New BMW 2 Series Convertible drop top fun comes at a premium

There’s 4 ways the new 2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible trumps the outgoing 1 Series model. And it comes in two flavors for driving enthusiasts.

For less than $40,000 you can now have open air fun in the new 2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible. The 2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible that made its world debut at the Paris Motor Show now makes its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2014. And it's coming early next year to U.S. shores for driving enthusiasts.

2 Series Convertible improves on 1 Series

The new 2015 BMW 2 Series convertible that replaces the BMW 1 Series convertible is longer, wider, faster and more economical than its predecessor. And it now comes with a standard electrically operated black fabric roof.

Optional colors for the top include Anthracite or Brown with silver effect. BMW says the top can be opened in 20 seconds at the touch of a button and at speeds of up to 30 mph. And the trunk is roomy enough to store two 46-inch golf bags or a pair of snowboards for sports enthusiasts.

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Two models are available

Just like the new BMW 228i and M235i Coupe, the new BMW 2 Series Convertible will be available in the U.S. as the 228i and M235i. The 2 Series convertible will feature the same styling and driving dynamics of the Coupe but adds the open-air pleasure of a folding soft-top.

2 Series convertible gets two engine options

The 2 Series drop top comes with the same engines as the Coupe; the 240-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the 228i model and a 320-hp inline six-cylinder engine in the M235i model. The 228i gets an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel shift paddles, while the M235i engine is mated to either the eight-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual transmission.

Nearly $6000 price increase for open air fun

Having open air fun in the 2 Series Convertible will cost close to $6000 more than the Coupe. The 228i Coupe starts at $33,025 and the M235i Coupe comes it at $44,025. The 2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible will be offered at a MSRP of $38,850 for the 228i, $40,650 for the 228i xDrive, $48,650 for the M235i, including $950 destination and handling.

The new 2015 BMW 2 Series convertible that replaces the BMW 1 Series convertible is longer, wider, faster and more economical than its predecessor. The 2015 M235i and 228i as well as the 228i xDrive, featuring BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system, will arrive in U.S. showrooms in early 2015. Build your own 2015 2 Series Convertible here.