There may not be a single complaint among BMW enthusiasts larger than the fact that their favorite Bavarian now makes front-wheel drive vehicle. Bimmer fans hate the fact that BMW is now putting out front-drive-based cars, regardless of what they’re actually like. Now, the Bavarians have the audacity to slap an M badge on some? The blasphemy. Some new spy photos have surfaced (which we don’t own bt can be seen here), showing off the upcoming BMW M235i Gran Coupe doing some winter testing in the snow.
Admittedly, the BMW M235i Gran Coupe isn’t a proper M car. Still, it’s a front-wheel drive-based BMW with M badges on it, even if M Performance cars don’t actually come from the M Division. So despite the fact that it will look great and probably drive great as well, according to fans it’s tantamount to heresy.
In these photos, the M235i Gran Coupe looks very much like a BMW Gran Coupe should, just shorter and stubbier. It does look good, though, and more interesting than other cars in the segment. That will be especially true if it has a sort of lift-back tailgate like the 4 Series Gran Coupe.
The car in question is clearly a BMW M235i Gran Coupe, the M Performance variant, judging by its sporty black wheels, blue M Sport brake calipers and rhomboid exhausts. It also seems to have some large front air intakes, though they’re covered by camouflage so who knows. I do like how there seems to be a little rear decklid spoiler built in, though.
We fully expect the engine to power the BMW M235i Gran Coupe to be the same 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder as the BMW X2 M35i (review coming soon!). In that car, the little turbo four-pot makes 302 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque and, believe you me, it’s a little cracker of an engine.
So despite its front-drive layout (the M235i model will get xDrive all-wheel drive), we’re very excited about this car. It should be fast, fun to drive, look great and come at a reasonable price.
[Source: Motor1]
