The BMW M235i has found a whole host of fans because of its speed, handling, everyday comfort, and relatively approachable pricetag. It also helps that the vehicle does not have a like-for-like direct rival. Now, Consumer Reports has joined the chorus of supporters.
CR has long been an esteemed publication. However, it used to be more of a safety scoreboard than an enthusiast magazine. This is the periodical that recommended every Toyota family car for years, after all. High quality and low-hassle took priority over fun and hooning.
While the magazine still considers safety and quality when evaluating cars, someone has blown new life into CR over the past couple years. It gave the Tesla Model S a 99 out of a possible 100 points last year for a myriad of reasons – not least of which the rapid acceleration and polished handling. The magazine also has a penchant for sports cars. It gave the 991 Porsche Carrera S 95 points, and the C7 Corvette Stingray 92 points.
With a grand total of 98 points, the BMW M235i outranks both of those pure sports cars. It is a cheaper package, $50,400 as tested, which helps. Not only is the price lower than those cars, but it represents great value considering the vehicle’s breadth of abilities.
“This really is a totally dual-purpose car,” Jon Linkov, the CR deputy cars editor said in an interview with BusinessWeek. “This is a car you could drive to work every day of the week without it killing you. And then you could go take it to the track on the weekend.”
Linkov also described the M235i as “inspiring” and “sporty.” It is a clear contrast to the rest of BMW’s lineup – compiled of models that have largely lost their edge. Check out the video below to see how much fun CR had with BMW’s most acclaimed new car.
By Nico Grant
VIDEO