First Pictures Of The BMW M235i Have Landed

These are the first official (albeit leaked) images of the performance variant of the forthcoming BMW 2-series (the new name given to the coupe version of the 1-series).

The new M235i is powered by BMW's potent six-pot, 3.0-litre turbocharged engine, which produces 322bhp and 322lb ft of torque.

The pumped-up baby BMW will hit 0-62mph in 4.8sec when fitted with the marque's silky eight-speed automatic gearbox. When equipped with BMW's six-speed manual 'box (phew...), that figure climbs slightly to 5.0sec. Top speed, as ever, is reigned in at 155mph. Sales of the M235i are expected in summer 2014.

Other models in the new 2-series 'F22' range include a 220i and 220d. Both models get 181bhp and 199lb ft and 280lb ft torque respectively. The petrol-powered '2 will sprint to 62mph from standing in 7.0sec, while the lusty diesel manages that mark in 7.1sec. Top speed for each model is 146mph and 143mph for the petrol and diesel.