Now that we've driven the CLA, CT4, ILX, A3, and 2-series Gran Coupe, which one of these models would you guys choose? We find the new Mercedes-Benz CLA is the most well rounded, but also the most expensive. Don't forget, a new A3/S3 is on the way next year too!
CLA 45 AMG is insane; then again I guess it should be for ~70k. Realistically, for this segment, I would pick up the new S3. Interior, sound, and styling are a notch above the rest.
I think the ILX is the odd man out in this category - I'd rather just buy a Civic SI. I'd replace it with the G70 because, even though it's not a sub-compact, it certainly falls into this price range.
I actually bought this car and couldnt be happier. Its AMAZING on icy and snow covered roads with winter tires. Lots of room for a small car. Lots of power for a 4 cylinder and feels very nimble. Very comfortable and I love being able to start the car with my cell phone from anywhere. Get the upgrade speakers, its worth it. My only dislike is the SMALL parking button is on the drive selector ?!?!?!
I drove this car along with a rear wheel drive 340i at a BMW event autocross track. This car made the 340i feel like a big heavy pig at that autocross track. Rear wheel drive based, front wheel drive based, it didn't matter this car was so much more fun around the autocross track than that 340i. And I'm sure the same would apply to any race track situation other than a straight line. The 340i isn't the sublime, rear wheel drive, perfectly balanced car that you're making it out to be. From a driving standpoint after driving the two vehicles very hard, the m235i is far superior than the 3 series when it comes to handling feel, and also was quicker around the course by alot.
The problem with this car is the bmw fan boys that are upset that it's no longer "Traditional" this car in person with the right wheels 554m wheels looks brilliant and drives brilliant. People need to move with the times.
I bought one and it’s amazing, all these so called “BMW experts” have no idea. The car is a great package and fun to drive I couldn’t be happier with it!
This actually has an Aisin 8 speed auto, pretty similar to the Camry 8 speed along with many other FWD cars. It’s a decent transmission but it has its characteristic tall 1-3 gears.
Exactly. Let me say this about Kia / Hyundai. They do an excellent job of taking certain aspects of car designs from America, Germany, Sweden and Japan to a certain extent, and incorporated into their designs. The result is some very beautiful work.
The M235i is the car for me. You can get one fully loaded for under 55K. Very fun to drive. I will be adding 60+ hp with a couple mods to make this a mini rocket.
@@f181234 just because “no body” buys the stinger doesn’t mean the fwd bmw is better than the stinger bud McDonald’s sells the most hamburgers out of any other fast food chain, does it mean it’s better than every other burger? Absolutely not
50k for this garbage? That’s absurd just buy a Kia stinger, it’s bigger more horsepower and way for features, also it looks good unlike this ... thing.
@@leonsam84 the S will be a good option too, but even the A has ~270 hp, is a touch bigger and will probably save you 5-6k vs the m235 - it’s pretty close.
Looks like a Kia Forte or Ford Focus sedan. Built on an SUV crossover platform. FWD-biased. Has four doors. And as per Sofyan, drives like an SUV. ...BMW calls it a 'Gran Coupe'
As per Car & Driver, the M235i is very quick 0-60mph (4.2 sec), but they found it has really bad turbo lag and does 5-60mph much slower (6.0 sec). Which means that if you're not using launch control or brake boosting, it's actually slower than a Honda Accord 2.0T (5-60 mph in 5.9 sec).
@@alexl.102 yeah, the Bimmer's turbo lag is pretty bad. The X2 M35i also, 0-60mph in 4.5 sec, but 5-60 is 6.4 sec (barely quicker than a Honda Odyssey 5-60mph 6.7 sec)
Once you get used to the throttle response and know where the tires hook up on the road, you will get close to the 4.2 in normal use. People who are standard type drivers who mash the gas pedal and never have the proper tire pressure, etc, would get lower times, and probably best served by the standard 228i or, just get that basic Accord and blend with the other CVT Accords.
Anyone else think this was a hatchback from the thumbnail? Lol the road in the background makes the car look like it’s roof is extended.. actually looks much better that way 😂
This has a short, stubby hood. Headlights are too huge. Greenhouse looks like was lifted from a Buick Verano. Proportions and styling are just all wrong.
Got a 2021 one of these off a lease Saved big bucks with only 19k miles like new. Love it. Fast and nimble. Like the button to shut off auto-stop start feature.
The grille color is called black chrome. You could get a full size car like a Ford Taurus and get heated and cooled seats 280 hp, way more space, way less cost. You'd have to have a real hard on for owning a "BMW" to get waaaaay less car for your money.
I drive a 2014 Focus Sedan, and this 2 Series "Gran Coupe" from the side profile has an awful resemblance to my daily driver. Is it a good car? Yes it's fine. Is it worth the money BMW is charging? Nope!
This car is a pure market share exercise. Someone in the ranks said "make a sedan that looks like a crossover, price it around $45K, give it power, and don't worry about the way it drives as long as its got M bits." This is a mess of a car and any other automaker doing this would be shunned endlessly. We should hold BMW to the same account. This will depreciate hugely and for this money, this should be a car to desire, not to simply "tolerate." BMW can, and used to, do better.
I think you did a great job reviewing this car. This segment has grown, it’s A LOT going on! But you did a great job explaining your position on the m235i considering it’s competitors. I think this interior is more luxurious and just looks better than the CT4-V but I think the Cadillac has the best exterior design in the class. It’s also the best driving car, and most spacious feeling interior so I’d choose it over these reasons. I actually like the rear-end of this bmw m235i! I think it’s beautiful in white. Mercedes-Benz CLA AMG 45 doesn’t look as good as these two but may be more attractive than the S3, at least until the redesign is revealed.
These new interiors are changing so much from the classic look bmws had, that if you pulled the grill and all badges off of it, I'd not even know it was a beemer anymore...starting to morph into generic blandness that tends to plague all new cars lately
Noticed that too. I guess it must be tough to try to catch yourself doing that in cutting the video and still, you can't go back and just re-shoot it. But a comment on the screen clarifying would be nice.
Okay, last comment on my comment. The CT4 V might sound like a truck, but it fun to drive, has surprisingly better quality materials looks much better inside and out, and it's RWD. Track time are essentially the same, but has better steering than the BMW and the chassis is better.
I really like it, and would consider buying one, but I'm a person that keeps a car for 7, 8 years. Let's just say BMW's are not exactly known for their long term reliability.
i had a 228i as a loaner when my 5 series was having service done. it was a peppy car but yeah it just does not feel like a BMW. doesn't have that long hood RWD feel. (FWD chassis)
Random person: yeah i drive a 2020 bmw Me: oh really what model? Random person: 2 series , did i tell you it was a bmw Me: BABAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
One thing I don’t see anyone talk about is this is heavier than the last gen 3 series (F30 generation) only about 20 some pounds sure but you would think it would be lighter given its size
I know bmw is a “Luxury” brand but for $12k/$15k less you can have a Top of the line Accord or Camry. Can compare those to a bmw but for less money you get more and more reliability
I'd get anything else in the segment over this car, even the Cadillac CT4 which I think at least looks marginally better and likely drives a good amount better. This thing looks like one of those times where BMW just phoned it in.
“Premium” gas is just a marketing gimmick. And it’s never “required” in any production car. This car might be tuned for higher octane fuel, And will perform better on it, but it’s never “required.”
Now that we've driven the CLA, CT4, ILX, A3, and 2-series Gran Coupe, which one of these models would you guys choose? We find the new Mercedes-Benz CLA is the most well rounded, but also the most expensive. Don't forget, a new A3/S3 is on the way next year too!
The new A class is the best for me. Too bad the US don't get the hatchback version.
Cadillac CT4 V
Golf R.
CLA 45 AMG is insane; then again I guess it should be for ~70k. Realistically, for this segment, I would pick up the new S3. Interior, sound, and styling are a notch above the rest.
I think the ILX is the odd man out in this category - I'd rather just buy a Civic SI. I'd replace it with the G70 because, even though it's not a sub-compact, it certainly falls into this price range.
I actually bought this car and couldnt be happier.
Its AMAZING on icy and snow covered roads with winter tires. Lots of room for a small car. Lots of power for a 4 cylinder and feels very nimble. Very comfortable and I love being able to start the car with my cell phone from anywhere.
Get the upgrade speakers, its worth it.
My only dislike is the SMALL parking button is on the drive selector ?!?!?!
I thought it is Kia Forte.
You are mean... and very funny. Pepsi I was drinking came out of my nose.
Same. Looks like an older Kia Forte.
@@Stressless2023 looks like a Kia from the back too.
the current gen Forte actually look better than this bs
I drove this car along with a rear wheel drive 340i at a BMW event autocross track. This car made the 340i feel like a big heavy pig at that autocross track. Rear wheel drive based, front wheel drive based, it didn't matter this car was so much more fun around the autocross track than that 340i. And I'm sure the same would apply to any race track situation other than a straight line. The 340i isn't the sublime, rear wheel drive, perfectly balanced car that you're making it out to be. From a driving standpoint after driving the two vehicles very hard, the m235i is far superior than the 3 series when it comes to handling feel, and also was quicker around the course by alot.
For the price id rather get a g70
This is a badgesnobmobile, not an enthusiast vehicle
Whats a G70?
Lmao my dad literally bought one of these over a stinger or g70 because he “didn’t want a Kia” Totally agree with you
No such thing as a G70 in Europe
@@ekimandersom4478 Genesis G70 sport sedan
@@kevinpicard828 he bought the fwd BMW?
The problem with this car is the bmw fan boys that are upset that it's no longer "Traditional" this car in person with the right wheels 554m wheels looks brilliant and drives brilliant. People need to move with the times.
I’d rather pay extra for a 3 series this doesn’t look that bmw for me
I bought one and it’s amazing, all these so called “BMW experts” have no idea. The car is a great package and fun to drive I couldn’t be happier with it!
This actually has an Aisin 8 speed auto, pretty similar to the Camry 8 speed along with many other FWD cars. It’s a decent transmission but it has its characteristic tall 1-3 gears.
I knew I wasn’t the only one to catch this. Thank god it’s not the ZF9 speed transaxle. The 8 speed from aisin is a better design
looks like a Kia thats trying to look like a BMW
kia does the good job
you can actually switch the bmw logo on front to kia and no one will notice. haha
Exactly. Let me say this about Kia / Hyundai. They do an excellent job of taking certain aspects of car designs from America, Germany, Sweden and Japan to a certain extent, and incorporated into their designs. The result is some very beautiful work.
@@vaughnmiller5319 Most of their cars seem to have more German and Swedish design elements than anything else, at least in my opinion.
I think some BMW guys left to join the Hyundai/KIA group
The M235i is the car for me. You can get one fully loaded for under 55K. Very fun to drive. I will be adding 60+ hp with a couple mods to make this a mini rocket.
Where are you getting those extra 60 HP?
@@Camplou2 In his Anime Fantasies
Today it’s worth 30k with 20k miles
I just bought a M235 and i love it. Most of these responses are from people that can only afford a Kia Forte and haven't driven the M235 .
The back looks like the face you make when you're pushing out a large poo
@@almondity5278 stop being such a sissy lol
🤣🤣🤣
Looks like a Corolla.
@@ArcadianGenesis don't insult the corolla.
😂😂
For the price
Just get a kia stinger a rwd car unlike this fwd bmw
It’s AWD
@@Fixin-To front wheel drive biased
Nobody really buys the stinger
@@f181234 just because “no body” buys the stinger doesn’t mean the fwd bmw is better than the stinger bud
McDonald’s sells the most hamburgers out of any other fast food chain, does it mean it’s better than every other burger? Absolutely not
@@f181234 judging by your other comments, you love junk so I won’t listen to you
50k for this garbage? That’s absurd just buy a Kia stinger, it’s bigger more horsepower and way for features, also it looks good unlike this ... thing.
Adil Sagadiyev that’s a good option, I’d also prefer the CT4-V (rwd, nicer styling) and TLX-A (close in power, better looking and value).
No value, just desperation in the bmw
@@mfmf100 TLX-A? Not even close maybe their TLX type s whenever it comes out, and stinger has more storage (sportback)
Not to mention the service on the stinger would be way cheaper, and more reliable
@@leonsam84 the S will be a good option too, but even the A has ~270 hp, is a touch bigger and will probably save you 5-6k vs the m235 - it’s pretty close.
Just get a turbo Mazda 3 at least it is not trying to be something it isn't and it looks way better and costs 10k less
Yes, instead of the badge fakery, the Mazda turbo offers performance fakery.
@@alanhorn8253 I'd still buy it over this.
This would smoke the Mazda easily
@@f181234 true but if you had the 228i the Mazda 3 turbo would smoke it. And most people have the 228i
@@alanhorn8253 spot on 😂😂
This car looks like it was designed by someone under duress
This literally looks like the previous gen Kia Forte. This really shows how BMW has degraded it's brand for the sake of sales numbers.
I feel like BMW design is really going downhill, maybe except X5, but I don't like SUVs anyway
Looks like a Kia Forte or Ford Focus sedan. Built on an SUV crossover platform. FWD-biased. Has four doors. And as per Sofyan, drives like an SUV.
...BMW calls it a 'Gran Coupe'
Saw the thumbnail , had to do a double take. Looks exactly like a Kia Forte.
As per Car & Driver, the M235i is very quick 0-60mph (4.2 sec), but they found it has really bad turbo lag and does 5-60mph much slower (6.0 sec). Which means that if you're not using launch control or brake boosting, it's actually slower than a Honda Accord 2.0T (5-60 mph in 5.9 sec).
Also, slower than my 10th gen civic. 5-60 (5.45)
@@alexl.102 yeah, the Bimmer's turbo lag is pretty bad. The X2 M35i also, 0-60mph in 4.5 sec, but 5-60 is 6.4 sec (barely quicker than a Honda Odyssey 5-60mph 6.7 sec)
@@TheBreakfastLover same with their 3 series and others in the lineup. The initial lag is bad.
@@alexl.102 seems to be an issue for their 2-liter turbo. Their inline-6 turbo doesn't seem to have this problem though.
Once you get used to the throttle response and know where the tires hook up on the road, you will get close to the 4.2 in normal use. People who are standard type drivers who mash the gas pedal and never have the proper tire pressure, etc, would get lower times, and probably best served by the standard 228i or, just get that basic Accord and blend with the other CVT Accords.
Anyone else think this was a hatchback from the thumbnail? Lol the road in the background makes the car look like it’s roof is extended.. actually looks much better that way 😂
I did and I got excited thinking the US got a hatchback. No it's just a bloated a$$ end.
dude i almost shit myself i was soo happy.... then such sadness
Wish it was a hatch, but I guess that’s what the X2 is for.
Saw it in person and thought the shape was almost identical to a Cruze. Was totally disappointed, actually looks better in video / photos.
My neighbor has one- not this level but the same color
I love it😍
petrolheads and BMW fanboys here in Germany hates the Design of this Car.
Sad and true
I think anyone with taste would, I'd bet. I feel like BMW design is really going downhill, maybe except X5, but I don't like SUVs anyway
@@richardnavratil9661 yes 100 % right.
I agree it’s not pretty
@@richardnavratil9661 didn't m8 look beautiful?
Whoaaaa! $50k.. No heated or cooled seats, no sunroof, no harman kardon sound system... that's an insult asking for that price absolutely ridiculous.
This is literally for people that care about brand and want to show off their cheap entry level bmw that they can’t afford
@@adilsagadiyev5090 Agreed 💯💯💯
These cars are mostly leased most luxury cars are leased people don’t finance them
This has a short, stubby hood. Headlights are too huge. Greenhouse looks like was lifted from a Buick Verano. Proportions and styling are just all wrong.
I'd buy this because I know it had the most for the price compared to the A3/S3 and the CLA. The interior is better.
Got a 2021 one of these off a lease
Saved big bucks with only 19k miles like new. Love it. Fast and nimble. Like the button to shut off auto-stop start feature.
The grille color is called black chrome. You could get a full size car like a Ford Taurus and get heated and cooled seats 280 hp, way more space, way less cost. You'd have to have a real hard on for owning a "BMW" to get waaaaay less car for your money.
I drive a 2014 Focus Sedan, and this 2 Series "Gran Coupe" from the side profile has an awful resemblance to my daily driver.
Is it a good car? Yes it's fine.
Is it worth the money BMW is charging? Nope!
This car is a pure market share exercise. Someone in the ranks said "make a sedan that looks like a crossover, price it around $45K, give it power, and don't worry about the way it drives as long as its got M bits." This is a mess of a car and any other automaker doing this would be shunned endlessly. We should hold BMW to the same account. This will depreciate hugely and for this money, this should be a car to desire, not to simply "tolerate."
BMW can, and used to, do better.
Those seats really take this forte to the next level
I'm glad someone else looks at this and wonders what went wrong. It's the headlights and the front end in general.
I bought this car fully loaded. I don't want to be like everyone else and buy a SUV.
I think you did a great job reviewing this car. This segment has grown, it’s A LOT going on! But you did a great job explaining your position on the m235i considering it’s competitors. I think this interior is more luxurious and just looks better than the CT4-V but I think the Cadillac has the best exterior design in the class. It’s also the best driving car, and most spacious feeling interior so I’d choose it over these reasons. I actually like the rear-end of this bmw m235i! I think it’s beautiful in white. Mercedes-Benz CLA AMG 45 doesn’t look as good as these two but may be more attractive than the S3, at least until the redesign is revealed.
Seen it flesh, tried it. Cant beat how bimmers drive tho. No A45, no S3, and no Si. Let alone KIA Forte
My 2021 M235 has heated seats and heated steering wheel a $500 option. Because he doesn't mean he was too cheap to pay $500.
That interior color combo looks fantastic.
I don't have enough fingers and toes to count the amount of new cars that I'd rather buy for 50K.
Yeah it does have the FWD proportions. My E87 120 has almost zero front overhang, beautiful long rear, and low bonnet (pre ped.protection era)
my boss has has one of this and they look, and sound decent
@ 7:30 “it had a 3 cylinder turbo charged 4 cylinder” 🥴
Give one on all black OMG i love this BMW!!
This car utilizes a Aisin 8 speed auto just like the Camry, Avalon, Highlander, Lexus RX etc.
Looks like a late mode Cadenza made love to a late model ILX. Presto.... 2 series.
It looks like they tried to do suv proportions with the headlights and taillights. They are too big and bulky for the size of the car
Who thought it looked like a hatch in the thumbnail? We want the 135i back in North America.
the big (german) 3 are slapping m/amg/rs badges to everything 😂
I don’t like the way it looks, the series 4 grand coupe looks better and had more horsepower 320.
It’s also way more expensive and the new one looks like garbage so pick your poison
@@adilsagadiyev5090 You’re not wrong
A ferrari also, your point is bullshit.
Holy shot 300hp 2600lbs this shit is quick asf
I have this car and I love it
These new interiors are changing so much from the classic look bmws had, that if you pulled the grill and all badges off of it, I'd not even know it was a beemer anymore...starting to morph into generic blandness that tends to plague all new cars lately
That straight up looks like a tiger grill.
I gasped when he opened that hood.
Okayyyyy sofiyan! I see you listening to Todrick hall!
the nitpicking was legit. The way the door sounds when it closes... Dealbreaker! Oh wait, none of this matters...
I MISS MY 2014 M235 with INLINE 6 TWIN TURBO!
3 cylinder turbocharged 4 cylinder.
Noticed that too. I guess it must be tough to try to catch yourself doing that in cutting the video and still, you can't go back and just re-shoot it. But a comment on the screen clarifying would be nice.
Looks like a baby BMW X6 especially from the back
Crucify me, but I kinda like it. It’s overpriced for sure, and that’s why I’d wait a few years to pick up a used one.
I like it as well hehe. I mean you can get one new with $10k discount for these
Okay, last comment on my comment. The CT4 V might sound like a truck, but it fun to drive, has surprisingly better quality materials looks much better inside and out, and it's RWD. Track time are essentially the same, but has better steering than the BMW and the chassis is better.
0:40 Good you said it before any of us did, It's just a rebadged Mini Cooper.
is no one gonna talk about the song that popped up LOL love it
I love the interior colour
The Koreans called, they want their Kia back.
But honestly Kias look better than this tho.
I really like it, and would consider buying one, but I'm a person that keeps a car for 7, 8 years.
Let's just say BMW's are not exactly known for their long term reliability.
Why should I buy a BMW when a Toyota or Kia looks almost the same for half the price
because a Toyota or Kia will have a way worse interior and won't drive this good. There's more to a car than just how it looks.
Maybe because it can out perform out handle,. and out brake. Something you haven't experienced in the cars you have owned in the past
I'll stick with my 2020 stage 1 GTI, 20K less with a sunroof, heated seats and ALL the performance!
Looks like a Kia Forte.
With those proportions I think they should have made it a hatchback!
This really isn't a new formula at face value. It seems like premium brands are stepping into making what are essentially Mitsubishi Evo's or WRX's.
? At one time the 235i came with a 3cylinder 4cylinder. Huh? I can't believe you didn't edit that out.
Its a shame it doesn't have heated seats
I legit thought this was a kia forte in the thumbnail. Lol
I autocrossed this twice through the bmw driving experience. It’s meh as a bmw, but that’s how the brand is nowadays.
I had to do a second look, I thought it was a Kia, but Kia are better looking
i had a 228i as a loaner when my 5 series was having service done. it was a peppy car but yeah it just does not feel like a BMW. doesn't have that long hood RWD feel. (FWD chassis)
BMW lost me at FWD. (Need AWD in MN.)
FWD PLATFORM. This car has AWD.
They lost me not because of no awd they lost me when they made a front heavy transverse mounted car.
I'll second that.
Yeah it does sit very strange; the proportions are weird. But as always, front facia is the word
Random person: yeah i drive a 2020
bmw
Me: oh really what model?
Random person: 2 series , did i tell you it was a bmw
Me: BABAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
You're absolutely right. The proportions are awful and overall look does not scream BMW. $50k and it doesn't include heated/cooled seats? LOL
Too much Hyundai in the rear end........looks like the elantra
legit looks like a hyundai/kia
One thing I don’t see anyone talk about is this is heavier than the last gen 3 series (F30 generation) only about 20 some pounds sure but you would think it would be lighter given its size
Aye pull up that Apple car play screen again? 🤣🤣🤣 I didn’t catch that 😆
I know bmw is a “Luxury” brand but for $12k/$15k less you can have a Top of the line Accord or Camry. Can compare those to a bmw but for less money you get more and more reliability
Just a suggestion: Can you show thumbnails of the cars you're comparing too? Hard to keep track of all the different models out there. Thanks!
Thought this was a KIA Stinger from the thumbnail.
Is this better then the Mini Countryman or clubman. Or the x2 m
The infotainment system knob took it from a3 a4 looks like ---I drive controller,failed
BMWs looks like it was styled with a ruler, inside and out.
It is soul less.
This is a soul less cartoony proportioned mess.
I wonder if those racing style seats are as orange as they look on video, or are they actually red. Because they're advertised as red.
Awesome stuff! New subscriber here!
Oof. I just as soon get a Stinger GT and save myself $10-15k.
4:20 I see a ford escort
The European escort or the north American escort?
For 50K where is the sunroof? Wait a year and get a certified M340i that is like new for less money.
That’s a KIA Forte/Credenza 👌🏽
I'd get anything else in the segment over this car, even the Cadillac CT4 which I think at least looks marginally better and likely drives a good amount better. This thing looks like one of those times where BMW just phoned it in.
How about a review between the mercedes amg a35, bmw m340i, audi s3, giulia ti .
“Premium” gas is just a marketing gimmick. And it’s never “required” in any production car. This car might be tuned for higher octane fuel, And will perform better on it, but it’s never “required.”