BMW 2 Series Convertible Review and Prices

The convertible BMW 2 Series is a great-looking and fun-to-drive open-top, with all the style and panache of alternatives like the Audi A3 Cabriolet. It may have expensive additional extras and cramped back seats, but there’s no doubt that you’ll have fun with this car when you’re behind the wheel.

At the front, there’s the usual BMW scowling headlights and iconic ‘kidney’ grille. The grooved doors lend a sporty look to the sides, while the rear is angular and modern, completed by that singular chrome exhaust pipe. Things take a turn for the worst when you put the roof up, though. The soft top looks uneven against the smooth lines of the rest of the body – it’s a bit like doodling a beanie hat onto the Mona Lisa.

The interior of the Convertible is mostly good, too, taking many cues from the regular BMW 2 Series Coupe. The build quality is magnificent all-around, with everything feeling well-put-together, while the dashboard is intuitively laid out. However, space in the rear seats is limited, to the point where a full-sized adult would struggle to squeeze into the back. However, if you’re in the market for a sporty, performance-orientated convertible such as this, the back seats probably aren’t high on your list of priorities. If you just treat the 2 Series like a two-seater for yourself and one passenger, you won’t find any problems.

I had a lot of fun with this car. It drives well (even though the regular 2 Series is a little better) and looks amazing. The top-of-the-range trims can get pretty costly, though.

The 2 Series Convertible’s infotainment is your standard BMW fare, using the firm’s iDrive system. You get a 6.5-inch digital screen with satnav, automatic emergency services alerts and a DAB-, CD player- and MP3-compatible radio. Other features found on every model include automatic air conditioning, automatic headlights and a Bluetooth hands-free system. Forking out an extra £1,000 for the Sport trim will give you sports seats and let you select driving modes, adjusting the steering and suspension for Sport, Comfort and Eco functions.

The M Sport trim goes even further by improving the suspension, enlarging the wheels and reupholstering the steering wheel. The top-spec M240i’s biggest change is swapping the standard engine for a turbocharged, six-cylinder petrol, armed with 340hp and a 0-62mph time of five seconds – but you pay an awful lot for the improved performance.

Both petrol and diesel engines are available, with the latter being more economical, yet also noisier, cramping the otherwise sporty image of the 2 Series Convertible.

Driving the convertible 2 Series is a good time all-around. From the steering to the gear changes – whether manual or automatic – to the suspension, everything feels smooth, fluid and unintrusive. While the stiffer 2 Series Coupe still feels slightly better to drive, the Convertible doesn’t give too much away and feels more agile than an Audi A3 Cabriolet. And while the car’s folding roof might not be beautiful to behold, it does do its job well. It can shift position in less than twenty seconds and still works in speeds of up to 31mph.

So, if you’re on the hunt for a sleek, cool convertible that drives and handles well, the BMW 2 Series is well worth looking at. Make sure to check out our deals pages for the best prices.