BMW 2 Series Convertible Review: 2015 220i and 228i
What’s Hot: Buttoned-down chassis, RWD dynamics, snug fabric roof, reasonable boot capacity
What’s Not: Suspension fussy on bigger wheels, no heated seats in 220i.
X-FACTOR: The new 2 Series Convertible drives as great as it looks. If you can’t stretch the budget to the 4 Series, its smaller sibling is a more than worthy alternative.
Vehicle Style: 4-seat luxury convertible
Price: $54,900 (220i) to $85,800 (M235i)
Engine/trans:
135kW/270Nm 2.0 turbo petrol 4cyl | 8sp auto or 6sp manual
220i180kW/350Nm 2.0 turbo petrol 4cyl | 8sp auto or 6sp manual
240kW/450Nm 3.0 turbo petrol 6cyl | 8sp auto or 6sp manual
Fuel Economy claimed: 6.4 l/100km (220i), 6.6 l/100km (228i), 7.9 l/100km (M235i)
OVERVIEW
BMW Australia has added a fourth member to its range of drop-tops, with the 2 Series Convertible making its local debut this week.
Is the very start of autumn a wise time to launch a convertible? Maybe not, but BMW’s local operation had little say in the matter. As always in the world of cars, the Northern Hemisphere dictates terms.
But rug-up and drop that fabric roof, for the 2 Series is one of the better entry-level luxury convertibles around.
The premium over its hardtop equivalents is relatively modest at $3900 for the entry-level 220i, $4500 for the 228i and $5870 for the flagship M235i.
With a starting price of $54,900 it may not be the cheapest prestige convertible around, but it’s not wanting for desirability.
THE INTERIOR | RATING: 3.5/5
- Standard features: Dual-zone climate control, artificial leather upholstery, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, leather-upholstered steering wheel, cruise control, dusk-sensing headlamps, rain-sensing wipers.
- Infotainment: Navigation System Business with 6.5-inch display (220i and 228i), Navigation System Professional with 8.8-inch display (M235i), AM/FM/CD stereo, Bluetooth audio/phone integration, USB audio input.
- Storage space: 280 litres minimum, 335 litres maximum. Rear seat pass-through for loading long items.