2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible revealed

Drop-top BMW 2 Series and M235i performance variants break cover. 

The new 2 Series Convertible will join its hard-top sibling and the family-oriented 2 Series Active Tourer when it goes on sale locally next year.

The 2 Series Convertible is more closely related to its coupe brother than the front drive 2 Series Active Tourer. With an identical wheelbase, the convertible sticks with the classic rear-wheel drive and longitudinal engine formula.

From the door mirrors down the styling also closely follows the 2 Series coupe, but the removal of the fixed metal roof looks to have given the new model proportions that are reminiscent of the handsome E46 3 Series convertible from two generations ago.
 
Unlike the folding hardtop 4 Series Convertible, the 2 Series Convertible features an electrically operated fabric roof which can be opened and closed in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h. As standard the roof is coloured black, while Anthracite and Brown are available as options.
 
The 2 Series Convertible is effectively the replacement for the outgoing 1 Series drop-top. The new model is slightly longer and wider than its predecessor, while torsional rigidity has increased by 20 per cent.
 
BMW claim the increased exterior dimensions have resulted in a more spacious cabin and 30-litres of additional cargo space at 355-litres.  That figure shrinks to a still substantial 280-litres with the roof open.
 
Globally, the 2 Series Convertible will launch with four different engine options, with six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions available.
 
The range kicks off with the entry 220i, which is powered by a 135kW/270Nm four-cylinder engine capable of completing the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds. Fuel consumption is listed as 6.2L/100km when the eight-speed automatic transmission is optioned.
 
The 220d adopts BMW’s familiar 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit, producing 140kW and 400Nm - 5kW and 20Nm of extra punch over its 220d Coupe equivalent.  The diesel convertible can achieve 4.1L/100km in automatic guise, with a 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.4 seconds.
 
The mid-range 228i Convertible uses a 180kW/380Nm four-cylinder engine with enough gusto to hit 100km/h in 6.0 seconds, while capable of returning 6.1L/100km. 
 
The range-topping M235i Convertible is powered by BMW’s mighty 3.0-litre single turbo straight six engine which pumps out 240kW and 450Nm. That’s enough grunt to push the 1675kg convertible to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds – three tenths slower than the M235i coupe.
 
Like the M235i Coupe, the convertible adopts a unique chassis tune, bigger brakes, and revised aerodynamic and styling features.
 
BMW claim the new M235i Convertible will have class-leading dynamics, but with an extra 130kg over the coupe, the hardtop M235i will likely remain the better driver’s tool.