2020 BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupe - POV First Impressions

[@TheTopher]

Omg I got Apple CarPlay to connect. Had to sign a marriage license between the phone and car (multiple copies of the documents) be a witness to their union, and sit through the ceremony for 10 minutes.

[@ilovecats748]

They grow up so fast :,)

[@CapELarry]

Isn’t it a mess! Just let people use a damn cord, for heavens sake.

[@AdamKlingenberger]

I always forget the 10 minutes part

[@xFlared]

And a year ago they charged for apple carplay annually, while being one of the worst in the industry.

[@TheTopher]

Update: wireless Apple CarPlay is actually pretty badass

[@loki_wolff]

Idk it feels like no one likes smaller cars anymore. I really like these. Even front wheel drive though it’s pretty good. Still has that bmw feel.

[@cuts_off_prius]

Drove this at a BMW UDE. It felt pretty solid, had crisp shifts, and decent exhaust burbles. Great personality

[@alh06]

It doesn't have much personality at all imo, doesn't feel like a BMW, handles poorly and has too much piped in noise

[@postalpancho]

this car makes absolutely no sense. Just get a 330i m sport for the same money. 330i will be slightly slower but at least it is well behaved and better in the corners.

[@Roflmfaoftw]

drove the m235i, i am amazed on how fun it was, as a bmw purist owner. im waiting for the shootingbrake version to add to the fleet

[@AFJDM]

Would be interested in that version but America only gets the weird X2 M35i.

[@cjzx325]

Man that is a really confusing vehicle name. It's giving the poor thing an identity crisis.

[@jamesshives5679]

Like the new mustang mach e

[@milannekuhh]

No its kinda normal. M cuz its the topof the line engine spec 2 for the 2-series 35 is the engine spec i is petrol and not D from diesel xDrive cuz it has BMW's best 4WD system Gran Coupe cuz its a Grad Coupé

[@whatever9274]

@@milannekuhh why is it a coupe if its 4 doors?

[@milannekuhh]

@@whatever9274 well my X6 is a coupé to and its a 4 door. The coupé part is the sloping roofline haha

[@Ali_No-Hesi]

@@whatever9274 he meant gran coupe. when you se gran, its a 4 door with a coupe styled curve.

[@pedrovega1690]

Nice review on the M235i GC! Drove one at a BMW autocross, very impressed how it drove and handled. yes its a bit small and definitely a bit stiff on ride but that can be addressed. But certainly has good power, great handling and definitely would be a great daily!

[@Iceclave-v4o]

I kind of looks like a fiesta sedan from the side...

[@Alex-bq3kp]

Really? I saw an Elantra

[@tzukima]

that is EXACTLY what it looks like lol

[@imrantahir1678]

I think it looks like a really shrunken 8 series gran coupe

[@almightysaber5426]

I’ve had a fiesta as my first car. It looks nothing like it.

[@kayhandede7534]

renault taliant

[@adampang9331]

I've been loving this design and as soon as I go to the comments, I see that this car gets shitted on

[@whatever9274]

design looks like a typical sedan

[@outsideboy23]

Same it’s growing on me lol

[@CarQuizzical]

@@whatever9274 no it doesnt lol, in fact the 3 series probably looks more like a typical sedan

[@baldheadlogic]

Great Review Man. The description was priceless.

[@NS416]

Working at BMW previously, I know these are going to sell like hot cakes.

[@jamievidd775]

A 4cyl that will be $50k as equiipped. It will sell poorly.

[@billm47645]

I’m considering this when my 2018 340xi Msport lease is up. I have an SUV already, and the new M340 is huge. That being said, I’m a weirdo and probably not the average BMW owner as I’ve owned two GTIs and this is a return to more that style vehicle (though no hatch). Again, I have an SUV already so I don’t need a huge sedan when I drive around mainly alone in the BMW since I use it for business / work. He comments about the frenetic nature of the throttle pedal. Funny, since I think my 2018 m340xi is so dead in comfort mode that I mainly drive it in sport mode. I’ll enjoy an on / off switch gas pedal as that was more like the hot hatches I came from a long time ago that I now miss.

[@kirkstanczyk7702]

@@billm47645 Ya, i am probably getting this, they gave me really high book on my van trade. also i am wanting the all wheel drive to drive in snow to mt.'s im not an old school bmw owner so i like this car. the engineering is great as it has so much going on and service is free for three years, it will look better in person, the white looks sweet in person expecially at night, i drove it. where else can u get adaptive headlights , heads up, 301hp, reall leather, performance breaks, awesome hard drive nav and more for 47k (i got 4k off with incentives from bmw) and i got 30k for a trade that i only owe 21k on so im fincancing 18,995 to own it. No brainer. yes, i could get the acura tlx 2021 and still might.

[@billm47645]

@@kirkstanczyk7702 I have a 2020 RDX ASpec as well. I'd wait until the TLX Type S. The RDX ASpec was a replacement for a 2017 Mazda CX-5. My wife likes it, and so do I. However, I think we should have gotten another CX-5, but this time with the turbo (we had 3 CX-5's and I was curious to try the RDX). I suspect the current TLX will drive similarly, minus the higher center of gravity so the handling will be improved. The M235xi will feel like a Golf R compared to the TLX ASpec, based on my experience with RDX ASpec. There would be no comparison until the Type S comes out. One thing that no reviewer talks about is that the tip in throttle on the RDX (which uses the same engine as the TLX) is not good. The mapping is weird. Also, I've heard until the cows come home how good the ELS system is. IMO, its highly overrated. At low volumes, it sounds like you took your earphones out of your head. There's no range or base. I've heard the Savage Geese call the BMW Harmon Kardon system bad, but to me, the HK is better than the ELS at normal volume levels and most of the time. The Acura will hold its value better though. The BMW is a better lease car and will be cheaper, even if it appears to be more expensive. BMWs lease as if they are $10K less expensive. I currently have a 2018 BMW 340XI MSport. The lease is up on January 2nd. The engine is great, yes, you can feel the balanced chassis and get it to oversteer with heavy throttle inputs, etc. But it is a heavy large car. The new one, while much better, is an even bigger and heavy vehicle. The way I look at it, the M235XI is a luxury GTI / Golf R with a much better dealer and service experience and plenty of service loaner cars. If you had a layman look at a GTI and the M235, they'd probably tell you they are both ugly. Americans don't like hatchbacks. However, the interior of the M235 is far superior IMO. iDrive is much better than the VW tech. On idrive you can say directions to the Mariott at JFK Airport. It will take a few seconds to find it. On the VW, that is a tough process that probably won't work. Plus you get a widescreen for your Apple Carplay. If you compare the prices, I guarantee you that the lease on a M235 slots sort of in between a GTI Autobahn and a Golf R (which are not available right now anyway).It is true, the Golf R will hold its value better as a buy car. So I think M235 makes more sense than people realize.

[@milannekuhh]

@@jamievidd775 44cyl with 6 cyl perfrmance, it will sell good in lower specs

[@DarrenPersad]

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but if I were just driving a nice, small car from A to B, this would do it better for me than the modern 3 Series; the styling is arguably more sedate, the interior is extremely minimal and distraction free, and while the car is on a FWD MINI-derived architecture, the combination of a rear-bias AWD system and the great balance give it a nimbleness that the modern 3 Series seems to lack (until you step way up the line for exorbitant prices). Now, pitting M against M, the M3 is still infinitely more car and more BMW enthusiasts will enjoy the 3 for sure, but this little gem has the right balance of fun and sensibility. I would argue it harkens back well to the 3 Series of the late ‘90s and early ‘00s in terms of pure simplicity and packaging, even if it is a four-cylinder MINI at its core. If I were in the market for a new commuter car right now, I’d genuinely consider it!

[@iamdaviddor]

Honestly I like the look of this compared to the new 3 series. Besides a little more power and space it is not a huge difference. This car is only missing a few things when it comes to tech in the 3 series fully spec.

[@DearMajesty]

Yes tech. It's a FWD car based on a Mini. It's driving dynamics are junk

[@Revel-n4h]

@@DearMajesty Minis are known for their great driving dynamics, so not really sure what you are saying.

[@omars.8073]

I think I'd rather just have a V6 Camry or Accord 2.0T.

[@simaknaveedakther8755]

bmw is the best ok toyota Honda are cheap garbage

[@omars.8073]

Reliability and resale data would suggest otherwise.

[@Montana270]

@@omars.8073 Lmfao

[@joespittle1]

@@simaknaveedakther8755 and what do you drive???

[@llomasi1979]

@@simaknaveedakther8755 that's funny, I feel like the BMWs spend more time waiting to get fixed than on the road

[@buildmorefarms1007]

I couldnt diagree more, love this car!

[@Ibrahim-do4bc]

cuz ur slow in the head

[@alh06]

This is no BMW, don't understand how one can love this unless it's their first luxury vehicle

[@buildmorefarms1007]

@@Ibrahim-do4bc Maybe so but Im not you

[@buildmorefarms1007]

@@alh06 It is not a luxury vehicle...i think you do not understand

[@alh06]

@@buildmorefarms1007 ?

[@olivergoncalves1217]

I picked up a 2021 M235i last year and have to admit, I am enjoying the car quite a bit. I did shop around and was considering the Caddy CT4, but found it to be too bulky and much less refined than the 2021 M235i, all though the CT4 is more comfortable than the M235i, it wasn't as impressive to drive and didn't feel quite as good. At 51K USD, you have to consider being in Canada that's 66K, which makes for a pretty expensive car. The M235I really is a little rocket and quite good on gas with a much nicer quality interior than most cars on the market, which is what attracted me to the car. The test drive sealed the deal though, when I felt how responsively it shifted thorough gears -- like a hot knife through butter. Overall, I had a good feeling about the car and continue to have a good feeling about it after a year of ownership.

[@infidel900rr]

I actually like the look, love the small 4 door design.. but being front wheel drive is a deal breaker for me. If I can't have RWD, I'd rather by a SH-AWD Acura.

[@AarmOZ84]

Kind of hard to sell FWD in a RWD car company.

[@ZayFlxx]

Sh-awd acuras are heavily front biased though. Xdrive on this gran coupe will behave similarly

[@ismet_sxv]

I personally really like this car 🤩

[@marinoint]

Thank you so much for the honest review. Much appreciate it!

[@teenagecarlover1567]

This is the newest BMW i would buy first!

[@MaxSpeedMike]

The gran coupe makes 0 sense. Takes away the looks, the fun (no rwd), the driving experience, and adds weight. Everything good about the 2 series, it removes. Pointless car. Good for a company car for employees, may some other applications that i can't think of right now, but i can't see many people having a desire for one of these basic corporate vehicles.

[@omgitsme435]

The logo. It's the main reason.

[@jasonyang766]

This is for those flexer who show off the brands.

[@ChickenC0re]

Get a Mini if you want a FWD BMW experience.

[@odellus]

basic corporate vehicle that does 0-60 in 4.7 seconds, okay my guy lol.

[@alh06]

@@odellus Not everything is about 0-60, stupid argument

[@RealKevGotEm]

I would be the one cussing in the back😂😂 “wtf are u doing, get me tf out of here!” 😂😂😂

[@scotthilly5653]

All these new BMW's coming through are awesome. Keep it up, Topher.

[@maximus9401]

I really don't like that this thing exists but hey, if it's not for me, who cares. More options for people out there and you still get to have your M4 and M3 and whatnot

[@milannekuhh]

First time I watch this channel. Maybea good tip is to not be so toxicabout little things. Banging your head between shifts is normal in Sport mode...

[@MrFunnpun]

I never understood why they have 4-door versions of the 2 and 4 series...

[@liamsquire6371]

the light throttle boost statement is very true driving around the city i always drive manual becuase auto will just drive so jittery driving very lightly

[@joespittle1]

Skip to 3:03 to avoid having your eyes destroyed

[@whatever9274]

interior looks worse because of the color.

[@Daveyboy_RS3]

Seems like a brand new 330i XDrive would be a lot more than just a couple grand extra if optioned reasonably. I'd pick this over an MK8 golf R.

[@torrhthc4103]

It’s about the boost and power, passengers can go take public transport if they are unhappy...

[@anjdog2003]

This guy loves his blinker

[@LeJunny]

I’ve been looking into an M240i, any plans to test drive one and give your opinion?

[@milannekuhh]

For the poeple who are confused with the name of the car: 'M' cuz its the topof the line engine spec '2' for the 2-series '35' is the engine spec 'i' is petrol and not 'D' from diesel 'xDrive' cuz it has BMW's best 4WD system 'Gran Coupe' cuz its a Grad Coupé

[@ARentz07]

The whole boost problem you mentioned is such a silly problem. I thought manufacturers had figured out how to limit boost based on pedal input. I mean my GTI does just that, super easy to modulate. 🤷‍♂️

[@zackdl]

Definitely IMO the worst looking, and probably the worst idea of any car that BMW has ever made. Like, what the hell is this car supposed to be? a front wheel drive 4 door car called a coupe based on a crossover...Makes no sense whatsoever. The most off the wall departure from what BMW used to be. What a shame.

[@adelaideautowashes]

Its meant to be a compact luxury car, smaller than the 3 Series, but not as small as the 1 Series. While yes, it does look a bit gawky, there's nothing wrong with it being AWD and sharing a platform with an SUV. Not every M car needs to be RWD and have a 6-cylinder-the M340i and M440i are for that. As for the coupe part of it... no idea. Its actual name is the "Gran Coupe", which I suppose is meant to mean a coupe with 4 doors...? Although, then it wouldn't be a coupe, it'd be a sedan. Yeah, I got no idea on that.

[@heekim3373]

Looking at a used version of this and its sibling x2 m35i as my next daily. Targeting $28-30k, I will also cross shop with Mazda 3 turbo and cx-50 turbo. Will test drive and see if I agree with topher.

[@2024_Edge]

Great vid

[@rifraf6135]

The vid just got published tho... like seconds ago

[@JohnGlasscock]

Nice KIA Forte

[@RJTamm93]

It's not terrible for BMWs first attempt at this, but it's a bit like the A class... it's just Audi has been doing this (FWD based, semi-sport sedans) for a long time. The S3 might be a bit dull and long in the tooth but the car as a whole seems way more refined. Personally, i'd save the cash and get something like a Golf R if I wanted a semi-premium small car.

[@RealKevGotEm]

What? You want the old fashion gear shifter? 😳 I wish my Mazda had the electronic one

[@RichardinNC1]

How does it compare to the X2 35i? Ride, handling, mpg, space, etc?

[@immobilierhypothequeuntoit8545]

235i vs 330i? What the choise you make for the engine performance?

[@nick_pappagiorgio]

The BMW WRX.

[@ivanoxx]

why it seems like the gas is delayed a bit too much?

[@devondelgado1818]

3:54 that is the rattliest door sound ever

[@Trades46]

Call me strange - I actually like the car. That said, I'm not as convinced it is worth its $50k asking price, where the large 3 series just seem like better value.

[@Trades46]

@Gabe Hernandez The 330i is significantly less powerful, and while the M340i is great it is more expensive. The M235i feels like that happy medium & those who find the newest G20 3 series a little bit too big for urban communities.

[@billm47645]

The 3 will lease $25 to almost $250 more a month depending on if you get a stripped down 330 or loaded m340. Right now leases on 3’s, especially M340’s look terrible to me. You can’t go by the sticker price on a BMW. No one pays cash, most lease. The sticker price is for prestige. The real price is the monthly lease payment.

[@stealthfreak2535]

Are BMWs usually a harsher drive compared to an Audi or Mercedes?

[@billm47645]

The question is, this or GTI or Golf R? I’ve seen leases on these lower than the GTI and certainly lower than the Golf R. As a side note, I have a 2018 BMW with wireless Carplay and a vehicle that doesn’t have wireless Carplay. I do like the wireless Carplay for short trips. It’s very convenient. I’ve also had loaner BMWs and usually have no problem connecting. The only time I had an issue was when they uploaded a new version of IDrive. My phone refused to connect. I had to delete the BMW from Bluetooth settings and the Carplay section of iOS, as well as from the vehicle itself. Other than that, the only downside is the lag of audio. If you are watching a video, it’s is out of sync. And before I get comments about that, if we are a long trip my wife will actually watch videos or movies. I’m not as the driver.

[@FarObserver]

Coo-pay. A coop is where you keep chickens :D

[@no40]

"I don't know why it even exist".......me neither, lol

[@ahmarakhtar2368]

Would rather buy a ilx aspec

[@Astke]

It is based on the 1 series that you don't get there as well. I like BMW but man... this and the 1 series are not pretty cars to look at.

[@christianradtke357]

1 series is fine, this is not

[@jaioncebollero1168]

We used to get the 1 series. This is way worse

[@sliwka621]

Based on an X2 is like saying the M5 is based on an X5.

[@silentsnake820]

hello, greetings from germany. i liked this review a lot. I must say the display really is a bit too small, mercedes does a better job here but the infotainment systems in general in cars these days are pretty good

[@LeaveMyGun]

Can someone explain to me why is it a big deal if its not RWD? I dont understand whats the problem

[@A_guan]

I'd rather get a X2 M40i because it's more or less a hatchback

[@kylechellino2579]

Please do the Blazer RS with the v6!

[@mahid9594]

Drive the new supra!

[@drivelinetime]

Did you use to film with the winding road or am I just late to the party and everyone already knows? 😅

[@Coledenison]

So basically the same platform and engine as a jcw mini clubman

[@alexmustata4089]

Id rather have a regal gs with the NA v6. Hella lot cheaper too.

[@vegasman33322]

I wonder if this drives better than a Genesis g70 2.0

[@khailils446]

I highly doubt it, but idk

[@Mm.2112]

Where is the part where you test the sound system by playing pink mirrors😂😂

[@automotivetvchannel]

mitshubishi front lights

[@DhruvDrives]

As a BMW fan, I am very dissapointed. It's so ugly and looks like a Kia from 2015. I actually can't believe how ugly it is

[@Trustmebro091]

KIAs from 2015 look better than this. Especially the optima. It looks so weird. It looks like a Fiesta, not a KIA sedan.

[@asianpower3000]

I find it funny that the 2 series coupe is one of the best bmws and the 2 series GC is one of the worst.

[@randomdude6190]

I'd rather get the new Mazda 3 turbo instead

[@TheTopher]

100%

[@workoutguru3211]

The perfect car for those that have to show off to others that they got a "BMW"

[@vicnt_mm]

The sound of the doors is ughhhhh......

[@rinmarbella4001]

I reeeally hate the front..

[@Ragnar0321]

am a mew comer to BMW and in the market to start a new lease currently own a lexis is F sport ending soon. but it’s a shame seeing all this hate this car is getting i saw it in a dealer and i felt in love with the way it looks inside and out. but then again like i said idk shit about BMW but i can’t understand the hate.

[@williamlong2682]

I’m sorry - all I see here is a pandering cash cow on wheels. I’ll stick with the RWD 2 Series real coupe lol. If I wanted a four door this size, I’d just get a GTI or Golf R. Or hell, even a Mini Clubman S or JCW. Completely agree with your thoughts at the end of the video - this emerging class of entry level luxury cars doesn’t make much sense to me. The German luxury brands have far better offerings, even at similar price points, and to me, the brand prestige doesn’t mean jack. You can get so much more car for your money than you do with something like this. Although I will say - the A/S/RS3 is still quite a well done car, even having been around for as long as it has.

[@TheYellowSchoolBusDude]

$52K with no sunroof???

[@DoSum4Me]

I hate how the exterior design looks like a 2012 Focus

[@CapELarry]

The CarPlay issue is what steered me away from BMW. Getting the infotainment to work was a mess. It took two different three series cars, a salesman and a tech advisor to get it to work. It’s incredibly unintuitive.

[@TheTopher]

Agreed! And then when it finally does work it takes 20 seconds for it to register and start up.

[@devondelgado1818]

It’s entry level but it cost 50k, how does that make any sense

[@qvs787]

I thought it was a KIA

[@xappgametvx]

I think the video is fake, no BMW driver uses indicators

[@xFlared]

Large wheels, exposed rims, FWD, no manual, looks like a corolla, and no spare tire. Hate modern trends.

[@theconformist2399]

I have nothing positive to say other than that the M2 will at least remain RWD-based and continue to be offered with a manual. Thank goodness for that.

[@jakefear9838]

Nice

[@Veyronp87]

have yet to see one on the road so hopefully this means it'll be a failure and they can go back to proper cars!

[@jamievidd775]

A BMW that will only be sold based on lease payment.

[@Pietro931]

KIA Stinger is a better value

[@Earthlight777]

I’d rather buy a mazda cx30

[@user17395]

I hate the rear.

[@PorscheTurbo9]

What the heck was the point of making this car bmw?

[@johanvangoethem3601]

Coupe, comes from French coupé, meaning cut. Not pronounced ‘coop’ 😂 but ‘coopey’

[@Fast2slow]

Can you please review the CLA 250! That would be very cool!

[@rayg5146]

The side profile is awful it might as well be an entry-level domestic car

[@ksich8142]

This guys crying because the shifts are to aggressive? Your driving a BMW stop wanting luxury from a performance oriented brand go buy a Benz or a regular 5 series than

[@JohnDoe-kv4ef]

Oh God it's hideous

[@vvt2257]

The front is good but the back is hideous and if anyone buys a car with orange interior is a 5 year old

[@albinbiju7231]

It really looks like a Ford Focus sedan from the side.

[@RealKevGotEm]

So from this video, this car is real shitty ?

[@chrisjones4863]

I’d genuinely rather have a 135 than that or even sacrifice power for a 320i. It’s a god awful car that

[@madpistol]

Yes, it's an "ugly" car, but you've got to admit... that thing is quick!

[@jasonspellmon9280]

4:56

[@jaioncebollero1168]

Good man.

[@ahmedshelig8869]

Golf R>

[@joshithankenapalli5701]

Noice

[@RemiX_O]

A B48 for $45K? No thanks.

[@IReahpZz]

This thing is more expensive than a supra😂😂😂😂😂 what a joke