Just as summer is winding down, BMW is dropping the top on its pint-sized 2 Series.
Making its official debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show next month, the 2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible is a pretty straightforward conversion (no pun intended) of the 2 Series Coupe that’s already won many enthusiasts’ hearts.
The exterior and interior styling mirrors the hardtop 2 Series, making this the perfect car for grown-up yuppies who miss purposeful boxiness of the 1980s E30 3 Series convertible.
The soft top can open or close in 20 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph, and stows flat behind the rear seats. Pop-up rollover bars deploy in the event of inversion.
Powertrains are also shared with the coupe. That means the convertible lineup starts off with the 228i and its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces 240 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque.
Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the four-banger will get the rear-wheel drive 2 Series Convertible from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. There’s also an all-wheel drive 228xi that will do 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds.
Like many other BMW models, the 228i is available with “Line” trim packages (Sport Line and M Sport in this case) that add unique trim and features. There’s also a Track Handling Package that includes Adaptive M Suspension, and beefed-up brakes, wheels, and tires.
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However, the enthusiast’s choice will be the M235i, the first convertible to get BMW’s M-Performance treatment. Like the M235i Coupe, the convertible has a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, good for 320 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque.
Available only with rear-wheel drive, the M235i comes standard with the eight-speed automatic and will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds in that configuration. It takes five seconds flat with the optional six-speed manual, but the driver will probably have more fun along the way.
The 2 Series Convertible also sports a variety of tech options, including free over-the-air updates for the navigation system. It automatically updates maps several times a year, ensuring drivers will never be sent down a road that no longer exists.
A handful of apps, including Facebook and Twitter, can also be added individually, and there are numerous available safety features such as Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, and Park Distance Control.
Following its Paris debut, the 2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible will make its North American debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, and will go on sale in the U.S. next year.
Prices (including destination) will start at $38,850 for the 228i, $40,650 for the 228xi, and $48,650 for the M235i.
