The BMW 2 Series convertible has been unveiled online ahead of its scheduled public Paris Motor Show debut.

More open-top driving pleasure

The convertible comes as a successor to the BMW 1 series convertible which has sold more than 130000 units worldwide. The new model is in addition longer (by 72 mm) and wider (by 26 mm) than the model it replaces, and has a wheelbase which has been elongated by 30 mm to 2 690 mm.

The front and rear tracks have been extended by 41 mm and 43 mm respectively. According to BMW, the increase in size makes for easier entry and exit from the car for rear passengers, and greater luggage space. The luggage compartment now has a total of 335 litres with the top up and 280 with the top down.

At the push of a button, the newly developed, electrically powered fabric top with additional insulation and optimised acoustic comfort opens and closes in 20 seconds – even while driving at speeds of up to 50 km/h. The fabric top comes in a choice of three colours: Black, Anthracite with silver effect and Brown.

ConnectedDrive now with free wireless navigation updates

High-quality standard equipment includes electrically powered and acoustically insulated roof, BMW Professional radio including iDrive operating system with Control Display in flatscreen design, automatic climate control with convertible mode as well as optional leather trim with SunReflective technology to reduce surface heating in direct sunshine.

A new addition to the convertible is the navigation system which updates navigation data wirelessly and for free through the built-in SIM card. The model will also feature Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming and USB interface.

The individual trims (Advantage, Luxury Line, Sport Line and M Sport) will all be distinguished by interior trim options, different alloy wheel sizes and design, as well as exterior design accents and colours.

Greater performance

Engine options will be similar to the choices on the Coupe. The engines include a new 2.0-litre diesel for the 220d and, for the first time in a BMW convertible, an M Performance power unit for the M235i. There are also two 2.0-litre petrol engines available, the 220i and 228i.

The entry-level 220i model comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit making 135 kW and 270 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is said to take 7.5 seconds for the manual and 7.6 seconds for the automatic.

The 220d makes use of the new generation of diesel engines and will be pushing 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque to the rear wheels, getting to 100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds (0.1 seconds faster with the automatic).

Then there’s the 228i equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivering 180 kW and 350 Nm of torque. This will enable the car fitted with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox to get to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and 0.1 seconds less for an automatic.

The range-topping model is the M235i Convertible with 240 kW and 450 Nm of torque. It can sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in 5.2sec – just 0.2sec slower than the Coupe – and hit a top speed of 250 km/h.

All engines can be paired with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission or a standard six-speed manual.

The new BMW 2 Series Convertible is confirmedto go on sale in South Africa in the first quarter of 2015. Pricing and other detailed specifications will be confirmed closer to the launch date.