Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. Products

BMW’s 2015 2 Series is the perfect convertible for grown-up yuppies

Stephen Edelstein
By

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.

Related

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.

Related: BMW M2 could produce up to 375 horsepower

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.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Stephen Edelstein
Stephen Edelstein
Contributing Editor
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more