When is a BMW M->ke546 car, not really an M car at all? Well in this week’s episode of XCAR, Alex Goy takes a look at the BMW M235i. Is it worthy of the M badge, or should you just wait for the inevitable M2? If Alex is to be believed, they don’t even need to make an M2.

Alex really enjoys the tuned version of the 3.0-liter twin turbo engine that has been placed in the M235i. It is essentially the same engine that can be found in every model BMW->ke178 sells, but power has been increased from 300 horsepower to 321 ponies. Torque sees a similar climb from 300 pound feet to 322.

Like you often hear in a BMW review, the steering, suspension and brakes also gain high marks. The BMW M235i may not be a true M car, but I feel like XCAR may have gotten it right about not needing a proper M2.

In traditional XCAR fashion there is plenty of beautiful camera work and back-road bombing. So sit back, click play and enjoy the next six minutes of automotive awesome.

After you get done, let us know if you think Alex and the XCAR crew got it right. Do we need an M2, or is the M235i more than enough?

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