2014 BMW M235i brings its 326 HP to Detroit

BMW is showcasing the M235i which is the sportiest derivative of the newly established 2-Series range at the ongoing NAIAS in Detroit.

The jury is still out on whether BMW will launch a proper M2 so until then the M235i will serve as a range-topping model. The model will come with a base price of 44,025 USD in the United States and in return you will be getting a high-performance rear-wheel drive coupe that will be able to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 kmph) in 4.8 seconds when configured with the optional 8-speed automatic transmission.

Under the hood, there is an inline-six TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter gasoline engine generating 326 HP (240 kW) and 322 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque which enables the M235i to reach an electronically-capped top speed of 155 mph (250 kmph). However if you go for the manual transmission with the standard 6-speed manual, the car will be able to hit 62 mph in 5 seconds which means it will be 0.2s slower than the automatic model.

Talking about dimensions, the new 2-Series is 72mm longer, 32mm wider and has a 30mm longer wheelbase than the now defunct 1-Series Coupe. The trunk capacity has now been increased to 390 liters (13.7 cubic feet) with this increased trunk size.