BMW has been a bit schizophrenic towards driving enthusiasts in the United States. First, it launches the 1 Series M, a car that BMW itself admits is aimed at the enthusiast driver on a budget. Next, it sets a base price well beyond the point of what we’d call “affordable,” then it announces the car will be limited production. Dealer price gouging ensues, and at the peak of the madness one California dealership was asking approximately double the sticker price, since the 1 Series M was “destined to be collectible.”
Then, BMW launches a line of M Performance diesels, like the M550d xDrive, followed by the stunning M135i hatchback shown in April. Just as we’re ready to march on down to our BMW dealership with a deposit check in hand, BMW says, “silly rabbit, hatchbacks are for Euros.” Once again, those of us on this side of the pond lose, except for a vague promise that BMW will bring in a coupe to replace the 1-Series M.
That car, according to Autoweek, will be the M235i, which will also have the distinction of being the first M Performance car sold in the United States. Like the 1 Series M, it will be a coupe, and power will come from a version of BMW’s N55 turbocharged in-line six. Expect to see a minimum of 316 horsepower, and expect the M235i to come with the buyer’s choice of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The car should make its debut at the Detroit Auto Show in 2014, with a convertible version following later the same year. Pricing is still a long way from being set, but expect BMW to build enough copies to satisfy demand this time around. That won’t lower the MSRP, but ready availability should keep dealer price gouging under control.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
