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BMW has released full details and an extensive gallery of images of its first ever 2 Series Convertible. It takes over where the 1 Series Convertible left off, though it's wider and longer to the benefit of interior space. Three petrol models and one diesel make up the line-up at launch, though we expect more to join the range following the new cabrio's debut at next month's Paris Motor Show.
Outside
No surprises here really, as the 2 Series Convertible shares its overall design with the 2 Series Coupé we all know and love. With the roof down the 2 Series does look more elegant. That fabric roof is apparently an all-new development with more insulation and 'acoustic comfort' than before. It opens or closes in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h. Three roof colours are available: black, anthracite with silver effect or brown with silver effect.
Inside
The interior of the 2 Series Convertible is largely the same as the Coupé's, which is no bad thing at all. Roof down it has what BMW calls a 'boat deck' look due to the smooth continuous line around the cabin. The roof stows neatly out of sight under a cover and a rollover bar is also hidden. In comparison to the 1 Series Convertible, the new 2 Series is 72mm longer and 26mm wider, plus there's 30mm more in the wheelbase and the front and rear tracks are wider by 41- and 43mm respectively. It all adds up to more space for passengers. The boot is bigger too (by 30 litres with the roof up, or 20 litres with it folded) and access to it is made easier with wider apertures.
Under the bonnet
Four engines are detailed in the pre-launch material, relating to the 220d, 220i, 228i and M235i. Power outputs are 190-, 184-, 245- and 326hp respectively. The range-topping M235i covers the 0-100km/h sprint in as little as 5.0 seconds (when equipped with the automatic transmission), which is only 0.2 seconds slower than the Coupé manages. The 220d, meanwhile, emits from as low as 108g/km for Band A3 tax, while using as little as 4.1 litres/100km on the combined cycle.
Any new tech?
BMW's 2 Series Convertible hosts the company's launch of its 'over-the-air' navigation updates. Buyers that opt for the Navigation system Professional get free automatic map updates, done wirelessly with no extra charges and without having to visit a BMW dealership. This is thanks to a built-in LTE SIM card, which allows data transfer speeds up to five times as fast as 3G.
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