BMW M235 update gets DCT, new chassis, 300hp

It would be reasonable to say that the first M235i xDrive was not the most memorable of M Performance BMWs. The 2.0-litre turbo four was a bit flat, the drive wasn’t all that fun, and it looked a bit odd. When we pitched a 2 Series against a Hyundai i30 Fastback N, the most entertaining car was not the BMW. By a long chalk.

Now the M235i is back, albeit missing the ‘i’, but with what sounds like some useful improvements alongside the usual refreshes for the infotainment and exterior. As with the M135 hatch, power is rated at 300hp, now reaching all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch rather than the old eight-speed auto. BMW says it improves efficiency, opens up the possibility of an M Sport Boost on the left-hand paddle, plus enables ‘fast gearchanges and a high level of shift comfort.’ 

Furthermore, the chassis has been overhauled, hopefully injecting a bit of excitement into BMW’s S3 rival. Both the body structure itself and the connection with the chassis are now said to be more rigid, which is encouraging, along with new damper tech that should make it comfier and as well as less prone to roll.

BMW suggests that both axles have been ‘extensively revised’ with new parts such as wheel bearings and anti-roll bar mounts to the benefit of precision and grip. BMW also mentions a locking diff for the front axle, which doesn’t sound familiar from before. Adaptive M suspension is standard, as is actuator-based wheel slip limitation for more decisive intervention of the assists. All sound like welcome upgrades for injecting a bit of fizz into the experience.

The iDrive now runs through BMW Operating System 9, which means more digital services, more customisation, and the ability to test drive new infotainment features. ConnectedDrive Upgrades will allow owners to have a free trial for a month before deciding whether it’s a bit of kit they wish to continue paying extra for. Your phone can do CarPlay or Android Auto as standard, of course, as well as function as the BMW Digital Key Plus. Even your Apple Watch can do it if for some crazy reason you’ve walked out the front door without a phone.

Probably it’s also fair to assume that the interior of the new M235i will sell it to customers a little more than the ‘particularly extrovert appearance’. It borrows heavily from the more senior M cars, with larger screens, fewer buttons and fancier lighting than ever before. The seats are new and said to be more comfortable, while the cinema screen for driver’s display and dash (10.25-inch and 10.7-inch respectively) is standard fit. Knowing how standard BMW stereos can be, the Haron Kardon hi fi might be a worthwhile option.

Speaking of extras, BMW has introduced Individual colours for this 2 Series refresh if none of the standard seven (six metallic, one solid) hues appeal. There’s a gloss black roof available, which can be extended further with the M Sport Pro pack with further darkened highlights. Despite lots of standard kit, it’ll be easy to add quite a bit again in options – and the BMW Iconic Glow radiator grille is coming in March…

For now, an M235i xDrive costs £44,435, with orders open and the first deliveries expected in the spring. Those thinking it might be the time to grab a good deal on a pre-facelift have just the right idea (though the previous interior does look quite old now): a 2022 car with just 600 miles is less than £31,500, and last-of-the-line 2024 examples are around the £35k mark. So you’ll be paying a fair bit more for the update, though the chassis revisions and cabin refresh do make it sound like a more meaningful facelift than most. Let’s see. Or, for those that see M235is as 3.0-litres and six cylinders only, right this way…