Take in the scenery and go for a drive. No arrival time to chase and no rush to leave - leave, for those unfamiliar with it, is an Alentejo expression meaning “to go away”. That is the invitation offered by the BMW 218i every time you get behind the wheel.
Whether the roof is folded away or shielding us from the outside world, every aspect of the BMW 218i encourages a leisurely drive. I experienced rainy days and sunny ones, yet this Bavarian model was invariably pleasant company. Sadly, my everyday routes did not include breathtaking views or roads beside the sea…
Is the BMW 218i Cabrio suitable for everyday use?
Most convertible models are aimed at drivers looking for a second car. However, advances in roof design mean they are no longer restricted to weekends of dolce far niente - no, that is not an Alentejo expression.
Nowadays, you can buy a convertible and use it without any real restrictions. Make the most of it…
Unless your weekend plans involve leaving it parked in a narrow lane in Lisbon’s Bairro Alto district (you are on your own there…).
The BMW 218i Cabrio is a fine example of that versatility. With the roof up, its sound insulation and dynamic behaviour provide very few clues that you are driving this type of car. It is comfortable, thanks both to the capable chassis and the suspension set-up.
Forget sporting performance
Powering the BMW 218i Cabrio is a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 136 hp - the same unit found, for instance, elsewhere in the MINI range.
It is not a sprinter. Its 207 km/h top speed and 9.4-second 0–100 km/h time prove that.
Yet sprinting is not the point of this version either - those sensations are reserved for the BMW M240i Cabrio. Rather than offering breathtaking performance, the BMW 218i delivers a smooth engine that responds well throughout the rev range and is enjoyable to use.
As for fuel consumption, expect figures of around 7.5 litres/100 km in mixed driving. Bear in mind, however, that if you decide to extract every last drop from the engine’s 136 hp, the fuel bill will rise by more than the performance on offer…
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A relaxed open-top drive
My advice, then, is this: lower the roof and forget about rushing to your destination. Although the suspension reads the road well and provides a good level of dynamic balance, its clear priority is comfort.
During the days I had the chance to drive the BMW 218i Cabrio, that is precisely what I did: I stopped hurrying. Some days I arrived later, while on others I left the office earlier. No regrets!
Sometimes it is good to have a convertible “at hand”, even if only to enjoy life’s small pleasures between work and the journey home.
Those pleasures can occasionally be as simple as feeling the wind on your face. Although, in the case of this particular car, feeling that wind costs almost €50,000. And yes, I know… I really do need a holiday!
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