BMW’s M division is working on something else that might excite you:
the M235i xDrive. It packs a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder with 301 HP and 332
lb-ft of torque from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm that is hooked up to an eight-speed
automatic transmission. According to BMW, it will accelerate to 96 km in 4.7 seconds, or 4.6 seconds with the optional M Performance Package’s
overboost function, and reach a top speed of 250 km/h.
Built on the same front-wheel drive-biased
architecture as the new 1-Series, X1 and X2, it sports an M-tuned all-wheel
drive system to help it cope with all that power. Thus, it might not be a
smaller, more affordable M3 as some might have hoped for, but a fast small
sports sedan that will directly rival the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35.
As befits a car with M badging, it boasts an
aggressive look thanks to the new front and rear bumpers, trunk lid spoiler and
large wheels, while the interior, apart from the digital instrument cluster and
prominent infotainment screen, also gets some sporty trim.
Even though it’s been officially unveiled, BMW is
still testing the M235i xDrive Gran Coupe, and one of the prototypes was
snapped going from apex to apex at the Nurburgring, looking mighty fast.
