The BMW 2 Series Convertible has a particularly flat silhouette with a pronounced swage line and powerfully sculpted rear-wheel arches pointing up. All of the model variants – Advantage, Luxury Line, Sport Line and M Sport – have a rear-wheel-drive configuration, each with specific exterior and interior design as well as equipment features. Typical BMW proportions, with short overhangs, a long bonnet, a set-back passenger cell, a broad wheelbase and a wide track, result in significantly enhanced dimensions compared with the forerunner model and include optimised entry and exit comfort for rear passengers. The luggage compartment volume is 335litres with the top closed or 280 litres with the top open. The rear-seat backrest can be folded using a lever in the luggage compartment and the through-loading aperture has been increased to a width of 450 millimetres and a height of 246 millimetres.

 

 

I was pleasantly surprised by the newly developed, electrically powered fabric top with additional insulation and optimised acoustic comfort that really makes the interior very quiet when closed. It opens and closes in 20 seconds at the push of a button, even while driving at speeds of up to 50 km/h. There is a choice of three roof colours: black (standard), anthracite with silver effect, and brown with silver effect (optional).

 

The interior with the signature BMW Convertible ‘boat deck’ look, thanks to harmoniously flowing shoulder-line and soft-top compartment, along with rollover bar concealed behind the rear head restraints when stationary, driver-focused cockpit, high-quality materials and finish with model-specific accents (a centre console with high-gloss black surfaces around the radio and climate controls, chrome surrounds for air vents and newly designed climate-control display) make the Convertible look and feel classy and way ahead of the field that it plays in.

 

The BMW 2 Series Convertible is loaded with standard equipment – the one we tested had an additional R160 000 worth of optional equipment. What is standard and crucial are the Extensive BMW EfficientDynamics technology, Air Curtains as well as Auto Start Stop function in conjunction with both manual and automatic gearboxes, the ECO PRO mode activated via standard-fitted Driving Experience Control switch, including coasting function in combination with automatic transmission and including Proactive Driving Assistant if Navigation System Professional is specified.

 

Our BMW 220i with manual transmission gave outstanding agility and impressive ride comfort thanks to the rear-wheel drive, longitudinally mounted engine, the balanced axle load distribution and sophisticated chassis technology. The Electric Power Steering and high-performance brake system, variable sport steering, M Sport brakes and Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers (optional) and with the standard DSC stability control system, including DTC and the Active Differential Brake (ADB-Sport) at the rear axle, made for excellent and very enjoyable handling through tight mountain passes.

 

High-quality standard equipment includes an electrically powered and acoustically insulated roof, a rain sensor, a hands-free telephone facility, a USB audio interface, a BMW Professional radio, including iDrive operating system with Control Display in flat-screen design, automatic climate control with convertible mode, optional leather trim with SunReflective technology to reduce surface heating in direct sunshine, and optional latest-generation Navigation System Professional, including Touch Controller. Also, this is the first BMW model with the option of over-the-air navigation updates via the vehicle’s built-in SIM card.

 

A significantly extended range of driver-assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive are available, systems and services that are at the forefront of technological breakthroughs. Although much of this is still seen as not necessary, it is becoming important for safety and ease of use, and especially for keeping abreast of developments in the motoring field. These features includes anti-dazzle High Beam Assist, Adaptive Headlights, Parking Assist, rear-view camera, Driving Assist, Speed Limit Info with No Passing Info display, cruise control system with braking function, extended integration of smartphones and music players, Real Time Traffic Information, Online Entertainment, and extended functionality provided by apps for Internet-based services such as Facebook and Twitter.

 

Model variants for the BMW 2 Series Convertible:

BMW M235i Convertible:

Six-cylinder in-line petrol engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology (Twin-Scroll turbochargers).

 

 

Capacity:                                 2 979 cc.

Output:                                    240 kW at 5 800–6 000 rpm.

Max. torque:                            450 Nm at 1 300–4 500 rpm.

Acceleration (0–100 km/h):     5.2 seconds (automatic: 5.0 seconds).

Top speed:                              250 km/h.

Average fuel consumption:      8.5 (7.9) litres per 100 kilometres.

CO2 emissions:                       199 (184) g/km, exhaust standard: EU6.

 

 

BMW 228i Convertible:

Four-cylinder in-line petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (Twin-Scroll turbochargers).

 

Capacity:                                 1 997 cc.

Output:                                    180 kW at 5 000–6500 rpm.

Max. torque:                            350 Nm at 1 250–4 800 rpm.

Acceleration (0–100 km/h):     6.1 seconds (automatic: 6.0 seconds).

Top speed:                              250 km/h.

Average fuel consumption:      7.0–6.8 (6.7–6.6) litres per 100 kilometres.

CO2 emissions:                       163–159 (157–154) g/km, exhaust standard: EU6.

 

 

BMW 220i Convertible:

Four-cylinder in-line petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (Twin-Scroll turbochargers).

 

 

Capacity:                                 1 997 cc.

Output:                                    135 kW at 5 000–6 250 rpm.

Max. torque:                            270 Nm at 1 250–4 500 rpm.

Acceleration (0–100 km/h):     7.5 seconds (automatic: 7.6 seconds).

Top speed:                              231 km/h (226 km/h).

Average fuel consumption:     6.9–6.5 (6.5–6.2) litres per 100 kilometres.

CO2 emissions:                      161–152 (152–144) g/km, exhaust standard: EU6.

 

Pricing is as follows for the models and optional equipment can be up to R160 000 plus extras.