Wednesday, September 17, 2014

BMW Drops the Top on the 2015 2 Series Convertible

 

J.D. Power and Associates                    
 
 
 
 
 
There's a new BMW convertible coming to a dealership near you, and it's based on the entry-level 2 Series coupe. On sale shortly after the first of the year and equipped with a starting price of just under $39,000 for the 228i model, the new 2015 2 Series convertible is also available in 228i xDrive and M235i format.




A power, multi-layer fabric roof is standard equipment, folding flat behind the rear seats in just 20 seconds and at speeds up to 30 mph, according to BMW. Offered in three different colors, the new convertible roof is insulated and soundproofed for an improved driving experience with the top raised, BMW says.

Designed to carry four passengers, the new 2 Series convertible is larger inside than the 1 Series convertible it replaces. The trunk is up to 10% bigger, too, and accommodates longer items thanks to a pass-through to the passenger compartment. BMW includes exclusive interior trim details as well as a climate system display designed for greater legibility in sunlight.

A turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is installed in the BMW 228i convertible, paired with a paddle-shifted 8-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels.

 The automaker's xDrive all-wheel-drive system is optional, sending 70% of engine power to the car's rear wheels under normal driving conditions. Depending on how the driver wishes to drive, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ powertrain modes calibrate the car accordingly.

The BMW 228i convertible is offered with Sport Line and M Sport option packages designed to improve handling and provide a distinctive appearance, but if maximum performance is on your "must-have" list, or you simply want to row your own gears, choose the M235i convertible.

 It has a turbocharged, 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine generating 320 horsepower and is available with a 6-speed manual gearbox or an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters. BMW claims it will accelerate to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds.

In addition to more power, the M235i delivers more performance thanks to specific chassis, suspension, brake, and steering system configurations. Performance tires are wrapped around bespoke 18-in. M-style wheels.

Buyers can, however, add several of these handling upgrades to the 228i convertible by checking the box marked Track Handling package. M235i convertibles are set apart from 228i models with exclusive design details inside and out, and this model is offered with an M Sport aerodynamic body kit that is unavailable for the 228i.

As far as equipment is concerned, BMW provides numerous options for the new 2 Series convertible. Highlights include a navigation system with a Proactive Driving Assistant feature, high-speed LTE Internet connectivity with BMW Online access and BMW Apps technology, Comfort Access passive entry with push-button engine starting, xenon headlights with an adaptive front-lighting system, High-beam Assistant feature, park-assist sensors, and a Parking Assistant system.

BMW Assist eCall is standard equipment on the new 2 Series convertible, providing Enhanced Automatic Collision Notification for 10 years following a 2 Series convertible purchase. Safety-related options include a Driver Assistance Plus package containing forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and an Attention Assistant feature.

The new 2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible is slated to debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show and will go on sale early next year.

 

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