BMW 2-series convertible revealed

BMW has revealed the new 2-series convertible. It will be officially unveiled at next month’s Paris motor show. The soft-topped convertible is the successor to the BMW 1-series convertible, which has sold more than 130,000 units around the world. The new convertible goes on sale in international markets later this month, with first deliveries expected in February 2015.

The 2-series convertible has the same footprint as the standard 2-series, and is bigger in every dimension than the 1-series; it is 72mm longer at 4432mm, 26mm wider at 1774mm and has a wheelbase that is 30mm longer at 2690mm. The front and rear tracks have been extended by 41mm and 43mm respectively.

BMW says the increase in size makes for easier entry and exit from the car for rear passengers, and greater luggage capacity. The volume of the latter has increased by 30 litres to 335 litres with the roof up; when the top is folded, the boot space is 280 litres. The boot is also 35mm wider at its widest point compared to its predecessor. The rear seat backrest can be folded using a lever in the luggage compartment.

Unlike the larger 4-series convertible, which has a retractable hard-top, the new 2-series has fabric roof. As well as saving weight, it is more practical on the smaller car, because the metal roof and its operating mechanism requires more width than the rag-top and accommodating it could compromise the design appeal of the car. The roof opens and closes in 20 seconds at the push of a switch on the centre console.

The 2-series convertible weighs about 150kg more than the equivalent coupé model due to the roof mechanism and the extra chassis reinforcement in the side panels. Torsional rigidity of the body is said to be approximately 20 per cent stiffer than the 1-series convertible.

Four engine variants will be offered internationally, all of which are more powerful yet on average 18 per cent more frugal than the units offered in the 1-series convertible.

The BMW M235i convertible is the halo model in the range. Powered by a 2979cc inline six-cylinder TwinPower turbo engine, the car produces 322bhp and 46kgm of torque. When equipped with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, the M235i convertible can sprint from a standstill to 100kph in 5.2sec, just 0.2sec slower than the coupe, and hit a top speed of 250kph.

Two other petrol variants are offered, both using the 1997cc inline TwinPower turbo four-cylinder in differing states of tune. The 220i convertible produces 181bhp and 27.5kgm. It can cover 0-100kph in 7.5sec and has a top speed of 230kph. The 228i convertible has 242bhp and 35.7kgm. Its 0-100kph time is 6.1sec and its top speed is 250kph.

The sole oil-burner in the range is the 220d, which is powered by a new four-cylinder turbodiesel that has also been installed in the BMW 2-series Active Tourer and latest Mini. The 1995cc unit develops maximum power of 187bhp and 41kgm of torque. This engine is mated to the six-speed manual gearbox and the car is equipped with standard-fit 16-inch wheels and tyres.

The standard-fit gearbox is a six-speed manual, while an eight-speed automatic with Steptronic is offered as an option. Equipped with a coasting function, the transmission provides better fuel economy across the range than the manual. Also available is a Steptronic sport transmission that offers even quicker gearshifts, a launch control function and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

BMW’s switchable driver mode system, Driving Experience Control, is standard on all variants. The 218i, 220i and 220d offers three driving modes – Comfort, Sport and fuel-efficient Eco Pro – whereas the M235i adds Sport+. Sport+ is also added to any model fitted with the Steptronic sport transmission, M Sport package, BMW Sport Line trim, Adaptive M Suspension or variable sport steering.

The cabin is very similar to that found in the 2-series coupé, albeit with some upgraded materials such as the high-gloss black surfaces on the centre console and the chrome accents surrounding the air vents.

Available for the first time on a BMW is free-of-charge wireless updating of navigation data via an in-built SIM card. The system – available on cars fitted with the optional Professional navigation system – updates itself several times a year whenever new map data becomes available, with no licence fees or data transfer charges for the car’s owner.

Three choices of roof colour are available, the standard one is black, but two optional colours, anthracite and brown, are both interwoven with a silver thread which generates a reflective appearance under lights.

The drop-top has a ‘convertible’ mode on the automatic climate control. When the roof is open, it takes account of the speed at which the car is travelling and adjusts the intensity of the cooling or heating effect to maintain its effectiveness. Another option specific to the convertible is a wind deflector that can be set up in the rear of the car.

The optional leather trim is treated with SunReflective technology, which uses special colour pigments to significantly reduce the degree to which the leather is heated by the sun’s rays. There is no news of BMW bringing the 2-series convertible to our shores as of now.

Closer home, BMW offers the 1-series hatchback in India; based on the same platform as the 2-series. There is also a 1-series sedan on its way, which will rival the likes of the Audi A3 and the upcoming Mercedes CLA.