2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible: First Look

Competes with: Volvo C70, Audi A3 Cabriolet, Mercedes SLK-Class

Looks like: A 2 Series coupe without a roof

Drivetrain: 240-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (228i, 228i xDrive); 320-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder (M235i); rear-wheel drive on 228i and 235i, all-wheel drive on 228i xDrive; eight-speed automatic transmission (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i) or six-speed manual transmission (M235i only)

Hits dealerships: Early 2015

Pricing: 228i, $38,850; 228i xDrive, $40,650; M235i, $48,650 (includes destination)

BMW went a year without a convertible version of its subcompact model, but the automaker has rebirthed its outgoing 1 Series convertible for 2015 as the all-new 2015 BMW 2 Series convertible. The 2 Series convertible range — based on the new-for-2014 2 Series coupe — includes the rear-wheel-drive 228i as well as an all-wheel-drive 228i xDrive, a somewhat ironic — or perhaps perfect — pairing of fair- and foul-weather features.

Related: 2014 BMW M235i Expert Review

Performance enthusiasts in sun-rich regions will welcome the M235i in drop-top format with its 320-horsepower, turbocharged six-cylinder and performance-tuned underpinnings. The 2 Series convertible debuts at the Paris Motor Show in early October, and the U.S. will get its first look at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show in November before the convertible goes on sale in early 2015.

Exterior

As the star of the new body style, the convertible’s power-operated soft-top opens in 20 seconds and closes in the same amount of time at speeds up to 30 mph; an optional Comfort Access Package allows the top to be operated remotely. The standard black soft-top is available in two optional colors of Anthracite and brown with fine shiny fibers giving a metallic effect. BMW says the material has a shimmering metallic surface and reflects in the sunlight. Additional soundproofing measures have been employed to the soft-top; BMW attributes this to a reduction in interior noise for front and rear passengers compared to the outgoing 1 Series convertible.

Like BMW’s other models, the 2 Series convertible is available in various lines of styling and features, including the 228i’s Sport Line with 18-inch wheels (17-inchers are standard), sport suspension (except all-wheel drive) and an M Sport aerodynamic body kit. An M Sport line drops the suspension 10 millimeters (rear-wheel drive only), has lightweight M Sport wheels and large front air intakes plus unique M Sport side skirts and a rear diffuser, unique grilles and high-gloss chrome exhaust tips.

Interior

The 2 Series is a larger car than the 1 Series, and BMW says there’s more room inside this convertible verses the 1 Series. Passengers climbing into the rear seats have an additional 0.4 inches of access room and the front seats’ standard Easy Entry function aims to make getting into the backseat easier.

Trunk space doesn’t have official Society of Automotive Engineers’ measurements at the time of writing, though BMW notes trunk capacity has increased 9 percent with the roof closed over the 1 Series and 7 percent with the top folded. The trunk opening itself is 1.4 inches wider, and the pass-through from the trunk to the passenger compartment is larger than the 1 Series convertible.

BMW is debuting its new over-the-air updates for navigation data on the 2 Series with navigation system. Using LTE wireless connectivity, the 2 Series navigation system will update maps automatically and regularly to keep directions and road information current. When an update happens, it’s also behind the scenes as drivers can still use the system even in the middle of an update. BMW says the service is offered free of charge for the first three years of ownership.

The wireless connectivity with LTE also opens up the use of in-car apps when paired with a smartphone and the optional Technology Package with internet radio and social media services, including Facebook and Twitter.

Under the Hood

Familiar power plants are at the heart of the 2 Series convertible lineup: the 240-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the 228i and 228i xDrive and 320-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder in the M235i, also used in the 2 Series coupe. Zero to 60 mph for the 228i comes in 5.7 seconds with rear-wheel drive and the standard eight-speed automatic transmission, while the all-wheel drive 228i xDrive does the deed in 5.6 seconds. All-wheel drive models can vary the torque all the way to the rear or up front to balance under- and oversteer, but in its default setting, it’s split 70 percent to the rear and 30 percent to the front.

The 228i convertible is available with the aforementioned M Sport and Sport Line appearance and suspension goodies as well as the Track Handling Package that offers an adaptive M suspension, high-performance Michelin tires on unique 18-inch wheels, variable sport steering and M Sport brakes.

Step up to the M235i and zero to 60 mph comes in a scant 4.8 seconds with its standard eight-speed automatic, and 5 seconds with the available six-speed manual transmission.

Safety

Standard safety features include BMW’s Assist eCall with automatic collision notification, as well as a standard rain sensor with automatic headlights. Available xenon headlights include adaptive cornering light and an optional high-beam assist. An available Driver Assistance Package lumps together lane departure and forward collision warning; collision warning will provide audible and visual warnings of an impact and prime the brakes before a collision.

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