BMW 2-Series Convertible pricing unveiled

BMW has unveiled pricing and specification of its new 2-Series Convertible range due in showrooms next month.

The German car maker's local arm will offer a three-tier Convertible line-up in 2015, replacing the outgoing 1-Series Convertible range with higher power outputs across all models.

The new 2-Series Convertible will also be tauter and more refined than the model it replaces, BMW says, thanks to a 20 per cent improvement in torsional rigidity and a new soft-top system said to lower interior noise by up to seven decibels.

Anchoring the range will be the base model 220i, priced at $54,900 plus on-road costs. The entry level variant is equipped with a 135kW/270Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters. It can sprint to 100km/h from rest in a claimed 7.6 seconds.

The middle variant is the 228i Convertible, priced at $68,900 plus on-road costs. It is powered by an uprated version of the same engine and transmission, producing 180kW and 350Nm and corresponding with a hastened 0-100km/h time of 6.1 seconds.

Topping the local range is the M235i Convertible. Powered by the same 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine as the M235i Coupe, the flagship model produces 240kW and 450Nm, and can sprint to triple figures in 5.0 seconds – 0.2 seconds slower than the Coupe.

All models will be equipped with an automatic fabric roof that takes 20 seconds to open and closed, at speeds of up to 50km/h. Boot space across all variants is rated at 335 litres with the roof up and 280 litres with the roof down.

The new model has been increased 72mm in length over its predecessor, to 4.432 metres, width by 26 millimetres to 1.774 metres, wheelbase by 30mm to 2.690 metres, front track by 41mm to 1.521 metres and rear track by 43mm to 1.556 metres.

The pricing positions the convertible range about $5000 above the equivalent 2-Series Coupe range launched last year. One omission among drop-top models is the absence of a diesel engine as found in the Coupe line (the 220d).

The pricing also positions the 2-Series Convertible range significantly above the rivalling Audi A3 Cabriolet range, which starts below $50,000.

The 2-Series Convertible range is expected to arrive in Australian showrooms from late February.

2015 BMW 2-Series Convertible pricing and specifications

220i Convertible 

Price: $54,900 plus on-road costs

On sale: February

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol

Power: 135kW at 5000rpm

Torque: 270Nm at 1250rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic/RWD

Fuel consumption: 6.5L/100km

Standard features:

• Auto Start/Stop function and ECO PRO mode
• Dynamic Stability Control
• 17-inch light alloy wheels
• ConnectedDrive and TeleServices
• Reversing camera and Park Distance Control (rear)
• Cruise Control with braking function
• Navigation system Business

228i Convertible

Price: $68,900 plus on-road costs

On sale: February

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol

Power: 180kW at 5000rpm

Torque: 350Nm at 1250rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic/RWD

Fuel consumption: 6.6L/100km

Standard features:

• Auto Start/Stop function and ECO PRO mode
• Dynamic Stability Control
• Variable Sport Steering
• 18-inch light alloy wheels
• ConnectedDrive and TeleServices
• Reversing camera and Park Distance Control (front and rear)
• Cruise Control with braking function
• Bi-Xenon headlights
• Sport and Luxury Lines as no-cost option
• Leather upholstery
• BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line or Chrome Line Exterior
• Navigation system Business

M235i Convertible

Price: $85,800 plus on-road costs

On sale: February

Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol

Power: 240kW at 5800rpm

Torque: 450Nm at 1300rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic/RWD

Fuel consumption: 7.8L/100km

Standard features:

• Adaptive M suspension
• Auto Start/Stop function and ECO PRO mode
• Dynamic Stability Control
• Variable Sport Steering
• M Sport Brakes
• 18-inch BMW M light-alloy wheels
• M Aerodynamics Package
• Reversing camera and Park Distance Control (front and rear)
• Cruise Control with braking function
• Bi-Xenon headlights
• BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line
• Leather upholstery
• Interior lights package
• M leather steering wheel
• Navigation system Professional