It’s highly unlikely that we’ll get an M2 Gran Coupe, but BMW’s M division is working on something else that might excite you: the M235i xDrive.
It packs a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder with 301 HP and 332 lb-ft of torque from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm that is hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission. According to BMW, it will accelerate to 60 mph (96 km) in 4.7 seconds, or 4.6 seconds with the optional M Performance Package’s overboost function, and reach a top speed of 155 mph (250km/h).
Read: BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe Vs. Mercedes CLA Coupe: Design, Performance, Interior And Tech
Built on the same front-wheel drive-biased architecture as the new 1-Series, X1 and X2, it sports an M-tuned all-wheel drive system to help it cope with all that power. Thus, it might not be a smaller, more affordable M3 as some might have hoped for, but a fast small sports sedan that will directly rival the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35.
As befits a car with M badging, it boasts an aggressive look thanks to the new front and rear bumpers, trunk lid spoiler and large wheels, while the interior, apart from the digital instrument cluster and prominent infotainment screen, also gets some sporty trim.
Even though it’s been officially unveiled, BMW is still testing the M235i xDrive Gran Coupe, and one of the prototypes was snapped going from apex to apex at the Nurburgring, looking mighty fast. It’s also a calm cruiser on public roads, as the video cut-outs reveal, but you can check it all out for yourselves in the clip that follows.