2020 BMW 2 Series Convertible

There is plenty of power even with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Yet, it also wonderful how the BMW 230i uses it. The 8-speed automatic transmission makes the shifts feel smooth, never running out of revs no matter how fast or slow you're going. The M240i adds in more power, adaptive suspension, sports brakes, and performance tires, collectively getting you the most agile 2-series to date. The ability to take the top down gives an added bit of style, just in case you didn't have enough from the Beamer already.

The 2-series is capable of going toe-to-toe with the big-block American muscle cars in terms of performance. As for its own side of the Atlantic, BMW is not the only one with a sports cabriolet. Mercedes is not that far behind with its C-Class, giving the 2-series a run for its money in case of refinement and features. With such a broad competition on several fronts, it is interesting to see if the BMW 2-series Convertible will hold its own.

The convertible comes in two configuration levels – 230i and M240i. Starting at $41,300 while the performance trim which is the latter costs $50,400, the lineup is offered in two drivetrains costing $2000 apart, namely the xDrive which is an AWD configuration which requires automatic transmission while the other is a standard RWD.

Powering the 230i is a 2.0L turbocharged engine (248 hp and 258 lb.-ft) and is mated to a standard 8-speed automatic transmission with an optional 6-speed manual. However M240i is propelled with a 3.0L inline-6 (355hp and 369 lb.-ft) with same transmission option as its younger sibling. Both the trims introduce plethora of features as well as advanced safety functions.

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Investing in the xDrive variant gets you the most out of the 2-series. The smoother ride quality and improved handling translate well into your regular commutes and track days alike.

“There’s no bad performance pick among 2020 2-Series coupes and convertibles.” –The Car Connection

Engine and Transmission

Sat behind that iconic kidney-grille is a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The duo churns out 248 horses alongside 258-pound feet of torque, propelling the rear wheels of the canvas top. This is the same engine that has begun to appear in a few other cars by the manufacturer.

The convertible has little to none to give you anything to complain about. A commute in the city, or cruise along the highway, the Beamer is an everyday car. Its turbocharged performance in mix with smooth and responsive 8-moving cogs most certainly pastes a smile on your lips while tickling a bone or two when you jab the throttle on track. But then that extra oomph factor is certainly shown off when you check out its elder sibling, the M240i.

Amongst the drop-tops, the Beamer appears to be underpowered while the rest stay ahead. However, it, in fact, is of the top-performing convertibles in the competition. Proof? Look at its acceleration.

Acceleration

These drop-tops are fast! Taking 5.3s to reach 60 mph from naught has the BMW storming to the front row of the competition. In a quarter-mile race, it takes a commendable 12.7 seconds, this time leading the pack. The Ford Mustang and Camaro closely trail the Beemer but lose out in the quarter-mile unlike the Mercedes C 300 which takes its own time to complete both tests.

Braking

Its impressive performance carries over to its stopping power as well. The 230i takes an excellent 113ft to come to a standstill from 60 mph. Its brake feel is composed and stays consistent. While the BMW does possess laudable stopping power, the Mustang takes the lead here for the best of the rest.

Ride and Handling

Bask in the sun, feel the air, and that loud screeching sound of the wheels when you take this convertible for a spin; the soft top shares the sporty spirit with its coupe sibling. It has excellent drivability with great cornering capability and maneuverability due to its compact size. Handling around corners is an absolute joy to take, plus tossing it around bends and curves is a work of breeze on the 230i.

The best thing about the coupe is its adaptability and the same precedence is shared by this drop-top; tame it the way you want, it delivers precisely what you need – comfort and sporty are two of the extremes this car gets right. It caters to the cruiser and the hooligan inside you with precisely engineered suspension; bumps and potholes are glided over with ease, and the Beamer allows little to none body roll.

Amongst the muscles in the segment, the BMW has the best fuel efficiency while also being impressive in its own. Its 2.0L engine drinks less fuel as compared to the rest. All those miles per gallon it achieves places it at the top of the rivalry, while the rest of the competition like their drink a bit too much.

“The 2 Series uses interior components from larger and more expensive models in the BMW lineup. The design and quality of materials are close to identical, and as a result the car exceeds entry-level expectations.” -Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

What would you expect from a BMW cabin? The 230i basically answers that question in style; using materials from the high-end models of the manufacturer, the cabin exceeds its class. With seat adjustments and quality upholstery, you’re placed comfortably inside with but the rear takes a hit due to the compact size of the canvas top, deeming it unfit and cramped for adults; the kids would love it back there though!

The cabin is neatly designed and placed appropriately with abundant tech and conveniences. Noise isolation is on the negative in the drop top, unlike its coupe sibling. Due to its fabric-drop top, sound insulation is rather mediocre with noise entering easily from the outside. Looking at the bright side, the engine’s humming shouldn’t really put you off. Unless you drop the top-down, visibility is obscured with the pillars being thick in the front and small rear windows alongside thick rear passenger headrests.

Infotainment System

The iDrive system on the BMW measures 6.5” with an intuitive interface and easy controllers. The interface does take a bit of time to get used to, but the iDrive is better than most in the class segment. The infotainment system includes some of the following features –

• AM/FM/HD Radio
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• AUX Cable Input
• USB Port
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Smartphone Integration
• 7-speaker sound system with CD Player
• Onboard Hands-Free Communications System

Interior Features

• Folding rear-seat headrests
• High-gloss Black interior trim with Pearl Gloss Chrome highlight
• SensaTec upholstery
• Wind Deflector
• 60/40 split fold-down through-load rear seats

Cargo Volume

While being sporty, the soft top also shows off some practicality, even though it loses out to its coupe sibling. With a decent 11.8 cubic feet, you’d be able to pack a piece of luggage. It comes right behind the rival leader, the Ford Mustang which allows 13.5 cubic feet.

“The 2020 2-Series channels BMW’s past style in all the right ways.” -The Car Connection

Design and Styling

Sat 5.5” from the ground rolling on four 17” double-spoke bi-color wheels on four corners, the curvy BMW 230i blends a simplistic aesthetic with conservative touch. Like its coupe variant, this fabric-ragtop is compact, narrow and short. Meet the iconic BMW chrome-accented kidney-grille making up the front fascia, LED headlights to flank the BMW insignia sat in the center.

This drop-top sits tamed on the tarmac when not driven but a look at the front has a bit of menace to it, thanks to the grilles, while the whole framework has a touch of sportiness. Its straightforward design continues all throughout the character lines found on the sides, to the rear of the body. Over the roof lies a fabric-clothed drop-top, while the rear consists of a single duo-exhaust pipe.

Dimensions and Weight

The 2-series is a car that doesn't carry a big chassis on the road. It keeps its size to a minimum while letting its powertrain and looks do the talking. Even though it has a lengthy wheelbase, its compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver around traffic and confined spaces. A small front track width keeps it nose in check when taking steep turns, whereas a considerable ride height helps soak up bumps and speed breakers.

Exterior Features

• Sport kidney-grille
• 17” alloy wheels
• LED fog lights
• Chrome-line exterior trim
• LED headlights

Included standard safety features in the BMW are impressive and in abundance. While the Government safety data is yet to be completed, the manufacturer has carefully crafted the convertible with a host of precautions and sensors in case of any destructive event. Some of the features are -

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Seat-mounted front side-impact airbags
• Parking Assist
• Driver's and passenger's front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with dual-threshold and dual-stage deployment
• Front and rear Head Protection System (HPS)
• Knee airbags for driver and front passenger
• Automatic-locking retractors (ALR) on all passenger safety belts
• LATCH attachments for child-restraint safety installation
• Coded Driveaway Protection
• Anti-theft alarm system

BMW 2 Series Convertible vs Ford Mustang Convertible

Both muscle cars in spirit, the Ford Mustang has little of any significance when it takes on the German’s BMW 230i. The latter basically thrashes the Mustang on every field, irrespective of the fact its powertrain churns out higher output or how quick it is as in the real world the Beemer is far smoother and responsive. Ride quality on the Mustang is comfortable but the Beemer has excellent balance between comfort and sport. Premium interior quality also triumphs over the Mustang alongside wider tech availability.

Now all the Beemer’s superiority comes at a hefty cost, around 15 grand more than the Mustang. Are all those improvements worth it? Well, at a budget, you should reconsider your options if Mustang is on your list.

BMW 2 Series Convertible vs Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

The Chevrolet Camaro has a mightier powertrain than the BMW 230i but the Bavarian is no less a match in behaving like a maniac. Granted, the American muscle just has that look you’d wish exorcising whereas the Beemer has greater amount of restrained aesthetic yet is deadly on the inside. Both the convertibles face one major flaw – cramped rear seating due to its size and sloping roofline.

Costing a bit more premium than the Chevrolet, that extra cost results in better fuel efficiency, superior cabin material and tech, abundant safety and reliability features, and ahead in terms of practicality. Composed driving with permission to berserk any moment is the Beemer’s forte here while the Camaro is comfortable in itself but not up to the German’s standard. Standing atop the pedestal should be the BMW, and that is only if the 10 grand extra won’t pinch you. Sensibly, you wouldn’t really want to drive a Herculean muscle car if you really were sensible.

BMW 2 series Convertible vs Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet

These Germans have got so much going on inside and outside the car, it becomes a bit too difficult certain times which one’s better than the other. They stand toe-to-toe in few aspects, while trail amongst the rest. Getting out the differences, the BMW 230i has a superior power and frugal powertrain, is commodious, drives sportingly and better tech.

While the Mercedes C300 and BMW 230i ride smooth and are both comfortable, you’d have to wonder – comfort and performance or comfort and laid back driving? Oh, and also the Beemer costs a grand less than the silver arrow. We’re leaning towards the spirited driving and plush ride.

These top notch brands play a lot on the word ‘affordability’; it’s where one may regard hit and miss. Imagine offering all what you’re acclaimed for worldwide in this pocket-accommodating creation; but the Beemer doesn’t appear to mind. Offering materials used in some top of the line models of the series, similar machine under the hood as the 4 series and few other models, the 230i series checks of the right boxes, and that’s the beauty of the brand; no matter what series they touch, the prevalent model is a remarkable creation in its own right. The BMW 230i is certainly the BMW you should consider.