BMW 2 Series Convertible revealed

Almost eleven months after its 2 Series Coupé was launched, BMW has finally unveiled the closely-related 2 Series Convertible.

As expected, the new arrival is both slightly larger and arguably less elegant than the 1 Series Convertible which it replaces.

2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible. Scroll down for more images.

Nevertheless, increases in overall length and width of 72 mm (2.8”) and 26 mm (1.0”) respectively do mean more cabin space and an extra 30 litres of boot capacity. The body also manages to be lighter compared to its predecessor, yet torsional rigidity is 20 percent higher.

BMW has elected to retain a fabric roof rather than switch to a more cumbersome folding metal item. Electrically powered, it can be operated at speeds up to around 30 mph (50 km/h) and noise insulation is reckoned to be better.

In the UK four engines are being offered. All turbocharged, they can be mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic transmission.

2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible - Technical Specs
220i	Manual	Automatic
Engine	2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol
Power	181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS)
Torque	270 Nm (199 lb/ft)
0-62mph (100 km/h)	7.5 secs	7.6 secs
Top speed	143 mph (231 km/h)	140 mph (226 km/h)
Combined cycle	41.5 mpg (6.8 l/100km)	44.1 mpg (6.4 l/100km)
CO2 emissions	159 g/km	149 g/km
220d	Manual	Automatic
Engine	2.0 litre four-cylinder diesel
Power	187 bhp (140 kW / 190 PS)
Torque	400 Nm (295 lb/ft)
0-62mph (100 km/h)	7.5 secs	7.4 secs
Top speed	140 mph (225 km/h)	140 mph (225 km/h)
Combined cycle	60.1 mpg (4.7 l/100km)	64.2 mpg (4.4 l/100km)
CO2 emissions	124 g/km	116 g/km
228i	Manual	Automatic
Engine	2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol
Power	241 bhp (180 kW / 245 PS)
Torque	350 Nm (258 lb/ft)
0-62mph (100 km/h)	6.1 secs	6.0 secs
Top speed	155 mph (250 km/h)*	155 mph (250 km/h)*
Combined cycle	41.5 mpg (6.8 l/100km)	42.8 mpg (6.6 l/100km)
CO2 emissions	159 g/km	154 g/km
M235i	Manual	Automatic
Engine	3.0 litre six-cylinder petrol
Power	321 bhp (240 kW / 326 PS)
Torque	450 Nm (332 lb/ft)
0-62mph (100 km/h)	5.2 secs	5.0 secs
Top speed	155 mph (250 km/h)*	155 mph (250 km/h)*
Combined cycle	33.2 mpg (8.5 l/100km)	35.8 mpg (7.9 l/100km)
CO2 emissions	199 g/km	184 g/km
* Electronically limited.

Pending the later introduction of SE versions, buyers of the 220i and 220d will initially be restricted to a choice of Sport, Luxury and M Sport trim grades. The 228i is going to be available in M Sport guise only, while the M235i is a standalone model.

Sales of the 2 Series Convertible are due to begin in February 2015. On-the-road prices start at £29,180 for the 220i Sport, rising to £37,710 for the range-topping M235i.

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BMW 2 Series Coupé unveiled