BMW 2 Series convertible 2015 review

No one buys a Benz or BMW without adding a few extras. And it's surprising how quickly the price escalates just by ticking a few boxes. But we'd be sorely tempted to take BMW's new 2 Series convertible just the way it comes.

Not only that, we'd probably pop for the entry level 220i model, priced from just $54,900 - super attractive in any language. Sure. The 228i has more power, but is it really worth another $14,000, when the primary reason for buying the car is the roof - for the chance to live the high life?

BMW's going to hate me for saying this, but I'm afraid not ladies and gentlemen ... the sun in your face is going to feel just the same either way.

 
And there there was 2

The 2 Series replaces the earlier 1 Series convertible, just as the 4 Series has taken the place of the 3 Series convertible. That's not to be confused with the recently released 2 Series Active Tourer which is a different beastie altogether, sort of a front wheel drive hatch or mini people mover depending on your perspective - yes you heard right front wheel drive (BMW's first).

The new convertible is 72mm longer and 26mm wider than the car it replaces, with a wider track for more stable handling. It's still compact but a reasonably good size with more legroom in the back than before - at least that's what we're told (still looks pretty squeezy back there).

Like the 1 Series before it, BMW reckons three quarters of buyers will be conquests, with the convertible expected to draw people to the badge like bears to a honey pot. At the price, we're inclined to agree.  I mean, who wouldn't want a Beemer with a rag top for $54K?

Three versions

There's three models from which to chose: the 135kW 220i, 180kW 228i and 240kW M235i - all with turbocharged petrol engines. BMW opted not to include a diesel, although one is offered in the coupe, and one is also produced by arch rivals Audi.

The 220 and 228 are powered by the same 2.0-litre, turbocharged four cylinder petrol engine, but in a different state of tune. 

The hard hitting M235i meanwhile hides a force fed 3.0 litre straight six and all are paired with a quick shifting 8-speed auto complete with paddle shifts. A 6-speed manual is a no cost option.

Fuel consumption ranges from 6.4 to 7.9 litres/100km. The 220i is priced from $54,900 plus on-roads, the 228i from $68,900 and the M235i from $85,800 - a premium of $4500 or so over coupe equivalents.

Performance

The 220i opens the card with a 0-100km/h time of 7.6 seconds, the 228i with 6.0 seconds and the 235i with 5.0 seconds. We were able to sample the 220i and 228i at the launch in the hills outside Adelaide this week, with the M235i yet to come in April.

The 220i feels light and agile, with a nice rasp from the exhaust when pushed, although there is some confusion over whether it comes with 16 or 17 inch alloys.

In comparison the 228 packs more of a wallop and even sounds a bit like a six and would definitely be our preferred powertrain for the coupe. Either way neither will disappoint.

If you're concerned about the cringe factor, just take the badge off the back and nobody is going to know the difference. You can tick that box for nothing.

Of note, unlike the coupe, all of the rag tops come with a rear view camera, in part to compensate for poor vision out of the back with the top up. But we're told the coupes will all eventually get a camera.

The roof

It's a multi-layered fabric roof, that is available in a choice of three colours, two of which have a silver fleck. It opens and closes at the touch of a button, taking 20 seconds to complete a cycle and can be operated at a speed of up to 50km/h - there's no need to stop. Any faster than this and you're likely to do some expensive damage.

With the top down it is likely to become chilly and we can't understand why BMW is not offering "airscarf" warm air on your neck tech as an option - after all you can get it with both the 4 and 6 Series convertibles?