2015 BMW M235I XDRIVE
Base price/as tested: $48,750/ $58,100 Add-ons: Destination charge $2,095; taxes $7,925.95 Type: Sports Coupe Propulsion: Front engine, all-wheel drive Cargo: 390 L Tow rating: Not advised Engine: 3.0L turbocharged straightsix Transmission: 8-speed ZF manumatic Power/torque: 322 horsepower 332 lb.-ft. Fuel consumption L/100 km: 11.9 city, 7.8 highway; premium grade fuel Brakes: 4-wheel M Sport disc Tires: Summer performance P225/ 40R18 front P245/34R18 rear Standard features: Leather upholstery, dual zone HVAC, heated mirrors, 12-way sport seats, heated seats/steering wheel, iDrive, cruise, bi-xenon headlights, tilt/telescope wheel, M aero package, rain sensing wipers, Bluetooth, USB. Accessibility: Rear seat access is awkward. Competition: Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Audi S3, Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG What’s best: Engine, handling. What’s worst: Tight back seat, options add up. What’s interesting: 8-speed manumatic quicker and more efficient than six-speed manual. Manufacturer’s website: BMW.ca Looks: The subdued lines and modest wheel size don’t overtly yell its performance potential, but it is a pleasingly clean design with a few cool cues — the sharky front intakes, rear lip spoiler and classy titanium finish alloys. Interior: A great driver’s environ- ment with some of the best seats. Build quality is high and ergonomics good. Not so welcoming in the back, but fine for short trips. Performance: This is where the baby Bimmer shines. A world-class engine powers a willing all-wheel drive chassis that is your ally every step of the way. Technology: The $500 ConnectedDrive Services Prof with ARTTI Package provides iPhone integration along with real-time traffic information. Not available in this baby M are radar-based systems — adaptive cruise, collision mitigation, lane departure warning. What you’ll like about this car: A tidy balance of comfort and sport. What you won’t like about this car: Maybe not hard-edged enough? That’s what the upcoming M2 is for. Score: 9 out of 10