2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible

BMW has revealed its 2 Series Convertible ahead of a public launch in February 2015.

It includes a door-stopping M235i version, complete with turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine, as well as more pedestrian diesel and petrol models that will make up the bulk of sales.

The 2 Series Convertible follows the same naming formula as the 3 and 4 Series, with 2 Series being the name for the coupe and drop-top versions of the 1 Series.

With its cloth top, the 2 Series Convertible keeps the same front and rear-end styling treatment, but has a neatly integrated rear deck.

Like the 4 Series Convertible, it takes 20 seconds to operate the powered roof, but it can be operated at speeds of up to 50km/h.

The roof itself can be had in standard black, anthracite with silver effect, or a typically Germanic brown, and it sits flush with the body when it’s open.

The new baby BMW convertible is 20 percent stiffer than the 1 Series drop-top that it replaces, and is also longer (by 72mm), wider (by 26mm) and has wider front and rear tracks.

The bootspace has been increased by a whopping 150 litres, so you may actually be able to fit a set of golf clubs in the 2 Series (no promises…), with a wider opening for luggage as well.

At the wheel, there’s typical comfort features such as the BMW Air Curtain, which blows hot air on the back of your neck, as well as safety kit including roll-over bars.

The 240kW M235i has a 0-100km/h claim of 5.0sec, a substantial 0.6sec faster than the previous 135i Convertible and a mere 0.2sec down on the hardtop version – not bad considering the convertible adds about 145kg over the coupe, with the entry-level 220i carrying 1510kg against the Coupe’s 1365kg.

Every 2-Series Convertible – bar the six-cylinder M235i – will be powered by a turbocharged four-pot, led by the 135kW 220i petrol engine and 140kW 220d oiler. Then there’s the 180kW 228i to bridge the gap to the 3.0-litre turbocharged six in the M235i flagship.

The standard transmission will be a six-speed manual, with an optional eight-speed auto also on offer.

Fuel economy for the eight-speed 220d is a claimed 4.1L/100km.

The BMW 2-Series Convertible lands in Australia in mid-2015 with prices expected to kick off at about $43,000.