BMW reveals all-new 2 Series convertibles
BMW’s cheapest coupe lost its top Tuesday as the automaker unveiled the all-new 2 Series convertible.
Three versions of the 2015 drop-top will be available when the 2 Series convertible goes on sale early next year. The compact four-seater replaces the 1 Series convertible, which sold more than 130,000 copies worldwide.
The base model will be the rear-wheel-drive 228i. Starting at $38,850 -- $5,800 more than the coupe -- the car comes with BMW’s ubiquitous 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that makes 240 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque.
It moves the 228i convertible from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, BMW said. An eight-speed automatic transmission will be standard.
Next up is the 228i xDrive, essentially the same car with the added grip and peace of mind of all-wheel drive. Budget $40,650 for this model, which shaves 0.1 second off the rear-wheel-drive model’s zero-to-60 mph time.
Finally, BMW will offer the M235i convertible. Like its extra-spicy coupe counterpart, this model uses a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine that makes 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque.
With a six-speed manual transmission, the M235i convertible will do zero to 60 mph in five seconds. Choose the eight-speed automatic and that time drops to 4.8 seconds, BMW said. This convertible will start at $48,650.
Regardless of model, all 2 Series convertibles will have a multi-layer fabric roof that opens and closes in 20 seconds. The trunk is larger than the outgoing 1 Series convertible; with the small rear seats folded, the car can transport a pair of golf bags or snowboards, BMW said. Snowboards may sound weird in a convertible, but remember the optional AWD.
BMW is at the tail end of a naming change that saw its two-door coupes and convertibles switch to even numbers, while sedans and station wagons will be odd numbers. Thus, the larger 4 Series coupe is essentially the 3 Series sedan with two doors lopped off.
The 2 Series coupe and new convertible currently have no 1 Series sedan counterpart in the U.S.. However, BMW is expected to introduce a front-wheel-drive 1 Series sedan in the near future. This entry-level model would compete head to head with Audi’s new A3 sedan and Mercedes’ new CLA sedan.
The 2 Series convertible lineup will make its official world debut at the Paris Motor Show in early October. After that, the cars will cross the pond to make their North American debut at November’s L.A. Auto Show.
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