as the X1/X2, the mini countryman chassis with a stranger AWD system that's able to send more power to the rear vs the mini system. This should've been called the 1 series, both for non confusion purposes and following the naming scheme of BMW Even numbers being coupes and odd numbers being sedans. BUT the 1 series already exists elsewhere in the world, which confuses me as to why this shit even exists, Call it a 1 series sedan, and offer the 1 series hatch.
Agreed, it would have made a very exciting MINI this car. For me BMW starts at 3 series, miss the times of 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 series done. Don’t need all those other models.
I’ll take a loaded Honda Accord EX.......
Been there done that. The M235i is better trust me.
If you like going slow and blending into the crowd of Accords and Camrys, be my guest.
And take your sister to the Prom
Ive said it I say it again, Audi, BMW, Merc and in some respect Jaguar are in too many categories. Luxury cars are supposed to be no smaller than a 3 series. This full spectrum visibility thing is debilitating. Soon Kia will be making 300mph 2 door supercars
Looks like a Kia Forte, built on an SUV crossover platform, and (when not using launch control) is slower than a Honda Accord.
Um, you seriously don't think an M235i with 0-60 time at 4.2 (according to C&D, not launch controlled) is slower than a Honda Accord do you? The fastest Accord does 0-60 in 5.6 seconds, which is slower than every petrol-powered BMW not named X2 and is the same quickness as the second slowest BMW, X1 crossover.
@@stuartstribling2296 incorrect, C&D uses launch control (or brake torquing) on all 0-60's. C&D uses the 5-60 metric for non-launch control/non-brake torqued launches. If you look at C&D's 5-60mph times...
Accord: 5.9 sec
M235i: 6.0 sec
X2 M35i: 6.4 sec
--- the Bimmers' 2.0T is plagued by turbo lag and has some of the biggest 0-60 vs 5-60 discrepancies in the industry (almost 2 seconds slower), while the Accord only has a 0.6 second discrepancy. So in the real world, unless you're brake-torquing at every red light (lol), the Accord is actually quicker.
@@TheBreakfastLover I have been reading Car & Driver for 30+ years and have never recalled them stating they use launch control for their 0-60 times, when they don't explicitly say they do, as in "and in launch control, it's even faster!". Also, brake torquing isn't launch control. Also, even by C&D record, the 5-60 for the Accord 2.0T is in fact, slower than the M235i, but not by much. So I'll take the "perfect world" fast launches and overall general faster at everything over a single cherry picked 5-60 time. Especially since it's my money, and especially since I'm never gonna drop $40k on a Honda.
@@stuartstribling2296 "To better mimic real-world off-the-line starts, Car and Driver, and then R&T began measuring 5-60 rolling starts. By rolling the car in its lowest gear, and using a switch on the gas pedal to precisely measure timing, this eliminates the abuse a hard launch requires. It also better simulates what happens IRL, and allows better comparison of different cars’ engine and transmission tuning."
www.motorbiscuit.com/why-0-60-times-dont-matter-in-the-real-world/
@@TheBreakfastLover Lol, lost me at "But, in the real world, you’re rarely sitting at a traffic light revving your engine. Instead, when the light turns green, and you press the gas pedal, the engine’s idling." This is literally how I drive every car for the past 35 years (always at least one manual in the stable...not like I rev to 6000rpm and drop the clutch, but come on...nobody with a clutch starts from 0 rpms.)
Regardless, no matter how hard you try to justify the Honda as being "real-world" quicker, it still is 1 tenth slower by C&D measure. Granted, that's great, and I didn't know that until today, but I'm still not dropping that much cash on a Honda.
Subjective, but I love the looks of the M235i. It doesn't look like a Kia to me, drives more sporty than 95% of the cars on the road and is a nicer-but-more-boring cruiser compared to my M240. It's the family car, while the M240i is the more fun car. To be honest, I had to force myself into accepting the X-drive and automatic knowing they aren't likely going to make a RWD manual version of this until late 2023, and I needed a new car now. I'll likely trade it in when those become available or if I could ever find an M2 with a manual (thanks, lazy Americans.)
I didn't know Kia was working with BMW now? 🤔
Most Kia’s look better
don't be an idiot and get this over a 3 series or a proper 2 series. m240i and m340i occupy the same price bracket but aren't compromised abominations.
I just don't get it, for the same 42k-51k you can buy a 330i, a proper BMW.
As always, excellent work, M.
I've driven both. The M235i is more fun to drive as it stomps the 330 performance wise.
@@iamdaviddor dude i just picked mine up last week, 330i is too basic, doesn't offer red interior, and you'll probablly pay more for it, i got my m235i for 600 down 550 a month, it's 51 hp more, way lighter and awd, not to mention its a m235i not a 330 or 230 , it's a toy car for sure, but i will admit i hated it before i test drove but after the drive i loved it!
@@KareemKayy Totally agree. It does the same 0-60 time as my 400hp Q60 RS did.
So many of my friends made the same, unfortunately wrong comment that I should have got a 330i because faster and better. Not faster, and you are paying extra money for more space (air) when I'm 95% solo. M235i doesn't have the awful steering feel of the 3 series either. And, well, it's just a lot faster and more fun, which is priority #1 on my shopping list.
@@iamdaviddor i know bro, it's quick and heavily underrated, i came from a 2020 subaru sti, and it's a night and day difference to me!
MINI does this drivetrain better in the JCW's.
For the same price I'll just take the 3.3 Genesis G70. Better performance, better handling, and slightly cheaper...done.
I sort of don't mind Audi building the A3 because it fits within the history and DNA of the brand better to have a less expensive small car, but this is BMW shilling out to brand snobs who only care about the badge on the front of the car. The design is quite bad for a BMW, other than the badge you can't really tell this apart from a Japanese or Korean compact, and it's absurdly expensive for what it is. BMW needs to get back to being what made it the coveted name it is today: they need to go back to being an enthusiast-oriented brand.
First! loved the video - id take a c300 any day of the week.
You are absolutely correct about this car. I can't think of a single good reason to buy it. The 228 is a value play and I get it. This car makes no sense when the 330 exists. Also, the real 2 series coupe also exists, which is significantly better than this car (though it's very overrated by many).
If someone wants a BMW badge so badly, just buy a CPO model of a much better car for less.
I own both the M240i 2-door RWD manual version from 2020, and this new M235i automatic, 4-door, x-drive. The 235 is a better car, the 240 is more fun. I consider the 235 my family car with 4 doors and I think it's a better car than the more expensive 3-series, with more power. I'm always underwhelmed by the 330i loaner vehicle I get from the dealership. I'd be mad if I paid $50k for that car.
@@stuartstribling2296 I might be a little jaded these days. I got rid of my 235i coupe and don't think much of any BMW. That said, there is nothing I find appealing about this 235. Feature content and driving engagement are frankly poor given its price. If you like it, that's great. But this is far from a great car and is eclipsed by many other cars from other brands.
@@darrell9616 Well, before I found my wife's unicorn M240i w/manual and less than 10,000 miles (good luck finding ones new on the lot with manuals) I went in to the dealership to checkout a 2018 in manual, but it had sold. I didn't even know about the M235i Gran Coupe, saw a 228 w/ M-performance appearance and thought it looked 100% better than a regular one, so I had them ship an M235 from another dealership. I'm so glad I did, because like I said, it's a better car overall, just as quick, but not as fun without the RWD and manual. The grown up in me would pick the M235i Gran Coupe (also, my drums don't fit in the M240i Coupe) :-)
@@stuartstribling2296 I hear you. It was hard to find my 235 as I was looking for M-Perf exhaust and other options. The 6 is a better engine, but the couple is old and isn't the performance car that reviews claim it is. It's sporty and fast to be sure. But that's all it is. It's good you're happy with the Gran Coupe and can have both for the different driving experiences.
A more expensive Mini. As if they weren't already insanely overpriced
This car is an embarrassment. The "ultimate driving machine" for people who care more about having an M badge on a luxury car than having actual engagement and dynamics. Or a car that looks good.
I saw one yesterday in a Safeway parking lot. Its a BMW for the 21st century. Gorgeous in person!
It’s called appealing to mass market and by the way they are selling they have nailed it .. Rear wheel drive cars are shockingly bad as daily drivers in ice and snow so for many they are not a sensible option for year round driving ..
@@Tonysoprano497 appealing to mass market and selling were neither of my points. RWD is a more engaging and enjoyable driving experience for those who care about driving, and the right tires fix any concern with wet or winter conditions. If it’s selling, then it’s back to my point that they want the badge and none of what made BMW a notable brand to begin with.
Multi national companies make products for mass market that is just fact . Bmw are not niche , this car will be used on commuter journeys and generally as a daily use machine . If people feel the need to take their car to the track or scirt around backroads like boy racers then there are other variants to choose from ..if you need a car that performs well on a daily basis without drama this more than fits the bill ..
@@Tonysoprano497 I have no problem with other companies making that. There’s tons of them and can do that well. I take issue with BMW choosing this path because it is far from their ethos as a company, for people who also like to track and enjoy backroads like “boy racers” as you said.
Every BMW (Mercedes, Audi, VW, Porsche) is expensive in more ways than one. You can bury me in most any German car because the cost of ownership will send me to my grave.
Not true if you buy a new one. They will totaly fine for the first 10 years.
Give me a Kia K5 GT-Line AWD, and 20K extra in my bank account.
said no one ever...lol.
Wow, just looked up those impressive specs with real world performance. The GT does 0-60 in 1.6 seconds slower than the BMW with only a few less HP and actually weighs 300 lbs. less. But hey, the specs look nice, which is why I don't buy cars on specs.
51k for what is really just a Mini Cooper.... No
They are killing the M name
BMW Corolla ?
The rear can be hideously compared to the last generation BMW 5-Series GT; one of the ugliest car rears I can remember. Tell me I’m wrong!
The Elantra N will destroy this with only the front driven wheels.
No it won't but you seem kind of like a Hyundai kia type of guy
It's also ugly in more ways than one
I'd buy a G70 Sport 3.3TT for that price. 👎👎
Anything done to tart this car up is putting lipstick on a pig. It's a loser, but with a price tag designed to fool marks into believing it's not a loser. You can fool some of the people some of time, or at least that's what BMW dealers are hoping....
Junk!