With the introduction of the 2025 BMW M235 Gran Coupe, BMW refines its compact performance car formula by blending more modern but edgier styling, boosted equipment levels, and sharper dynamics.
The M235 still sits atop the local 2 Series Gran Coupe lineup, presenting a mix of everyday usability and hot-hatch-like fun wrapped up in a stylish, four-door coupe silhouette. It competes directly with the likes of the Mercedes-AMG A 35 sedan and Audi S3 sedan.
2025 BMW M235 Gran Coupe: Specifications
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder
Output: 233kW@5750-6500rpm / 400Nm@2000-4500rpm
Gearbox: Seven-speed dual-clutch auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 19×8.0, 235/40ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 1575kg
Official consumption: 7.7L/100km
0-100km/h (claimed/Vbox tested): 4.9s./5.14s
Starting price: $86,600
2025 BMW M235 Gran Coupe: How much does it cost?
In Australia the M235 is one of three variants available of the new 2 Series Gran Coupe, with the 218 and 220 sitting below. These feature a 1.5T three-cylinder producing 115kW/230Nm, and a 2.0-litre turbo developing 150kW/300Nm.
Prices start from $59,900, $62,900 and $86,600 (excluding on-road costs). Compared with its nearest rivals, this is about average in terms of cost. The M235 specifically has jumped up around $3000 on the predecessor.
2025 BMW M235 Gran Coupe: Interior & packaging
Open the frameless doors of the M235 and you’re greeted by a noticeably premium cabin makeover for 2025. The twin-screen BMW Curved Display dominates the dashboard, integrating a 10.25-inch driver display and a 10.7-inch central touch-screen, both running BMW’s latest Operating System 9.
The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly and includes voice interaction via the Intelligent Personal Assistant. You also get digital radio, in-built sat-nav, and a 12-speaker sound system in the M235.
Cabin quality has clearly been a focus, with Veganza upholstery – BMW’s sustainable leather alternative – now standard. The M Sport package brings in additional trim enhancements, including aluminium ‘hexacube’ finishes and anthracite headlining. Sports seats with integrated headrests offer strong lateral support, particularly when pushing on through twisty roads. And splashes of red boost the visual appeal.
In terms of practicality, the M235 Gran Coupe remains well packaged for a coupe-styled sedan. The boot offers a usable 430 litres of space, and the 40:20:40 split-fold rear seats make room for longer items when needed. Rear seat legroom remains decent for this class, although the sloping roofline means taller passengers might brush the ceiling compared with a more conventional hatchback.
Notable standard features include adaptive LED headlights, M Sport brakes with multi-piston calipers, 19-inch M alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and a suite of advanced safety tech including adaptive cruise control, front collision warning, lane departure warning, and a surround-view camera system.
2025 BMW M235 Gran Coupe: Powertrain & handling
BMW’s 2.0-litre TwinPower (means twin-scroll) turbo four-cylinder engine returns, but it now produces a slightly meatier 233kW and 400Nm, channelled through a recalibrated xDrive all-wheel-drive system and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The setup launches the M235 from 0–100km/h in a rapid 4.9 seconds, with some quick testing on location with the Vbox returning an impressive result of 5.14 seconds (in the wet). But it’s the in-gear torque and confidence-inspiring traction that make it feel even quicker in the real world.
Changes to the suspension and steering calibration for 2025 aim to provide more precise handling without a noticeable sacrifice in ride comfort. As such, the standard adaptive dampers play their part in keeping things tight and composed but also absorbent and comfortable, whether you’re navigating an urban commute or threading through a technical backroad. It’s not bone-jarring, rather, appropriately taut.
While not as raw or visceral as a rear-driven M car, the M235 xDrive is hugely capable, with excellent stability and a subtle rear bias that brings a hint of character to spirited drives. The steering is super direct as well and provides plenty of feedback. You just want to take on more and more turns with this thing.
The M235’s greatest strengths lie in its dual personality. It feels polished and composed during daily duties, but give it the beans and it reveals serious athleticism. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system ensures usable performance in all conditions as well.
While performance is strong and the all-wheel-drive grip is reassuring, the engine note, though refined, lacks the charismatic edge of some rivals. It offers subtle pops and bangs, which could appeal to a certain portion of the audience – those that don’t want anything overly flamboyant.
2025 BMW M235 Gran Coupe: First impressions
The 2025 BMW M235 Gran Coupe refines an already compelling package with sharper looks, improved cabin tech and refinement, and meaningful dynamic tweaks. It’s quick, composed, and well-appointed, making it one of the most rounded premium compact performance sedans on sale.
If you’re after an everyday all-weather weapon with the luxury and tech to match, the M235 should be on your must-check list.
2025 BMW M235 Gran Coupe: Video
