Test Drive: 2011 BMW 135i Cabriolet

Design

The look of the 135i is rather like a scaled down, shrunken M3. The stubby nose and short back end are reminiscent of the sportier M3’s design lines. Stubby and compact, everything about the BMW 135i is small, but that doesn’t mean it’s inadequate or lacking in any way -- far from it.

From the outside, the BMW 135i’s droopy front lights and signature taillights are BMW through and through. A subtle wave in the siding reflects light and gives the 135i the sense that it’s pulsing with life as the light and scenery reflect off the side panels.

Now, our particular 135i was sporting a black cloth-top retractable roof. Normally, I would say that a soft-top convertible roof completely destroys the look of a decent and well-designed vehicle, however, on the BMW 135i Cabriolet, I think the cloth roof and contrasting black on the pearl-white paint only enhances the cars already fantastic good looks. Add to that the sharp red leather interior and this car is dressed to the nines and ready to take on the town.

Drive

The BMW 135i Cabriolet is as close to a MINI Cooper as you’ll get without driving a MINI Cooper. Small and nimble, the 135i handles like a dream -- with the top up. Take the top off and the corners get a bit trickier and the handling dwindles a bit, but not much. For a cabriolet, the 135i is stable and performs well.

Equipped with a dual-clutch system (nowhere near as good as Porsche’s PDK though), the 7-speed auto transmission performs beautifully in any and all situations. Coupled with the TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline 6 cylinder engine hiding under the stubby hood, and the 135i will get you from 0-60 in just 5.5 seconds. Power off the line is smooth and spot on, and the exhaust note from the rear is just the icing on the pearl-white BMW 135i Cabriolet cupcake.