The BMW 1-series coupe is about to die. Long live its successor, the 2-Series. And newly-released specs say the top BMW M235i will have some hustle.
The folks at BimmerPost's 2 Addicts forum snatched up the spec sheets from the South African versions of the upcoming new M235i, 22oi, and 22od. It was posted on BMW South Africa's website until their configurator was pulled down.
According to them, the M235i, powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six with 322 horsepower, will do zero to 100 km/h, or 62 mph, in five seconds. That should figure out to a zero to 60 mph time of just under five seconds, I reckon. It weighs right around 3,200 pounds, and the cost should be under $50,000 U.S., they say.
The lesser 220i, which has a 2.0-liter turbo four with 180 horsepower, will do the zero to 60 mph dance in around seven seconds; they say it should cost less than $36,000 here. And the diesel four in the 220d puts out 180 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. That one sounds fun.
The specs don't list a 2-Series with the "middle" 2.0-liter four cylinder engine that sees duty in cars like the 328i, but it's probably safe to assume a 228i is coming.
No word yet on when the actual 2-Series will debut, but BMWBlog says the car will go on sale in early spring next year, so we can likely expect it soon.
Yes, BMW's nomenclature is increasingly confusing. But if the M235i is as good as Europe's M135i hatch or the future classic 1 Series M Coupe, then we have something to look forward to.
Hat tip to Ed!