BMW->ke178 announced its new 2 Series->ke2065 convertible, including the M235i and this 228i, in September 2014. While the M235i will be the choice of most enthusiasts and weekend track rats, the standard 228i and the 228i xDrive will be the ones found at Whole Foods and Macy’s, and will constitute the bulk of 2 Series sales. That’s not a bad thing, however, as the BMW’s latest drop top checks all the right boxes for topless automotive fun.

A high-strung, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine comes boosted by a twin-scroll turbocharger and is backed by an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters or a six-speed manual. The quick-shifting flappy paddle helps the 228i hit 60 mph in a surprising 5.7 seconds. What’s more, the 228i’s chassis share many of its designs and parts with the 228i coupe, giving it some street cred right out of the box.

The 228i xDrive brings an extra level of usability to the 2 Series Convertible’s->ke144 lineup. With a normal torque split favoring the rear axle, the xDrive 2 has plenty of sport still in its chassis. However, when the weather turns rough, all four wheels grip the road. The xDrive system even makes itself useful in the dry, helping the 228i xDrive knock a tenth of a second off the 228i’s 0 to 60 mph time.

While the now-dead 1 Series->ke313 may have been the first drop-top contender in the premium sub-compact segment, the new 228i and 228i xDrive take the legacy into the future. If 1 Series 130,000 units sold worldwide is any indication of the 2 Series Convertible's potential success, BMW’s latest convertible will have no trouble finding homes.

Click past the jump to read more about the BMW 2-Series Convertible.

2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 240 @ 5000
  • Torque: 255 @ 1450
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Update History

Updated 11/18/2013: Now that we have seen the official details on the 2 Series Coupe we created a new rendering for the upcoming convertible version.

Spy Shots

June 5, 2014 - BMW 2 Series Caught With Top Down

May 15, 2014 - BMW 2 Series Convertible Caught Testing Almost Naked

Rendering

Now that we have seen the 2 Series Coupe version, is not very difficult to imagine how the convertible will look like. All we had to do was to remove the roof and we got a very cool 2 Series Convertible.

Exterior

BMW did not change much when it chopped the top off its 2 Series coupe. The convertible shares the same looks along its front clip, including the shapely hood, flowing front grille, and three-part lower fascia. On the sides, the sharp creased line still runs rearward, carrying the door handles with it. Even the A-Pillars and the windshield rake is nearly identical.

The story is much the same around back. The rear bumper and taillight areas are a straight carryover, while the trunk lid sees some minor changes. Gone is the gentle slope upward to meet the coupe’s roofline, and in its place is a flatter body panel.

The 2 Series convertible comes standard with 17-inch wheels, while 18- and 19-inch units are available at extra cost. Also standard is the new power-folding soft top. It’s now more insulated than BMW’s previous tops, helping quell interior noise levels and transmitted heat on sunny days. It drops behind the rear seats in approximately 20 seconds and will actuate at speed up to 30 mph.

Interior

Things inside the 228i and 228i xDrive are identical to the coupe, except of course, the unlimited amount of headroom offered by the power-folding ragtop. The dashboard and center console are all standard BMW fare with plenty of subtle lines and accents running mostly horizontal.

Thanks to some added room in the second row and a slight redesign of the folding mechanics of the front seats, getting into and out of the back seats is easier than before. Also easier is loading bigger items into the trunk. A larger trunk opening by 1.4 inches and a much larger rear seat pass-through of 17.7 inches helps make loading golf bags and surf boards a doable task.

Drivetrain

Just like the coupe, under the convertible’s hood lies a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. BMW has loaded the mill with plenty of tech in order to squeeze the most power and efficiency form the small package. Direct inject, variable valve lift regulation, and variable camshaft timing help produce 240 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. While peak horsepower is only available from 5,000 through 6,5000 rpm, the peak torque comes on at a low 1,450 rpm and stays strong till 4,800 rpm.

The torquey two-liter can be mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic. While the manual will be the choice for do-it-yourselfers, the eight-speed flappy paddle will be the volume transmission. That’s really not a bad thing though. It features a Launch Control function and quick shifting to push the 228i to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. The extra traction provided by the xDrive system helps the 228i xDrive hit 60 in a quicker 5.6 seconds.

BMW offers drivers the choice between four driving modes: Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. To help save fuel in Eco Pro mode, BMW has programmed the transmission to decouple from the engine when the accelerator isn’t being depressed, letting the 228i coast without the engine slowing it down.

Drivetrain Specifications

Type

2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder Engine

Horsepower

240 HP @ 5,000 - 6,500 RPM

Torque

255 LB-FT @ 1,450 - 4,800 RPM

0 60 mph

5.7 seconds (5.6 seconds with xDrive)


Prices

BMW is charging $38,850 for a base 2015 228i convertible and $40,650 for the 2015 228i xDrive convertible. The $1,800 premium for AWD doesn’t seem too high, given the xDrive has slightly better acceleration and better all-weather capabilities.

Pricing

Model

Price

2015 BMW 228i Convertible

$38,850

2015 BMW 228i xDrive Convertible

$40,650


Competitors

Audi TT Roadster

The fact that Audi is already developing a new-generation Audi TT should be no surprise to anyone considering the amount of new sports cars we have seen. But, until the new generation TT arrives on the market, the 2 Series Convertible will still have to face the current model.

It is powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

The only problem is that the TT Roadster is priced from $42,900, while the upcoming 2 Series Convertible checks in at just under $39k.

Conclusion

BMW’s latest drop top combines all the greatness that’s in the 2 Series Coupe and transfers it to a two-door car more fun to drive. With its quick-operating top that folds and expands at 30 mph, along with the stout, 2.0-liter engine, the 228i and its xDrive version make a fun alternative to the competition.