Which everyday performance vehicle stands tall in a comparison between Audi S3 and BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe: determining the superior option.

The BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe has undergone a significant redesign, as it prepares to enter the market as an updated model. However, the company responsible for the facelift and design update remains unidentified, according to the latest search results.

The redesigned BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe boasts a fresh new look, both inside and out. The car's new front end bears a striking resemblance to the Kia Ceed, marking a departure from its previous design. Under the hood, the vehicle continues to utilise a 2-litre B48 four-pot engine, producing 296bhp.

The BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe is based on the 1-series' front-drive platform, but the updates have not only focused on cosmetic changes. The car now features a more rigid structure and revised suspension, aiming to improve its overall performance and driving dynamics.

The BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe and its rival, the Audi S3 Sportback, have not been particularly successful in their previous forms. Both vehicles have undergone updates to address these issues and justify their high prices. Inflation and external pressures have driven up car prices beyond what customers are willing to pay in the current financial climate. As a result, the prices of compact four-wheel-drive performance cars like the BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe and the Audi S3 Sportback have risen to close to £50k each.

In contrast, the prices of flagship hot hatches from Mercedes and Audi now exceed £60k, a price point that used to be reserved for the BMW M3. The M235 xDrive Gran Coupe continues to use the M badge, but the latest M3 now costs nearly £90k.

Despite the updates, the BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe still faces criticism for its part saloon, part coupe silhouette, which is considered awkward and fussy. The car also lacks the poise of the rear-drive 2-series coupe, and the Audi S3 is quick but inert to drive.

In 2025, cheap hot hatches and affordable sports coupes have become scarce, making the facelifted BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe a notable addition to the market. The updates aim to improve its performance and address its previous issues, but whether it will be enough to win over critics and customers remains to be seen. The car has received bespoke chassis upgrades, hinting at a more engaging driving experience.

In conclusion, the facelifted BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe is a redesigned performance car aiming to address its previous shortcomings and compete in a market where affordable sports cars are becoming increasingly rare. Whether it will succeed remains to be seen, but the updates certainly make it an intriguing prospect for enthusiasts and potential buyers.