It’s been a long time, but BMW first made its name here in the US making small sporting sedans that way outperformed their conservative looks and embarrassed a lot of sports cars along the way.

And that spirit is still alive today. In the world of crossover and SUV’s, BMW continues to produce the 2 series – offered as a rear-wheel-drive coupe, and like our tester, in an xDrive 4-door Gran Coupe.

The Gran Coupe has been with us since 2020, so when we got a chance to drive the new, 2^nd generation 2025 model, we were excited to spend some time behind the wheel.

Sharper, more Aggressive

BMW has turned up the temp on the Gran Coupe’s exterior, reflecting the performance intentions of the baby BMW model.

The good news starts with the standard M Sport exterior design, and that means up front with the familiar kidney shaped grille that looks wider and hungrier but thankfully does not have the overgrown dimensions of some the other models. The headlights are now drawn back into the fenders, losing a little of the old model’s frown, but giving a wider, more cohesive feel to the front. A larger lower apron gobbles up more air, while vertical grilles add enhanced aero cred.

Overall dimensions are close – BMW says the overall length is just under an inch longer, while height is up an inch. It’s still a small vehicle, though. More importantly the design looks more rounded and smoother, replacing the stubbiness of the previous model, and while still looking muscular and purposeful, there’s some added elegance. We especially like the discretely embossed “2” in C-pillar. Hunched over blacked-out 19” M Forged Multi-Spoke Orbit wheels, the design feels modern and fresh.

The rear gets a cleaned-up look as well, with chevron-motif LED taillights, and a subtle rear lip spoiler. We also liked the quad round exhaust pipes on our M235 tester, a more aggressive look than the oval outlets on the previous model. A bit more old-school but definitely eye catching! And speaking of eye-catching, we got many compliments on our tester’s Brooklyn Grey Metallic paint – a creamy concrete gray that really helps reinforce the new-found sophistication of the design.

Driver Focused to the Mth Degree

Inside is pure driving passion.

Open the door and you’re immediately aware of the cozy dimensions – but cozy in a good way with the focus on a serious driver’s wish list.

The newly designed front buckets are deep sport seats with fixed headrests, and a cool M logo that illuminates. More importantly, are the Alcantara panels in the center to hold you in place, and pull-out lower thigh support sure to win praise from taller drivers.  

There’s a super chunky, leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel with a red stripe at the 12 o’clock position to help keep track when you are seriously turning the wheel, and deep contours give a great grip.

Behind the wheel is BMW’s latest BMW Live Cockpit Plus, which features dual screens that create a seamless curved wall of digital beauty, including a driver-configurable 10.3-inch display, that ranges from the artful to the more dedicated, traditional tach and speedometer – our choice, especially for spirited driving,

Info- tainment is served up on a 10.7-inch screen angled nicely towards the driver. Featuring the latest version of BMW iDrive with QuickSelect, you’ve got large tiles you can swipe, and while almost every feature is now accessed through the system, including the climate controls, we found everything super intuitive – despite a mind-boggling array of technology that’s available to you.

For us, key is easy hookup for the Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging for our smartphone, which are all now standard. Creating a great ambience is the panoramic glass roof, and colored illuminated lighting throughout the cabin that’s eye-catching and futuristic. Sweet sounds are provided by a standard Harman Kardon premium audio system. 

BMW continues to ladle on the tech and now offers Digital Key Plus for the first time on a 2-Series Gran Coupe, letting you lock/unlock via smartphone or smartwatch.

We did mention the compact exterior dimensions, and you do feel a pinch in the back seat. While it’s supportive and comfortable, the 2-series’ smaller dimensions mean legroom is ok – cut-outs in the back of the front buckets help give needed kneeroom – but passengers above 5’9” while be bumping heads in the roof with the aggressive coupe like lines. Trunk space is about average for a small sedan, but you can thankfully fold the rear seats flat and create a spacious cargo hold for larger items.

M is for More

Driving the M235 is an upgrade over the previous model as well.

It starts with a nice power bump, up to 312 (up 11 horses). Torque is actually down, but with 295 lb.-ft of torque starting at just 2,000 rpm you’ve got plenty underfoot. This is an inspiring engine, with a deep, throaty growl and it pulls hard to the redline.

With a new, 7- speed DCT transmission replacing the traditional automatic, the M235 is exceptionally quick, hitting 0-60 mph in just over 4 seconds. Wow! For added fun, pulling on the left-hand paddle shifter brings up M Sport Boost for a Formula 1 blast of turbo goodness to help paste a big grin on your face.

All is not unicorns and rainbows with the new DCT transmission, though. Yes, when you are really getting on it, the up- and down-shifts are eye-blink quick, but in the daily drive it can feel a little clunky, especially pulling away from a stop.  

Helping serve up all that horsepower is the standard BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system, designed as much for aggressive driving as foul-weather conditions. The amount of confidence you feel behind the wheel is impressive – the M235 is extremely grippy in the corners, and when you give it the boot, it just digs in and goes! We also appreciated the enhanced steering feel of the M, perfectly weighted and more communicative than the previous model.

While many may argue that the M235 is not a true M Division car like the M2, for example, it leans heavily in that direction.

Case in point is the standard Adaptive M suspension featuring variable mechanically and frequency-controlled shock absorbers. It is a driver’s dream, firm and responsive – especially when driven hard. As much as we like it, we need to point out that is a very firm ride even in the softest setting – those living in areas with heavily cratered, bumpy roads may find it too harsh. Test drive before you buy!

Brakes are up to the massive power, and huge 15.2-inch, 4-piston front brakes and 13.0-inch discs in the rear serve up great feel and impressive stopping ability. You can tell that the brief for the M235 was balance in all thing’s performance – it’s a stunningly quick and rewarding car to drive.

Mmmmmm how much?

While this is BMW’s smallest sedan, it’s loaded with high quality gear and is priced accordingly.

You can get into the 2-series Gran Coupe with the 228 for $39,600. With 241 horsepower, and upgraded looks inside and out, the entry-level BMW sedan is a very tempting choice for entrance into a premium European brand, with all the status and quality that entails.

Our tester was the full-bore choice, with the M235 xDrive Gran Coupe starting at $49,500. Our tester showed that BMW still loves to offer tasty options, and ours came with Driving Assistance Professional Package ($1,700), M Performance Package ($2,550), Premium Package ($1,600), Technology ($1,500), Heated steering wheel ($200), Interior Camera ($100), and Universal Garage Door Opener ($200). Add in $1,175 for Destination, we rang the bell at $59,175.

For competition, we’d look at the all-new Audi S3, with 328 horsepower and similar acceleration, it is priced comparably $60,840. They are both excellent cars and we think it comes down to whether you prefer the BMW or Audi feel.

We’d also look at the Acura Integra Type S. It’s a phenomenal sport sedan, but caveats are it’s only available with front wheel drive, and only manual transmission. That said, at $53,785 it’s a significant value. Also, worth a test drive.

The final choice comes from BMW itself. The BMW M340i sedan is a phenomenal performer and starts at $61,700 for the rear-wheel-drive model. For that price, you’d have to go without some tasty options, but with a 386-horsepower turbo 6-cylinder, and a larger, more spacious interior it’s an option we would definitely consider!

 Storming performance, updated looks and tech savvy interior, the 2025 BMW M235 is a brilliant, fun-sized sport sedan!