BMW Cabrio
Ultimate Motors
63 Church Street East
Telephone: 292-0893
Price: Starts at $70,000
Class: H
There is something pretty special about getting behind the wheel of a BMW.
To sit in a Cabrio convertible and experience the best in motoring performance as well as driver luxury is an exhilarating feeling.
Just being in a car like this is like fulfilling every guy’s boyhood dream.
The Cabrio oozes power and class.
It combines the bucket seats and speed you would normally associate with a racing machine with the luxury and sophistication of an Armani suit.
Every last button and switch of this BMW is a little piece of artistry.
The Cabrio settles in the class H category of car despite being just a two-door machine.
The front seats flip forward to reveal a cosy back seat area that is not overly blessed in space — but could fit two adults in at a pinch.
There are little corner windows in the back, which do not open.
But if you happen to take a peek out through them you will notice that most people take a moment to stop and stare at the Cabrio as it passes. It is certainly a head-turner, and even more eye-catching when the roof is down.
The front seats on the other hand are huge and comfortable — you almost get swallowed up in them as you manoeuvre yourself into the driving position.
They — like the rest of the interior — are a rich black leather that gives the car a lovely crisp feel.
The Cabrio is not cheap, and comes in at around $70,000 from Ultimate Motors in Hamilton.
These seats are also extendable to give you the optimum driving position.
Couple this with the front seat arm rests and you really feel like the captain of your ship. But that is only around $10,000 more expensive than the Mini family car — the Countryman — which makes it seem good value for money.
But quality and class is not cheap — and with a BMW you get plenty of each as well as the knowledge you are driving around in one of the safest cars on the road.
It, of course, comes with the Anti-Lock Braking System and power steering - and for a big car picks up pace quickly and handles the road quietly with the minimum fuss.
The only thing that did surprise me was how heavy it felt to drive around in.
The Cabrio does not labour within the confines of city centres or on windy roads — but it does feel a little bit like you are in control of a super yacht just skimming over the surface of the road.
It comes with an automatic gearbox that you barely realise exists as the gear changes are seamless and difficult to detect.
You also get the option of using the Step-tronic system to nudge your way up and down the gears — although there is not a great call for the system on the roads in Bermuda unless you just fancy a bit of fun.
It will be no surprise to many that the Cabrio is part of a new breed of car that has give up the traditional “put the key in the ignition and turn”.
The so-called key is more like an accessory that you have to use to get inside the vehicle in order for it to start.
The thrill of pressing down on a small round button and sparking into action a monster of an engine is not to be underestimated.
And while some gadgets and gizmos on new cars may seem a little naff or redundant the push-button start is safe and satisfying.
The Cabrio’s stereo system is a little bit like a home entertainment system.
The CD player is modern and the sound quality is excellent.
The air conditioning system is efficient and effective.
But let’s be honest you do not need an excuse to take the top down and you are probably going to perform that simple automated function given any excuse.
It is no myth that BMW make some of the safest cars and put their machines through all manner of motoring tests.
Safety
The Cabrio comes with front seat air bags and boasts a re-enforced structure that is practically impregnable.
There are also a few nifty little features, which may only be small but make the car what it is.
A little light comes on when you pull the vanity mirror down.
You have hands-free capability on the steering wheel as well as a battery charger socket for your phone.
All the little things combine to make the Cabrio the ideal package for the successful businessman or woman.
It is genuinely a lovely car to drive and sports a range of fancy and functional features which are both useful and pleasing.
Jesse Graham, manager of Ultimate Motors said: “It not only looks classy and drives with that smooth power and control you expect from a BMW, but there’s a lot of technological innovation you don’t see.
“BMW’s Efficient-Dynamics system, for example, uses low-friction components, better aerodynamics and battery energy regeneration to cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while at the same time improving the dynamic performance you want from a sports car.”