The M135i hatchback will soon receive a sibling in the BMW lineup by way of the M235i coupe. They will share the same heart - the N55 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine making approximately 315-320hp, as well as the same transmission and other mechanicals. On paper, the two should achieve similar performance numbers, with a slight edge potentially going to the M235i coupe.

As for exterior differences, it’s clear from these comparison photos. Besides the clear form factor difference (coupe versus hatchback), the M235i gets an overall sleeker look, especially the front end with its more aggressive bumper and large upsweeping air intakes, and slimmer headlights and kidney grilles.

No official specs have yet been released for the 2 Series, so we will compare physical specs (dimensions, weight, … CONTINUED

Now that we’ve spied an uncovered 2 Series, let’s take a look at how it stacks up visually against what will be one of main competitors - the Mercedes CLA sedan (with Sport package). One may be a coupe and the other a sedan with coupe-like styling, but this is the closest match we have, until the rumored 2 Series Gran Coupe is revealed.

Once the 2 Series official specs and photos are released, we’ll put together another comparo comparing official photos, as well as physical specs.

Follow our 2 Series coverage at: http://www.bimmerpost.com/2-series/

Here is the M235i coupe, fully uncovered (save for the covering on the back). But, nearly the entire car is revealed here!

Non-fans of the F20 1 Series front design with its in-your-face headlights and blunt nose look will appreciate the much sportier 2 series coupe front end, with significantly sleeker headlights and grilles.

The front air intakes are large and aggressively shaped, with the fins that we spied in the last M235i sighting. As on the prototypes, the wheels are from the M135i, as are the blue M Performance brakes. Unfortunately, the hood shut line retains its position high above the kidney grilles.

The side fender features an M badge, but no air breather vent as seen on BMW’s newest models (4 series coupe, 3 series GT). … CONTINUED

We’ve given you live action looks of the M235i and 228i during winter testing, now have a look at the M235i coupe undergoing testing at the Nurburgring this week.

The M235i mule is seen in Estoril Blue II and shares its wheels, M Sport brakes, and double black exhaust pipes with the M135i hatchback. A trunk spoiler lip can also be seen clearly.

M235i and 228i coupe production begins in November. There will be no 235i model in the US or elsewhere, as the M235i will take its place in the lineup. The M235i will feature the same powerplant and mechanicals as the highly touted M135i hatchback [reviews].

We’ve also reposted below the first interior photos of the M235i, as well as some up-close photos of the exterior.

2 … CONTINUED

We give you the first clear look at the interior of the F22 BMW 2 Series (M235i) coupe. As the 2 Series lineup is based off the current F20/F21 1 Series hatchbacks, it comes as no surprise that the interiors are nearly identical.

Interior

As this is the M235i (there will be no regular 235i), we see all the M Sport bits fitted from the M135i hatchback, including alcantara sports seats (with hexagonal pattern and blue contrast stitching), aluminum dash trim and door handles with hexagon texture, and estoril blue accent strips on the dash. The door panel shares the same hexagon pattern as the seats. Also seen is the 6 speed manual transmission.

But, the M235i does feature something the M135i does not - the M Sport … CONTINUED

With the 2 Series coupe set to make its debut later this year (production begins in November), BMW may be sending out teaser signals with this recent video.

OK, it’s not truly being hooned, but a M235i coupe prototype is seen doing doughnut patterns in an empty lot as part of its testing. As a result, we get a great live look at all the various angles of the car - a bit like the car being on a rotating auto show display. We also get a good listen at its exhaust and engine sounds.

There is also a brief look at the F22 2 Series Coupe against the F30 3 Series Sedan, for a glance at how they compare in size/shape from the rear.

Production of the M235i coupe begins this November 2013 in the Leipzig plant, for an 8 month first-model-year production run (until June 2014). There will be no 235i model in … CONTINUED

F22 2 Series coupe (228i) prototype spotted in SoCal. First prototype sighting in the US.

The M235i coupe (315 HP) is already confirmed for the US (see VIN details and spy photos). Production will begin in November 2013 in the Leipzig plant, for an 8 month first-model-year production run (until June 2014). There will be no 235i model in the US or elsewhere, as the M235i will take its place in the lineup.

The M235i will be joined by the 228i coupe in the US. The 228i coupe will also begin production this November. The production 2 Series will be revealed in the Fall, with its public debut potentially coming at the 2013 Frankfurt auto show in September).

As the VIN thread linked above shows, Europe will see … CONTINUED