That is odd isn't it?
My take on that is that the M235i is simply a 235i with an "M sport" package, which has become de rigueur at BMW.
It's not an M, it's just an M-sport pkg.
Why?
I think it's because of the new N20 4cyl turbo and how great of an engine it is.
The 128i had the sweet legendary BMW NA inline 6, but it was clearly overshadowed by the 135i's N54 and then N55.
With the 228i, and it's lighter weight, that coupe will perform quite admirably.
So to greater differentiate the 235i version BMW will only bring it as an
M-sport with bumped HP/torque over the standard N55, like the one in my 335i Msport.
Oddly, I wonder why BMW didn't also give the 435i more stock power?
If the M235i does come with 315-320hp, it will have a better power to weight over the 435i.
If so, the 2 series will become the more favorable drivers coupe, and the 4 the more luxury coupe.
Then, the 2 series sedan will be the return of the "3 series sport sedan".
That's of course, IMO.
