2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible unveiled – 4 engines available

BMW has yanked the wraps off their latest convertible, which starts out at just a tick over $38K; over here in the US, we probably will not be getting the diesel, but it seems that a manual transmission is standard equipment for these cars, which will come in the existing 2 series variants: the 220i, 228i, and M235i, each cranking out 184, 245, and 326 horsepower, respectively. Both the 228i and the M235i top out at 155 mph per German green party rules and the latter car should have no trouble getting to 60 mph in five seconds flat when equipped with the 8-speed automatic.

Representing some of the few cars in BMW’s lineup that are in keeping with their heritage, this will likely be the last entry-level rear wheel drive 4-seat convertible with a manual transmission that we will be seeing from the Bavarians for the foreseeable future. The next-generation 1 series has been designated as a front wheel drive car.

BMW touts this car as being the only car in the segment with rear wheel drive, which they say “ensures outstanding dynamics.” The company also desperately wants the consumers to think of this car as an updated version of the 2002, which along with the Isetta, was the salvo of the less-than-profitable company in the late 1960s. Given where the next model is headed, this could be a pretty sought-after car 25 years down the road. If you’re looking to scoop one up, you will have to wait until February of 2015. For more information, check out the press release after the jump.

-By: Sawyer Sutton

Extension of the new BMW 2 Series range; maximum dynamics in the premium compact segment now also available in Convertible form; the BMW 2 Series Convertible is the successor to the world’s most popular open-top premium model in this vehicle class (more than 130,000 units sold); systematic development of hallmark strengths of the BMW 1 Series Convertible in terms of driving dynamics, efficiency, agility, athletic elegance, emotion, comfort, functionality and intelligent networking; open-top driving experience of unmatched intensity thanks to typical BMW seat position and wide-opening top; rear-wheel drive – unique in the segment – ensures outstanding dynamics; market launch from February 2015 including BMW M Performance Automobile BMW M235i Convertible.

Independent exterior design, developed in parallel with BMW 2 Series Coupe, sporting hallmark BMW Convertible features and clear visual differentiation from the compact models of the BMW 1 Series; elegantly stretched lines; flat silhouette with pronounced swage line; powerfully sculpted rear wheel arches pointing up rear-wheel-drive configuration; targeted personalisation through model variants Advantage, Luxury Line, Sport Line and M Sport, each with specific exterior and interior design as well as equipment features.

Typical BMW proportions with short overhangs, long bonnet, set-back passenger cell, broad wheelbase and wide track; significantly enhanced dimensions compared with its forerunner model, the BMW 1 Series Convertible; length increased by 72 millimetres to 4,432 millimetres, width by 26 millimetres to 1,774 millimetres, wheelbase by 30 to 2,690 millimetres, front track by 41 to 1,521 millimetres and rear track by 43 to 1,556 millimetres; extended interior specification including e.g. optimised entry and exit comfort for rear passengers; luggage compartment volume increased by 30 litres to 335 litres with the top closed or by 20 litres to 280 litres with the top open, as well as a 35‑millimetre-wider rear hatch compared to the predecessor model; rear seat backrest can be folded using a lever in the luggage compartment; through-loading aperture width increased by 150 millimetres to 450 millimetres and height of 246 (+28) millimetres.

Newly developed, electrically powered fabric top with additional insulation and optimised acoustic comfort; opens and closes in 20 seconds at the push of a button, even while driving at speeds of up to 50 km/h (30 mph) if required; choice of three roof colours: Black (standard), Anthracite with silver effect and Brown with silver effect (optional).

Interior with signature BMW Convertible “boat deck” look thanks to harmoniously flowing shoulderline and soft-top compartment, along with rollover bar concealed behind rear head restraints when stationary; driver-focused cockpit; high-quality materials and finish with model-specific accents: centre console with high-gloss black surfaces around radio and climate controls, chrome surrounds for air vents and exclusively designed climate control display with white readouts on a black background.

BMW 2 Series Convertible (average fuel consumption: 8.5–4.4 l/100 km [33.2–64.2 mph]; average CO2 emissions: 199–116 g/km) with supreme dynamics and maximum efficiency for its segment; four-cylinder petrol engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology in the BMW 228i Convertible (180 kW/245 hp) and BMW 220i Convertible (135 kW/184 hp); four-cylinder diesel from the new BMW Group engine family with TwinPower Turbo technology and 140 kW/190 hp for the BMW 220d Convertible; eight-speed Steptronic transmission as an option; BMW M235i Convertible as a new benchmark for agility, precision and emotionality in the segment; 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology and 240 kW/326 hp, M‑specific tuning for chassis components, aerodynamically optimised body features, individual cockpit design and eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission as an option.

Extensive BMW EfficientDynamics technology as standard: Air Curtains as well as Auto Start Stop function in conjunction with both manual and automatic gearbox; ECO PRO mode activated via standard-fitted Driving Experience Control switch, including coasting function in conjunction with automatic transmission and including Proactive Driving Assistant if Navigation system Professional is specified.

Outstanding agility and impressive ride comfort thanks to rear-wheel drive, longitudinally mounted engines, balanced axle load distribution and sophisticated chassis technology; double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle with model-specific tuning; Electric Power Steering and high-performance brake system as standard; variable sport steering, M Sport brakes and Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers optional; all models come as standard with the DSC stability control system including DTC and electronic locking function for the rear axle differential; M Performance mechanical limited-slip differential available for BMW M235i Convertible from the Original BMW Accessories range.

Torsional rigidity of the body increased by around 20 percent compared with predecessor model; best aerodynamic properties among the competition; optimised weight thanks to intelligent lightweight design; body structure with precisely defined load paths and generous deformation zones, based on the BMW 1 Series that was awarded a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating; extensive occupant protection through safety equipment including front and side/head airbags as well as integrated rollover protection system; pedestrian protection optimised by active bonnet and defined deformation zones at the front of the car.

High-quality standard equipment includes electrically powered and acoustically insulated roof, BMW Professional radio including iDrive operating system with Control Display in flatscreen design, automatic climate control with convertible mode; optional leather trim with SunReflective technology to reduce surface heating in direct sunshine; optional latest-generation Navigation system Professional including Touch Controller; first BMW model with the option of over-the-air navigation updates via the vehicle’s built-in SIM card.

Significantly extended range of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive: anti-dazzle High Beam Assistant, Adaptive Headlights, Parking Assistant, rear view camera, Driving Assistant, Speed Limit Info with No Passing Info display, cruise control system with braking function, extended integration of smartphones and music players, Real Time Traffic Information, Online Entertainment, extended functionality provided by apps for internet-based services such as Facebook and Twitter.

Model variants:

BMW M235i Convertible: Six-cylinder in-line petrol engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology (twin-scroll turbochargers, High Precision Direct Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing, Double-Vanos). 
Capacity: 2,979 cc, output: 240 kW/326 hp at 5,800 – 6,000 rpm, max. torque: 450 Nm / 332 lb-ft at 1,300 – 4,500 rpm.
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 5.2 seconds (automatic: 5.0 seconds),
top speed: 250 km/h / 155 mph. 
Average fuel consumption: 8.5 (7.9) litres per 100 kilometres / 33.2 (35.8) mpg imp, 
CO2 emissions: 199 g/km (184 g/km), exhaust standard: EU6.

BMW 228i Convertible: Four-cylinder in-line petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (twin-scroll turbochargers, High Precision Direct Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing, Double-Vanos. 
Capacity: 1,997 cc, output: 180 kW/245 hp at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm, 
max. torque: 350 Nm / 258 lb-ft at 1,250 – 4,800 rpm.
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 6.1 seconds (automatic: 6.0 seconds),
top speed: 250 km/h / 155 mph. 
Average fuel consumption: 6.8 (6.6) litres per 100 kilometres / 41.5 (42.8) mpg imp,
CO2 emissions: 159 g/km (154 g/km), exhaust standard: EU6.

BMW 220i Convertible: Four-cylinder in-line petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (twin-scroll turbochargers, High Precision Direct Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing, Double-Vanos. 
Capacity: 1,997 cc, output: 135 kW/184 hp at 5,000 – 6,250 rpm, 
max. torque: 270 Nm / 199 lb-ft at 1,250 – 4,500 rpm.
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 7.5 seconds (automatic: 7.6 seconds), 
top speed: 231 km/h / 143 mph (226 km/h / 140 mph).
Average fuel consumption*: 6.8 – 6.5 (6.4 – 6.2) litres per 100 kilometres / 41.5 – 43.5 (44.1–45.6 ) mpg imp,
CO2 emissions*: 159 – 152 g/km (149 – 144 g/km), exhaust standard: EU6.

BMW 220d Convertible: Four-cylinder in-line diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (turbochargers with variable inlet geometry, common rail direct injection with solenoid valve injectors, max. injection pressure: 2,000 bar).
Capacity: 1,995 cc, output: 140 kW/190 hp at 4,000 rpm, 
max. torque: 400 Nm / 199 lb-ft at 1,750 – 2,500 rpm.
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 7.5 seconds (automatic: 7.4 seconds),
top speed: 225 km/h / 140 mph (225 km/h / 140 mph).
Average fuel consumption*: 4.7 – 4.4 (4.4 – 4.1) litres per 100 kilometres / 60.1– 64.2 (64.2–68.9 ) mpg imp,
CO2 emissions*: 124–116 g/km (116 – 108 g/km), exhaust standard: EU6.

Sawyer Sutton

Sawyer Sutton is a long-time Vermonter and lover of cars, big machinery, and photography. These are his words on cars as Senior Editor of egmCarTech.

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