The 1 Series coupe saw huge success in its life time, something that BMW aims to continue with the new 2 Series. Up until last week, the 2 Series was only offered as a hard-top coupe, now though BMW has introduced the all-new 2 Series convertible and I went down to the Western Cape to give it a go.
Firstly I would just like to acknowledge the brave men and woman that spent weeks fighting the horrific fires that were in the area not so long ago. Our driving route took us though fire damaged areas and seeing it up close really puts into perspective how terrible they actually were.
Back to the 2 Series
The 2 Series convertible has retained the brands typical proportions with a low-slung silhouette, a long bonnet, doors with frameless windows and an iconic fabric roof which is fully automatic and can be raised or lowered while on the move. BMW claims that the roof can operate up to speeds of about 50kph. It also takes just 20 seconds to take it off which is pretty quick in guy terms. I honestly think that this is one of the prettiest BMWs available today. I am drawn to the cars smooth styling and the front end, no matter if it has an optional M-performance body kit or not is really attractive.
What’s it like behind the wheel?
It’s a BMW, so it’s rather good. The ultra-sporty driving characteristics of the BMW 2 Series convertible have been generated by a hand-picked selection of engines and chassis technologies which are tuned to make the perfect pairing. BMW will only be offering three derivatives, namely the 220i, 228i and the sporty M-performance tuned M235i. I spent the day in the latter model. It has a 6-cylinder twin power turbo engine which is good for 240kW and 450Nm of torque. One of the best things about the convertible model is – apart from a million miles of hear room – that you can hear this glorious engine. When changing gears via the 8-speed automatic gearbox it gives a sound that I’m sure is very similar to that made by a baboon when you unexpectedly punch it in the face.
On the magnificent mountain passes along our route I was able to exploit its BMW handling characteristics. I will admit that from my experience the 2 Series coupe does feel slightly better but that’s just down to structural rigidity offered by the hard top roof. As for cruising along the coast line with the roof down in a great little car, it’s tough to beat this BMW.
That can’t be the end?
Actually, it’s not the end. BMW had two other vehicles at the launch for us to sample. Enter the 2015 BMW X5M and BMW X6M. These mammoth beasts feature the latest in BMW M technology and offer outstanding performance as well as rather nimble handling considering the size of them.
Tell me more about the power
Both vehicles feature BMWs tried and tested 4.4-litre twice blown turbocharged V8 which produces –wait for it – 423kW and 750Nm of torque. This translates to both of these cars hitting 100kph from a stand still in around 4.2 seconds, bear in mind that they weigh close on two tonnes. Power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission.
Is it a handful on the road?
No, not really. Being M models there a number of features offered to set the car up just how you would prefer. There are different settings for the transmission, steering as well as suspension. The gearbox also has a setting which allows you to select how ferocious you want it to change gears. Now, if the M235i made the same sound when punching a baboon in the face when changing gears then these cars can be compared to the sound made when you punch a silver back gorilla in the face. Just note that the car will also react in the same way as the gorilla so you better hold on.
That said though I found the X5M which I drove to be quite composed and manageable through the corners. This is probably down to the fact that both cars have an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch which allows for fully variable distribution of drive between the front and rear axles – from 100 per cent at the rear to up to 100 per cent at the front. The result is a whole new bracket of dynamic flair, agility and traction.
The X5M and X6M really engage the driver as is expected by an M division BMW. They sound amazing and are just so fast, I mean they are really fast. I never really understood this car until I drove it. I always preferred the idea of getting either a standard X5 30d or an M5. I guess these cars offer those lucky few amongst us the perfect combination of both.
Pricing:
X5M- R1 643 000
X6M- R 1 676 500
2 Series Convertible:
220i Manual – R486 500 / 220i 8 speed Auto – R504 500 / 220i 8 speed sport auto –R506 600
228i Manual – R525 000 / 228i 8 speed Auto – R543 000 / 228i 8 speed sport auto – R545 100
M235i Manual – R643 500 / M235i 8 speed sport auto – R663 600
