BMW 2 Series Convertible - Interior & comfort (2015-2021)

Like the coupe, the BMW 2 Series convertible features a sporty, low-down seating position as well as plenty of adjustment for the steering wheel and seat. Build quality is solid and the well laid-out dashboard is excellent. Refinement is impressive, particularly compared to the old 1 Series convertible. This is largely down to a new roof design, which cuts cabin noise by 50% when it's raised. And even when the roof is down, keeping the windows and the optional wind deflector up makes things bearable.

BMW 2 Series Convertible dashboard

BMW has a long tradition of making driver-focused, cockpit-like dashboards, and there's no sign of that changing in the 2 Series convertible. The effect is enhanced by the sporty steering wheel you get in M Sport models, but you don't get the raised transmission tunnel found in the more expensive Porsche Boxster, which gives a more cocooned feel. Also, a lack of truly unique design touches means the BMW's dash still doesn't feel quite as special as what you get in an Audi A3 Cabriolet or Audi TT Roadster.

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On the plus side, the BMW iDrive infotainment controller remains one of the best in the business, with eight 'hot' buttons you can assign to various functions, such as sat nav, stereo and phone. The sat nav also receives free updates over the car's 4G mobile data connection. What's even better is that all models feature sat nav as standard, while the 2017 facelift has improved the tech further, bringing a wi-fi hotspot, digital dashboard dials and real-time traffic updates. 

Equipment

The 2 Series convertible range comprises SE, Sport, and M Sport trim levels, as well as the high-performance BMW M240i convertible version. Standard equipment on the entry-level SE includes 17-inch alloys, a 6.5-inch display screen, air-conditioning, sat-nav, a front armrest, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, DAB digital radio, a driving mode selector, LED headlights, rear parking sensors, a multifunction leather steering wheel and sports seats. You can also check where the car is located, how much fuel is in it and even flash its headlights or unlock it from afar, using a ‘remote services’ smartphone app.

Stepping up to Sport (which costs about £1,000 more than SE) gets you 18-inch alloy wheels and leather seats. M Sport brings a host of sporty extras including a different alloy-wheel design, an M Sport gearlever, suede-like Alcantara upholstery, an M Sport bodykit, an M Sport steering wheel, sportier suspension and a different design of dials.

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The flagship M240i gets dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, headlight washers, a rear spoiler, upgraded brakes, upgraded suspension, and auto-dimming rear-view mirror, slightly different steering response and bright xenon headlights.

Options

Many of the most attractive BMW 2 Series convertible options fall under the heading of technology. These include internet connectivity, real-time traffic information, enhanced Bluetooth with voice control, camera-based lane-departure and attention assistance to alert a potentially drowsy driver.

There's also a collision warning system that primes the brakes and alerts you if you're too close to the car in front. Rear parking sensors are standard, while front sensors can be added as part of the Driver Comfort package. A reversing camera is also offered.

On the M240i, you can add adaptive M Sport suspension for around £500, which gives you a wide range of options for how exactly you want to set things up to suit your driving style, the road you're driving on and the type of driving you're doing. We'd also recommend the heated sports seats if you intend driving in winter with the roof down.

In addition, BMW offers a range of practical dealer-fit accessories for the 2 Series convertible, including a suitcase sized to fit on the rear seat and a bike rack.