The introduction of the all-new BMW 2 Series convertible sees the popular 1 Series cabrio confined to Australian motoring history.
The new car looks like it has jumped a segment and the reality is that its 72 mm longer at 4432 mm, 27 mm wider at 1774 mm and the wheelbase has grown 30 mm to 2690 mm, ensuring its proportions and balance are just right when viewed in profile. The small BMW takes on a wide, purposeful stance highlighted by short overhangs.
The basic formula is still the same: north-south engine at the front twisting the rear wheels – a car for the purist. And an eight-speed auto just to add spice to the driveline.
The blossoming size gives the boot a usable extra 30 litres of space over the previous 1 Series and when the roof is up there are 335 litres available – enough for two aircraft-approved cabin bags and some soft luggage and wide enough for a set of golf clubs.
Go topless and the boot shrinks down to 280 litres, still large enough for two small hand-luggage size suitcases. Even the ski-hatch is bigger at 450 mm wide and 28 mm higher to cater for longer stuff.
The 2 Series is based on a platform related to the 3 Series. But, and this is important, body rigidity is improved by 20 per cent allowing BMW engineers to hang the suspension off a more stable base. High and ultra-high tensile steels have been used in the body along with extra bracing. The result, as we found in our four hours at the wheel this week, is a convertible with no signs of the dreaded scuttle shake and a suspension that has the chassis it deserves as a BMW sports-oriented machine.
BMW launched three 2 Series models, the 220i and 228i, using variants of the four-cylinder 2.0-litre twin-turbo engine and the 325i six-cylinder.
Even over rough and uneven bitumen roads at speed between Adelaide and Victor Harbor the car remained stable with not a hint of body flex, rare for any soft top. This stability transfers to the 2 Series handling with the suspension able to do its work. The car’s road holding is simply superb. It points beautifully into corners at speed and car remains flat and balanced no matter what the road surface throws at it.
Driving with the roof closed you really cannot tell this is a convertible from the decibels that infiltrate the cabin.
You can lift or drop the roof in 20 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h at the press of one switch.
Even with the extra wheelbase the 2 Series is still a squeeze for rear seat passengers. Think of it as an emergency pew for two over short distances. It is not too bad for entry and exit thanks to the wide door and front seats that slide forward. The back seats are firm and fairly upright.
Leather seats fitted to the 2 Series have also been treated with sun reflective upholstery to stop discolouration.
BMW 2 Series comes in three line options: Sport Line, Luxury Line and M Sport Line. All have luxury standard equipment that varies between specification options.
These 2 Series convertibles have styling that’s unmistakably BMW. We like the way the roof folds into the body with what BMW call a boat-deck look. It is neat and tidy and adds to the car’s ambience with the roof down.
Our initial driving impressions are that the 220i will attract a lot of buyers to BMW. The entry-level price is seductive for a car of this quality and the pricing at $14,000 difference between 220i and 228i is a lot further apart than the performance of the two models.
AT A GLANCE
BMW 220i (from $54,900)
Engine: 1997 cc twin turbo four cylinder
0 – 100 km/h 7.6 seconds
Fuel: 91RON minimum
Power: 135 kW @ 5000 – 6250 rpm.
Torque: 270 Nm @ 1250 – 4500 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
BMW 228i (from $68,900)
Engine: 1997 cc twin turbo four cylinder
0-100 km/h: 6.0 seconds
Fuel: 91RON minimum
Power: 180 kW @ 5000 – 6500 rpm
Torque: 350 Nm @ 1250 – 4800 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
BMW 325i (from $85,800)
Engine: 2979 cc twin turbo six cylinder
0-100 km/h 5.0 seconds
Fuel: 91RON minimum
Power: 240 kW@ 5800 – 6000 rpm
Torque: 450 Nm @1300 – 4000 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
