2015 BMW 228i Convertible is the purest driver’s car in the stable

We were bummed this week when we got the new 2015 BMW 228i Convertible to test drive for the week. We were super excited to get the new 2 Series drop top, but bummed the weather in Denver was forecast to be rainy all week! We did get rain every day. This never happens in the Mile High City, but it did this week. Yuck!

BMW introduced the all-new 2 Series compact sport coupe last year as the spiritual successor to the entry level 1 Series. This week we’ll see if it measures up to all the hype its been getting.

What’s new for 2015?

A new convertible variant joins the BMW 2 Series lineup for 2015. Also new for 2015 is the availability of all-wheel drive, but not on the M235i drop top. There's also a new Track Handling package for the 228i, which was called Dynamic Handling package on last year’s model.

Features and options

2015 BMW 228i Convertible ($37,900) comes with 8-way manually adjustable front seats, pushbutton start, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with multifunction controls, BMW iDrive interface with 6.5-inch color display, Bluetooth, HD radio and satellite radio capability, 60/40-split folding rear seats, automatic stop/start, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels on all-season run-flat tires. The convertible features a power-folding soft top.

This tester came loaded with options starting with the Sport Line package ($2,050) that adds 18-inch gray alloy wheels, sport seats, black door mirror caps and aluminum trim with black accents. The Cold weather Package ($700) with heated steering wheel and seats and retractible headlight washers, Driver Assistance Plus ($700), Xenon Headlights ($900).

Other options included the Premium Package ($3,400) which adds keyless entry, ambiance lighting, universal garage door opener, one-year satellite radio subscription, auto-dimming rearview and power seats. The Technology Package ($2,150) includes navigation, real-time traffic, BMW Online and apps, Bluetooth audio streaming. Lastly the Track Handling Package ($1,600), which adds variable sport steering, sport brakes and the adaptable suspension found on BMW’s M performance vehicles. Total MSRP including destination $53,825.

Interior features

In the cabin, BMW 228i has an attractive design with driver focused controls. This tester came with sports seats with more aggressive side bolstering on the seatbacks and cushions that keep us firmly in place during our spirited driving this week. We particularly liked the leather interior in bold Coral Red with the aluminum trim with black accents.

Convertibles get about a half-inch more headroom with the top in place, but legroom is reduced by more than an inch, making the drop-top best for two. With the top down, headroom is unlimited. The new 2 Series convertible comes with a fabric roof that powers up or down in 20 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph. Unfortunately, we never got to try it this week because of the rain. In the back, BMW says there is seating for four, but the 2 Series is a compact car and adults won’t fit unless they are small themselves. The backseat works good for storage or for small children.

Engine and fuel mileage specs

The BMW 228i Convertible is powered by a 2.0-liter TwinPower turbocharged inline-4 cylinder engine with direct injection that produces 240 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. It came mated to a sweet 8-speed Sport automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters. EPA fuel mileage estimates are 23/34 mpg city/highway and 27 mpg combined.

Driving dynamics

Even with all the rain this week, it didn’t stop us from giving the new 228i Convertible a thorough test on the wet roads. The Track Handling Package, with sport steering, sport brakes, Adaptive M suspension, and sticky Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer performance tires, makes a significant difference in the car’s handling. We were able to push the compact 2 Series hard in the tight mountain corners and it handled like a true sports car. The performance oriented rear-drive platform is ideal for this car and BMW should be commended when other manufacturers are using less expensive and less dynamic front-wheel-drive configurations.

The BMW 2 Series is one of the new luxury cars that has been chosen by KBB for the new 10 Best Luxury Cars under $35,000. The 2 Series offers sporty performance making the new car a real head tuner. Here’s what KBB had to say about the 2 Series, “In a clear case of having your cake and eating it, too, the most affordable BMW is also among the most...read more.

We found the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is a perfect match for the Convertible. When pushed hard, the BMW 228i’s 240 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque offers all the power needed for a driving enthusiast. It has relentless power from low rpms all the way up to the top end. It’s dynamic driving characteristics leaves the drive with a feeling confidence in all situations. When attacking the curves, the 2 Series convertible responded with minimal body lean, precise steering and balanced driving dynamics. On the fun to drive meter, we would rate the new 228i Convertible a 9 out of 10.

Conclusion:

The new BMW 2 Series 228i Convertible offers a beautiful design, great proportions and unsurpassed performance in the sub-compact luxury category. The 228i’s 2.0-liter turbo engine has all the power needed for an everyday driver, and when ordered with the Track Handling Package, it takes the driving dynamics of the 228i to another level and it’s a must have for driving enthusiasts.