A FASTER KIND OF FASHION (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

BMW's fastest 2 Series Gran Coupe, the M235 xDrive, is a much stronger proposition in this second generation F74 form. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 31

BMW's top 2 Series Gran Coupe, the M235 xDrive, gets an injection of drive character in this revitalised F74 era form. Plus extra technology and a much nicer cabin. Sounds promising.

Backgroundword count: 111

The news that BMW spent a considerable amount of time working on the illuminated 'Iconic Glow' front grille of this F74-era M235 xDrive 2 Series Gran Coupe might make an enthusiastic driver perusing one of these fear the worst. This model's F44-era M235i xDrive Gran Coupe predecessor was in truth, more of a fashionable trinket than the dynamically accessible sports saloon BMW had promised. Would this F74 model replacement serve up more of the same? Munich assures us that's not the case. Sure, the engineering isn't that much different, but lots of work's gone into suspension, steering and transmission to make this a different kind of 2 Series Gran Coupe flagship.

Driving Experienceword count: 336

At first glance, not much is different here compared to the old F44-era M235i xDrive model this F74 design replaces. Same 2.0-litre engine and xDrive system. Same UKL2 chassis. But look again. This M235 loses an 'i' from its name in F74-era form but gains a new Steptronic auto transmission and almost completely new suspension, as part of a whole package of drive dynamic enhancements. Unlike lesser 2 Series Gran Coupes, this one does without any electrified tech and delivers fractionally less power and torque than the previous generation M235i but still puts out 300hp. This top M235 makes 62mph in 4.9s and is electronically limited at 155mph. The 7-speed Steptronic dual clutch auto set-up comes complete with a 'Boost' paddle that gives the driver extra burst of overtaking acceleration. And feels a bit more responsive than the old 8-speed torque converter auto. You may or may not like the fake speaker-enhanced engine note (we did). And compared to lesser 2 Series Gran Coupe models, this top version gains an extra strut in the engine compartment, plus larger tyres and an increase in the camber offset of the front wheels to improve handling. The shock absorbers have been re-tuned to reduce body roll and the wheel slip limiter and the braking system have also been revised. In addition, sharper Sport steering and lowered suspension come with this top model, the latter pitching the car 8mm closer to the tarmac. The suspension's been thoroughly tweaked. BMW calls it 'adaptive', which isn't quite true; all 2 Series Gran Coupes feature passive suspension, but it's of the 'frequency-selective' kind we first saw on the 3 Series. This doesn't allow the driver to alter ride comfort; instead, the damper valving reacts differently to high and low-frequency road surface inputs. Which you need because, due to the fact that only sports suspension is available across the range, this car remains somewhat firm of ride, which might not be welcome on your suburban morning commute; we'd suggest you try before you buy.

To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227