Impatience is not often considered a virtue, yet in the BMW M235 xDrive it becomes the car’s most defining trait. The moment you press the starter, the machine seems to bristle with anticipation. It is a car designed to surge forward, to respond without hesitation, and to reward drivers who expect obedience wrapped in precision.
The intent is captured in a subtle but telling detail: a narrow red stripe circling the top of the steering wheel. It is less ornament than target sight. Place the wheel straight, apply pressure to the throttle, and the car answers with accuracy that feels instinctive. The sensation is less about decoration and more about direction: a crosshair guiding momentum.
Beneath the bonnet sits a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 233 kW between 5,750 and 6,500 rpm and delivering 400 Nm of torque from as low as 2,000 rpm. These figures translate into a 0–100 km/h sprint in just 4.9 seconds. Numbers, though, only frame the experience. The actual feeling is of holding back an eager puppy, full of energy, muscles coiled, eager to leap. A slight tug on the leash is all it takes to release the surge.
The xDrive all-wheel-drive system and adaptive M suspension underpin acceleration that is both forceful and measured. Corners are exercises in balance, with the car leaning into its electronics for poise.
Handling and Dynamics
The M235 xDrive positions itself as a compact sports car with an edge. Adaptive M suspension, M Sport brakes finished in dark blue metallic, and gearshift paddles sharpen the sense of control. Steering feedback is immediate, and the chassis feels as though it has been tuned for enthusiasm rather than comfort alone.
There is satisfaction in knowing that acceleration is always within reach, but the deeper satisfaction lies in a sense of readiness: the feeling that the car anticipates demands before they are issued.
The review unit came in Alpine White III, accented by BMW’s Individual high-gloss Shadow Line trim. The body carries the muscular stance expected of the performance-focused 2 Series, while the M rear spoiler underscores its sporting DNA. Inside, the combination of Coral Red and Black upholstery injects drama into an otherwise functional cabin, the contrast sharpened by illuminated aluminium graphite trim.
The M Sport seats grip firmly, although larger drivers may find it restrictive. Personally, it created a cockpit atmosphere that complemented the car’s eagerness to perform. Above, the panorama glass roof opens the cabin to light, making the interior feel less confined.
Digital command centre
The M235 xDrive is as much a digital platform as it is a performance machine. At the centre is BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional, a fully digital instrument cluster linked with head-up display. Together, they deliver layered information, including speed, navigation, safety alerts, and driver assistance feedback, in a form that minimises distraction. The heads-up display comes into its own at night. In bright sunlight, or when you’re wearing shades, it is an occasional distraction when visible.
The Parking Assist Plus suite extends the car’s intelligence into everyday use. Surround-view cameras stitch together a top-down view of the car, guiding it into tight spaces. Lane-keeping aids and radar-based adaptive cruise systems, bundled under Driving Assist Plus, give the car semi-autonomous abilities in traffic, reducing the mental load during commutes. It can be a little aggressive, especially when it misreads Johannesburg’s, ummm, let’s say creative, road markings.
Connectivity is equally forward-looking. A built-in personal eSIM integrates the car directly into mobile networks, giving it independent data connectivity. That allows over-the-air software updates, expanded telematics, and cloud-linked features without relying solely on a paired phone. Wireless charging slots the smartphone neatly into this ecosystem, while BMW’s ConnectedDrive services open the door to real-time traffic updates, digital concierge functions, and remote-control features.
Lighting is also treated as part of the technology package. Adaptive LED headlights adjust their beam to traffic conditions, while High Beam Assist automates switching, leaving the driver to focus on the road ahead.
Inside, illuminated aluminium trim and ambient lighting create a cockpit that feels more like a digital lounge than a traditional car cabin. But then you’ve probably heard that before in our BMW reviews.
Audio is delivered through a Harman/Kardon hi-fi system, bringing 16 speakers and a digital amplifier into play. It is tuned for clarity rather than sheer volume, with sound imaging that creates a concert-like stage across the cabin.
The car’s interior camera adds another layer of tech intrigue. Nominally a security feature, it can also capture stills or video of the interior, an unusual addition that reflects BMW’s willingness to experiment with new functions. In this case, I would reiterate that crosshair analogy: target acquired.
Pricing: Depends on specifications
* Arthur Goldstuck is CEO of World Wide Worx, editor-in-chief of Gadget.co.za, and author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to AI – The African Edge.