On a day that has already brought us the iPhone 6 and 6
Plus, the Apple Watch, and, more to the car enthusiast’s tastes, the Mercedes-AMG
GT, we’re faced with an embarrassment of riches. Now, BMW adds its 2-Series
Convertible to the treasure chest.
It’s easy to be fond of the 2-Series coupe, particularly the M235i. It’s a fun-driving, comfortable, surprisingly practical little luxury coupe. But what if you want all of that, and to horse around with the top down? Here’s your answer.
Due to make its official debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, the 2015 BMW 2-Series Convertible will be available in the same forms as the coupe: M235i, 228i, and 228i xDrive. All three will arrive in the U.S. in early 2015.
As you might also expect, those model names represent a car that is, aside from the soft top, essentially identical to the coupe. With the 2-Series Convertible, the focus is on the design and the experience; the performance
outlines
have already been drawn.
It’s easy to be fond of the 2-Series coupe, particularly the M235i. It’s a fun-driving, comfortable, surprisingly practical little luxury coupe. But what if you want all of that, and to horse around with the top down? Here’s your answer.
Due to make its official debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, the 2015 BMW 2-Series Convertible will be available in the same forms as the coupe: M235i, 228i, and 228i xDrive. All three will arrive in the U.S. in early 2015.
As you might also expect, those model names represent a car that is, aside from the soft top, essentially identical to the coupe. With the 2-Series Convertible, the focus is on the design and the experience; the performance
outlines
have already been drawn.
Performance
Specs for the new 2-Series Convertible range are familiar. The 228i rates 240 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Zero to 60 mph acceleration occurs in just 5.7 seconds. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment.
All-wheel drive will be available from launch in the 228i Convertible, cutting 0-60 mph times to 5.6 seconds. The standard torque split for the xDrive system is 70% rear, 30% front, with the computer making electronic adjustments to that spread as required by the conditions.
For the M235i Convertible, the eight-speed automatic transmission is joined by an optional six-speed manual. Engine output remains the same as the coupe, at 320 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. With rear-wheel drive the only choice, the M235i Convertible accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds thanks to Launch Control, when equipped with the eight-speed automatic. With the six-speed manual, the Convertible’s 0-60 mph time is 5.0 seconds. Top speed for the M235i Convertible is electronically limited to 155 mph.
Specs for the new 2-Series Convertible range are familiar. The 228i rates 240 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Zero to 60 mph acceleration occurs in just 5.7 seconds. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment.
All-wheel drive will be available from launch in the 228i Convertible, cutting 0-60 mph times to 5.6 seconds. The standard torque split for the xDrive system is 70% rear, 30% front, with the computer making electronic adjustments to that spread as required by the conditions.
For the M235i Convertible, the eight-speed automatic transmission is joined by an optional six-speed manual. Engine output remains the same as the coupe, at 320 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. With rear-wheel drive the only choice, the M235i Convertible accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds thanks to Launch Control, when equipped with the eight-speed automatic. With the six-speed manual, the Convertible’s 0-60 mph time is 5.0 seconds. Top speed for the M235i Convertible is electronically limited to 155 mph.
Design
The car’s soft top is made of fabric, and can open or close in 20 seconds, at speeds up to 30 mph. An optional Comfort Access option allows the roof to be opened or closed remotely, as well.
Black is the standard color for the soft top, but two additional colors are available: Anthracite with silver effect, and Brown with silver effect. What’s the silver effect part of that? The tops are woven with shiny fibers in the mix, giving a “shimmering metallic surface impression,” according to BMW.
The new 2-Series Convertible doesn’t exist in a vacuum, of course; it follows on the heels of the previous 1-Series Convertible. Compared to the former compact luxury convertible, the new 2-Series version expands cabin space and cargo room. Rear seat access is now 0.4 inches larger, and the trunk load area at the rear is 1.4 inches wider. The passthrough from the trunk to the rear passenger area (accessible with the seats folded down) is now 5.9 inches wider and 1.1 inches taller. The result? Room for two 46-inch golf bags, or, “a pair of snowboards,” says BMW.
Among other new features in the 2-Series Convertible, BMW plans to offer the first over-the-air updates to its navigation data as part of the BMW ConnectedDrive system. Regular updates to the maps should enable the navigation to better represent current road conditions in areas where construction is prevalent, as well as business and location info.
The car’s soft top is made of fabric, and can open or close in 20 seconds, at speeds up to 30 mph. An optional Comfort Access option allows the roof to be opened or closed remotely, as well.
Black is the standard color for the soft top, but two additional colors are available: Anthracite with silver effect, and Brown with silver effect. What’s the silver effect part of that? The tops are woven with shiny fibers in the mix, giving a “shimmering metallic surface impression,” according to BMW.
The new 2-Series Convertible doesn’t exist in a vacuum, of course; it follows on the heels of the previous 1-Series Convertible. Compared to the former compact luxury convertible, the new 2-Series version expands cabin space and cargo room. Rear seat access is now 0.4 inches larger, and the trunk load area at the rear is 1.4 inches wider. The passthrough from the trunk to the rear passenger area (accessible with the seats folded down) is now 5.9 inches wider and 1.1 inches taller. The result? Room for two 46-inch golf bags, or, “a pair of snowboards,” says BMW.
Among other new features in the 2-Series Convertible, BMW plans to offer the first over-the-air updates to its navigation data as part of the BMW ConnectedDrive system. Regular updates to the maps should enable the navigation to better represent current road conditions in areas where construction is prevalent, as well as business and location info.
source: www.motorauthority.com
by Nelson Ireson
http://www.boscheuropean.com
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