Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

BMW 2 Series Convertible (2015-2021)

"The BMW 2 Series convertible is a compelling package, offering top-down thrills, superb handling, an excellent range of engines and very attractive styling"

Carbuyer Rating

3.4 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.7 out of 5

Read owner reviews

Pros

  • Typically solid BMW build quality
  • Smart and stylish looks
  • Brilliant to drive

Cons

  • Small rear seats
  • Boot is awkwardly shaped
  • Interior design is overly fussy

If you're a driving enthusiast who likes top-down motoring, the BMW 2 Series convertible should be at the very top of your shortlist. Fitting in with BMW's new naming scheme that sees saloon and estate models referred to by odd numbers, while coupes and cabriolets get even numbers, it replaces the BMW 1 Series convertible. One area of major improvement is styling – the 1 Series looked a bit ungainly from some angles, but the 2 Series convertible is a beautifully proportioned car that should attract admiring glances wherever it goes.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Buyers have a choice of three petrol engines and one diesel. The cheapest in the range is the BMW 218i petrol, but we think it's worth paying more for the BMW 220d diesel, which is both more responsive in everyday driving and more fuel-efficient, returning up to 55.4mpg. The BMW 230i petrol is a bit of a halfway house – faster than the BMW 220i but lacking the truly sporty nature of the hot BMW M240i – so it's a hard one to recommend.

We love how the 2 Series convertible looks from the outside, with the smart front and rear lights being particular highlights when compared to the same items on the old 1 Series. And while the Audi A3 Cabriolet's interior may be slightly sleeker, a 2017 facelift has upped the tech count on offer in the 2 Series, and also sharpened the looks on the outside by way of a new radiator grille and standard LED headlights.

Most convertible buyers will be aware they have to sacrifice a bit of practicality compared to other cars – and that doesn't change with the 2 Series convertible. The boot will hold 335 litres of luggage with the roof up or 280 litres when it's lowered, but it's also awkwardly shaped, so making full use of that capacity is tricky. Also, the rear seats are pretty cramped for adult passengers.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Hot car deal: stylish Peugeot 2008 small SUV for £120 a month
Peugeot 2008 front quarter
Deals
12 Mar 2024

Hot car deal: stylish Peugeot 2008 small SUV for £120 a month

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
15 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Skoda Superb Estate review – a near-faultless, practical family car
Skoda Superb Estate Carbuyer drive
In-depth reviews
15 Mar 2024

Skoda Superb Estate review – a near-faultless, practical family car

More on 2 Series convertible

Top 3 used summer cars for £15,000
Top 3 summer cars for £15,000 header
Tips and advice
8 Apr 2022

Top 3 used summer cars for £15,000

Dear Carbuyer, I want a fun convertible for the summer months. What is out there for £15,000?
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe teased
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe teaser
News
21 Mar 2019

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe teased

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe confirmed for UK ahead of Los Angeles Motor Show debut
BMW updates model ranges for 2017
News
16 May 2016

BMW updates model ranges for 2017

BMW has announced raft of upgrades across its range, including new M140i and 7 Series plug-in
Skip advert
Advertisement
Free sat nav for all new BMW models
News
3 Sep 2015

Free sat nav for all new BMW models

The desirable equipment is now standard across the range

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
19 Dec 2023

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
12 Apr 2023

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
The best electric cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024