Exceptionally civilized for a high-performance machine - 2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible Review
2Vehicle overview
Great cars don't always enjoy a lot of fanfare, and the 2015 BMW 2 Series illustrates the point. Before the 2 Series' debut last year, we knew it would be replacing the entry-level 1 Series -- but aside from its smoother styling, it just looked like a variation on the same sporty theme. Once you've driven the 2 Series, though, you'll likely wonder why there isn't more fuss about this attainably priced all-star. Its engines are relentlessly capable, its interior is much nicer than that of its predecessor and its superb handling makes it perhaps the purest driver's car in BMW's lineup.
Taking center stage for 2015 is the new 2 Series convertible, equipped with a fabric roof that powers up or down in 20 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph. If you opt for Comfort Access (BMW's version of keyless ignition and entry), you can even operate the top remotely using the key fob. Also new this year -- and a significant departure from the strictly rear-wheel-drive 1 Series -- is xDrive all-wheel drive, offered on the coupes as well as the 228i convertible. If you want AWD in your two-door BMW, the case for buying the larger, pricier 4 Series just got a lot harder to make.
Indeed, it's easy to make the case that the Edmunds "A" rated 2 Series is one of the best values on the market. The "base" four-cylinder 228i hits 60 mph in about 5 seconds flat, yet it returns highway mpg in the mid-30s. The six-cylinder M235i, meanwhile, cranks out 20 more horsepower than the mechanically similar 435i, and its standard sport steering, adaptive dampers and big brakes (all available on the 228i via the Track Handling package) take this already superb two-door to a new level. Either way, the interior is worthy of BMW's reputation for high quality, and iDrive comes standard, too. What more could you ask for in this price range?
Well, OK, you might like an extra set of doors, which brings the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and the 2015 Audi A3 and S3 into play. Connoisseurs tend to prefer BMW's rear-wheel-drive dynamics, but these front-drive-based alternatives handle very well in their own right, and their four-door designs make them more versatile. We also recommend the all-new 2015 Ford Mustang, as its newfound refinement makes it a more plausible BMW substitute than ever before. But if you're looking for all-around excellence, it's tough to avoid the conclusion that the 2015 BMW 2 Series is the car to beat.
Performance & mpg
The 2015 BMW 2 Series is rear-wheel drive by default, but all-wheel drive ("xDrive") is optional on every model except the M235i convertible. An eight speed automatic transmission is standard, with a six speed manual offered as a no-cost option on RWD models only.
The 228i has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 240 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. In Edmunds testing, a RWD 228i with the automatic ran from zero to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds.
The M235i steps up to a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that pumps out 320 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. We hustled a rear-wheel-drive M235i automatic to 60 mph in a blistering 4.5 seconds (4.8 seconds for the convertible).
EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2 Series depends on which engine you choose and whether you prefer a coupe or convertible. On the rear-wheel-drive 228i coupe with the automatic transmission it is 28 mpg combined (23 city/36 highway) and 27 mpg combined (23/35) with all-wheel drive. The RWD 228i manual drops to 26 mpg combined (22/34). The convertible 228i gets an estimate of 27 mpg combined (23/34) with RWD and 26 mpg combined (22/33) with AWD.
Fuel economy estimates for the M235i automatic stand at 25 mpg combined (21 city/32 highway) with RWD, and 24 mpg combined (20 city/30 highway) with AWD. The RWD M235i manual drops to 22 mpg combined (19 city/28 highway).
All 2 Series models have an automatic stop-start function, which shuts off the engine when you're stopped to save fuel. Automatic-transmission cars also have a launch control feature.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2015 BMW 2 Series includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes (with brake-drying and fading-compensation features), traction and stability control, and hill-start assist for manual-transmission cars. Front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags and (on the coupe) full-length side curtain airbags are also standard.
Optional safety equipment includes front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a lane-departure warning system and a frontal collision mitigation system with automatic braking.
During Edmunds testing, a 228i M Sport came to a stop from 60 mph in 111 feet, a better than average performance. The M235i was even more impressive, performing the same task in only 106 feet (104 feet for the convertible).
The independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2 Series its top rating of "Good" in the small-overlap frontal offset, moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side impact and roof-strength tests.