The all-New BMW 2-Series Convertible, to continue the sales from the 1-Series Convertible

The BMW 2 Series Convertible is the third model in the company‘s 2 Series line-up and comes to market as a direct replacement for the 1 Series Convertible – a vehicle that was the most successful car in its class with global sales of more than 130,000 units.

The new car will initially be available with a choice of four engines, including a new 2.0-litre diesel for the 220d and, for the first time in a BMW convertible, an M Performance variant, the M235i. Fuel economy improvements over the previous model average 18 per cent. The 2 Series Convertible also brings significant improvements in passenger space and access, acoustic comfort, style, dynamism and equipment, while the ConnectedDrive services for the first time include wireless updating of navigation data.

Model	Power hp	Torque Nm	0 – 62mph seconds	Top Speed mph	Combined mpg	CO2 Emissions g/km	Price OTR
BMW 220i Sport Convertible	184	270	7.5 (7.6)	144 (140)	41.5 (44.1)	159 (149)	£29,180
BMW 228i M Sport Convertible	245	350	6.1 (6.0)	155* (155*)	41.5 (42.8)	159 (154)	£31,550
BMW M235i Convertible	326	450	5.2 (5.0)	155* (155*)	33.2 (35.8)	199 (184)	£37,710
BMW 220d Sport Convertible	190	400	7.5 (7.4)	140 (140)	60.1 (64.2)	124 (116)	£29,965
* Electronically limited. Figures in brackets denote models with an automatic transmission.

More open-top driving pleasure with an added dash of style

The BMW 2 Series Convertible is longer (by 72mm) and wider (by 26mm) than the model it replaces, and has a wheelbase which has been elongated by 30mm. These increases have been put to good use to enhance passenger access and space, increase driving enjoyment with the roof down and change the proportions so that BMW’s latest compact convertible looks even more stylish.  

The electrically operated folding soft top lowers or raises in just 20 seconds at the touch of a button, and can be carried out at speeds of just over 30mph. Additional insulation in the skin of the soft-top improves acoustic comfort, with a 4db noise reduction, and adds to the year-round usability of the car. Improved aerodynamics, with a Cd of just 0.31, also helps to make the cabin quieter. An easier-to-use optional wind deflector provides greater protection against turbulence when travelling top-down.

Once folded, the soft top disappears fully into the boot to give the BMW 2 Series Convertible a premium ‘boat deck’ appearance. Luggage capacity increases by 30 litres to 335 litres, making it the largest boot in its class. A through-loading system is optionally available to increase versatility.  

The four-seat interior, with folding rear bench, provides greater space and a more intense open-top driving experience, placing the occupants in a typical BMW set-back position. Rear access benefits from an 11mm wider aperture when the front seats are tilted forwards. Large door pockets, a spacious glovebox, a central storage compartment and two cup holders provide improved in-cabin storage. 

The stretched silhouette of the BMW 2 Series Convertible emphasises the tell-tale BMW design characteristics of a long bonnet and wheelbase, short overhangs and a rear-biased cabin. The double kidney grille leans slightly forwards between twin-round circular headlights that narrow towards the centre, replicating the outlines of the lower air intakes. An LED accent light cuts across the top of the lighting unit on the optional Xenon headlights, while Adaptive Headlights featuring Selective Beam technology are also available. Air Curtains in the front apron channel air to outlets in the front side panels, reducing turbulence in the wheel arches to enhance fuel efficiency.

The track widths of the BMW 2 Series Convertible are larger than those of its predecessor, by 41mm at the front and 43mm at the rear, so that the widest part of the car is the rear wheel arch area. This emphasises the greater dynamism of the new model and its unique-in-class rear-drive layout. Horizontal lines at the rear also hint at the car’s wider stance. The rear lights extend into the side panels and feature familiar BMW L-shaped LED light bars. At the sides, a slightly rising shoulder line, swage lines running through the door handles and character lines from the doors and side skirts to the rear panels all point to the car’s sporty, rear-wheel-drive layout.  

The interior has been deliberately kept as simple as possible, with layered surfaces, driver-focused controls, clear instruments and a Sport or M Sport leather-covered multi-function steering wheel. Controls for the audio and climate control systems are set against High-gloss Black surfaces and the air vents have chrome surrounds. Switchable ambient lighting is further confirmation of the car’s premium quality. The BMW iDrive controller, linked to a 6.5-inch display screen, gives access to the car’s control systems with minimum distraction.

A more rigid body and advanced new safety features for greater protection

The BMW 2 Series Convertible delivers enhanced safety for occupants and pedestrians compared with the previous model through a combination of a more rigid body and advanced safety features. Torsional stiffness has been raised by 20 per cent and bending stiffness is 10 per cent higher, despite a decrease in body weight, thanks to extensive use of high- and ultra-high-strength steels.

The A-pillars with strengthening elements and joints made from hot-formed steel combine with the aluminium bars hidden behind the rear seats to form a survival space for occupants in the event of a roll-over accident. The roll-over bars are triggered automatically in fractions of a second if the car’s electronic sensors detect any risk. Strong supporting structures, precisely defined load paths, large deformation zones and intelligent restraint systems ensure that the BMW 2 Series Convertible meets or surpasses safety requirements around the world. Meanwhile, an active bonnet which rises at the rear and contains special deformation areas provides optimum pedestrian protection.

The car’s restraint systems include front airbags, side airbags with head airbags integrated into the seat backrests, seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters in the front seats and ISOFIX child-seat attachment points in the rear. Also standard is a Tyre Pressure Monitoring system which registers any loss of pressure and activates a signal in the instrument cluster to warn the driver.

Greater performance and dynamism with improved efficiency

Four BMW TwinPower Turbo engines featuring a suite of EfficientDynamics technologies endow the BMW 2 Series Convertible with superior performance to its predecessor, with an average 18 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. 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. All are more powerful than the engines in the previous model and meet EU6 emissions standards.

The new 2.0-litre diesel engine develops 14hp and 50Nm of torque more than the previous unit, with greater efficiency. The combined fuel economy is 60.1mpg with the six-speed manual transmission or 64.2mpg with the eight-speed automatic gearbox which is optional on every model, while the respective CO2 emissions are 124g/km and 116g/km. It features an aluminium crankcase with thermally joined liners to reduce internal friction, and balancer shafts to eliminate vibrations. An enhanced turbocharger and an improved common-rail direct-injection system operating at up to 2,000 bar raise efficiency, and the engine is also lighter and quieter than its predecessor. 

The M Performance 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine in the M235i develops 326hp and 450Nm of torque from only 1,300rpm with the aid of twin-scroll turbocharging, high-precision centrally positioned multi-hole direct injectors, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing. The result is an infectious cocktail of high-revving ability, responsive power, instantaneous torque and sports car performance with the utmost efficiency. Acceleration from zero to 62mph is achieved in 5.2 seconds with the manual gearbox and 5.0 seconds with the automatic, yet combined fuel economy is 33.2mpg in the manual and 35.8mpg in the automatic, while CO2 emissions are 199g/km and 184g/km respectively.

This efficiency is due in no small part to the extensive EfficientDynamics features on every model. These include lightweight body engineering, sleek aerodynamics with Air Curtains at the front, Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and an ECO PRO mode within the standard Driving Experience Control system. This can reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent by modifying accelerator and engine management responses, putting the climate control system into its most efficient setting and even giving the driver tips on how to drive economically through the Proactive Driving Assistant with the BMW Professional navigation system. 

The longer wheelbase, increased track widths and stiffer body of the BMW 2 Series Convertible, allied to the latest driver assistance systems, ensure that the driving experience has been raised to even greater levels. The car has the typical sporty agility of a rear-drive BMW with an ideal front-to-rear weight distribution, combined with exceptional comfort. The double-joint tie-bar front suspension with spring struts and five-link rear axle have been precision-tuned for the BMW 2 Series Convertible.

The standard electronic assistance systems include Dynamic Stability Control; incorporating Anti-lock Braking, Dynamic Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control and Dynamic Brake Control. These are supported by Brake Assist, Fading Compensation, Brake Drying, the Start-Off Assistant and the Active Differential Brake. The car can also be specified with either M Sport or Adaptive M Sport suspension and M Sport braking system.

The M Sport suspension and braking system, with model-specific tuning, are standard on the 228i and M235i, which also has custom-tuned Variable Sport steering. The suspension set-up and damping of the range-topping model takes into account, not only its exceptional performance, but also the characteristics introduced by its soft roof. Options include a BMW M Performance limited-slip differential.

ConnectedDrive now with free wireless navigation updates 

The BMW 2 Series Convertible can be fully connected with the outside world through a wide range of standard-fit and optional ConnectedDrive features. They include, for the first time on any BMW, a new Professional navigation system which updates navigation data free and wirelessly through the built-in SIM card. This is capable of supporting the LTE (Long Term Evolution) wireless standard, which is up to five times faster than 3G. 

Every BMW 2 Series Convertible comes with Bluetooth hands-free telephone connectivity with audio streaming and a USB interface, a DAB tuner, BMW Emergency Call and BMW TeleServices as standard. These can be supplemented with BMW Navigation or Professional multimedia system, Internet connectivity, BMW Online Services, Online Entertainment, Real Time Traffic Information, enhanced Bluetooth with Voice Control, Remote Services and Information Plus. 

Customers can also specify the Driving Assistant with camera-based Lane Change and Lane Departure warning systems. It also features Attention Assistant to alert a potentially drowsy driver. Collision Warning primes the brakes and alerts the driver if the 2 Series Convertible gets too close to the car in front. Rear Park Distance Control is standard, and can be supported with Park Distance Control at the front as part of the Driver Comfort package. A Reversing Assist camera is also offered.

The BMW 2 Series Convertible in the UK

The 220d and 220i models are available in Sport, Luxury and M Sport trim while the 228i is offered in M Sport only and the M235i has its own unique specification. SE models will become available at a later date. 

Standard specification on all models is comprehensive and includes alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, Drive Performance Control, Keyless go, a Sport instrument cluster, dual dark chrome exhaust tailpipes for 220i and 220d Sport models, Sports seats and a Sport multi-function leather steering wheel. 

The 220i and 220d Luxury models are distinguished by larger alloy wheels; Chrome finishers on the vertical slats of the front air inlet, front grille, dual chrome exhaust tailpipes and rear bumper; Fineline Wood with Oxide Silver accents and Dakota leather upholstery.

M Sport versions have High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, Aluminium Hexagon trim with Estoril Blue accents, extra-wide High-gloss Black kidney grille slats, a Sport instrument cluster, dual chrome exhaust tailpipes, M Sport suspension, an M Sport multi-function leather steering wheel, M aerodynamic body styling and M door sill finishers. There is also an M Sport Plus package of Ferric Grey 18-inch alloy wheels, headlight wash, harman/kardon loudspeaker system, M Sport brakes, Xenon headlamps and a grey windscreen shade band. 

Last but not least, the unique specification of the M235i includes 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, Ferric Grey air blades and mirror caps, dual-zone air conditioning, Dakota leather upholstery, Extended Lighting and Storage, M Sport suspension and braking, an M rear spoiler and unique M logos on the wings.

Sales history

Model	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014
BMW 1 Series Convertible	3,637	4,050	3,404	3,404	2,798	1

The BMW 2 Series Convertible is on sale from 28 February, 2015. It will be priced from £29,180 OTR for a 220i Sport Convertible.   

The new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer is the first premium compact model to offer up to seven seats

The new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer is the first premium compact model to offer up to seven seats and fully meet the mobility requirements of young families. Compact exterior dimensions go hand in hand with tremendous flexibility on the inside: a sliding second row of seats with adjustable backrest, a third row of seats that fold into the floor, and provision for up to five universal child seats are just some of the features on offer.

The new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer is available with a choice of five turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, all sourced from BMW’s latest engine family. With either three or four-cylinders, these advanced powerplants offer superb efficiency and, in the case of the 220i and 220d, a 0-62mph time as low as 7.8 seconds. The 220d xDrive is also the only car in its class to team four-wheel drive with seven-seat capability.

With the latest EfficientDynamics and ConnectedDrive technologies, the new 2 Series Gran Tourer takes advantage of BMW’s lead in driver safety, energy-saving and connectivity features. And thanks to its typically BMW-like sporting dynamics, it fuses its inherent practicality with genuine driver entertainment, thereby creating a uniquely appealing package

Model	Power hp	Torque   Nm	0 – 62mph seconds	Top Speed mph	Combined mpg	CO2 Emissions g/km	Price from
BMW 218i Gran Tourer	136	220	9.8	127 (126)	53.3 (52.3)	123 (126)	£24,175
BMW 220i Gran Tourer	192	280	7.9 (7.8)	139 (138)	44.8 (47.9)	145 (138)	£27,490
BMW 216d Gran Tourer	116	270	11.4	119	68.9	108	£25,110
BMW 218d Gran Tourer	150	330	9.5	127 (128)	64.2	115	£26,255
BMW 220d xDrive Gran Tourer	190	400	7.8	135	57.6	129	£32,005

Figures in brackets denote models with an automatic transmission if value is different.

The first premium compact car to offer up to seven seats.

The new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer possesses compact dimensions of just 4,556mm x 1,800mm x 1,612mm (L x W x H), sharing its advanced front-wheel-drive architecture - including the transversely mounted engines - with the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. However, it comfortably accommodates up to seven people, while simultaneously offering a generous load compartment that extends and from 560- to 1,820-litres.

The Gran Tourer is 214mm longer and 53mm higher than the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, but a longer wheelbase of 2,780mm provides a further significant increase in space inside the vehicle. The higher roofline allows occupants to sit tall and upright, affording excellent all-round vision, as well as aiding ingress and egress. Legroom, particularly in the rear, is comparable with that of many luxury cars. Three universal child seats can be mounted in the second row, and a further two universal child seats can be fitted in the third row.

By sliding the rear seat fore or aft by 130mm, either load capacity or second row knee-room can be prioritised. The backrest can also be adjusted to enhance comfort in the three rear seats or to create extra luggage space. If maximum stowage space is required, the 40:20:40-split rear seat backrest can be remotely unlocked by pressing a button in the boot, then folded down to create an almost level cargo floor. The front passenger backrest can also be lowered to allow long objects such as sports equipment up to 2.60m in length to be transported. Access to the load compartment couldn't be easier thanks to the large, broad and wide-opening tailgate, which can be opened and closed automatically by push button operation or, optionally, touch-free via a sensor below the rear bumper.

Useful features abound in the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer. There are also lashing points in the load bay and “monorails” on the backrests of the front seats, allowing a folding table to be attached. Much thought has gone into providing numerous storage compartments and space, including room for 1.5-litre bottles in each door panel. Further travel items, such as children’s toys, can be stowed away in the hinged compartments under the front or second row seats.

The new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer comes as standard in the UK with third row seats offering generous space for two additional passengers. A non-slip step in the rear door opening aids access in conjunction with the folding and sliding second row of seats (Easy Entry). If the extra passenger seats are not required, the third row can be completely lowered into the load area floor to save space. The loading surface remains almost level and the storage space – barring the multifunction tray – remains unchanged. Third row passengers also benefit from a special centre console with two cupholders, a storage compartment and a 12-volt socket.

Design: elegant yet functional

The front of the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer features a trio of BMW icons – the twin kidney grille, twin round headlights and brand logo. Despite the spacious interior, the front aspect is sporty and flat, with a low windscreen and a high bonnet reducing the perceived height of the vehicle. The bonnet sculpting and the large air intakes sited on the far edges of the nose add to this impression of sportiness. Efficient bi-LED lights are available for the dipped and main beam functions as an option.

Within the vehicle’s silhouette - characterised by a long wheelbase and short overhangs - distinctive lines rising towards the rear give the profile a clear wedge shape. The expansive side glazing accentuates the spacious interior, while a high roofline and large doors promise comfortable access to all seats.

At the rear, the low loading sill and wide-opening automatic tailgate guarantee comfortable access to the load compartment. The large tail lamps extend far into the side of the car, forming an L-shape with their two LED-fed light banks inclining towards the centre.

The interior of the new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer generates an airy feeling of space, combining a horizontal layering of surfaces and volumes with the hallmark BMW driver-centric design. A high seating position enhances all-round visibility; the visual demarcation between the centre console and the instrument panel actually gives the latter the appearance of floating in midair, while electroplated elements and large trim surfaces with accent strips exude a quality ambience.

Drivetrain and chassis: a new power generation

Five lightweight, powerful and fuel-efficient petrol and diesel engines will be available at launch in the new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer, all featuring the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with either three or four cylinders. 

All engines in the range comply with the EU6 exhaust standard. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox; as an option, BMW offers a six-speed Steptronic transmission for the three-cylinder engines, while the four-cylinders motors can be coupled with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission (standard in the BMW 220d xDrive Gran Tourer). All transmissions feature the Auto Start Stop function, which improves fuel economy, while the Steptronic version also offers an efficiency-boosting coasting function.

The new engine family is based on an all-aluminium core unit designed for ultra-low friction. The closed-deck crankcase is particularly rigid, while thermally joined cylinder liners with twin-wire, arc-sprayed coating reduce weight as well as friction. A balancer shaft in the three-cylinder engine (or two counter-rotating balancer shafts in the four-cylinder engines) ensures smooth running across the entire rev range. 

The petrol engines feature turbochargers integrated with the exhaust manifold, with liquid cooling for the manifold as well as the aluminium turbine housing. The exhaust gases cover only a short distance to the turbocharging system, enabling quick responses to the throttle, while the very short warm-up time reduces interior friction in the system and with it fuel consumption. The close-coupled location of the catalytic converter, and the electrically controlled boost pressure control valve – or wastegate – also helps reduce emissions.

All petrol and diesel units in the new engine family come with the latest version of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The petrol engines feature turbocharging, direct petrol injection, Double-VANOS variable camshaft control and VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control. The technology package for the thermodynamically optimised diesel engines includes turbocharging, variable turbine geometry and common rail direct injection with a maximum pressure of 2,000-bar. These world-leading features have enabled BMW to optimise performance while ensuring high levels of efficiency.

With a new, 1.5-litre, three-cylinder diesel engine, the new BMW 216d Gran Tourer is the most efficient model in the range. Featuring a balancer shaft, dual-mass flywheel and centrifugal pendulum absorber, it develops 116hp at 4,000 rpm and 270Nm of torque from as low as 1,750 rpm, taking it to a top speed of 119mph and from rest to 62mph in 11.4 seconds. With a combined fuel consumption of 68.9mpg and commensurately low CO₂ emissions of 108g/km, the BMW 216d Gran Tourer is the most economical, environmentally friendly and efficient vehicle in its class.

The BMW 218d Gran Tourer is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. It develops a maximum output of 150hp at 4,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 330Nm between 1,750 and 2,750rpm, taking this Gran Tourer from standstill to 62mph in 9.5 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 127 (128)mph. Meanwhile, fuel consumption is an excellent 64.2mpg and CO₂ emissions are just 115g/km.

The new BMW 220d xDrive Gran Tourer is arguably the most potent engine offering in the range at launch. Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine has a peak output of 190hp at 4,000rpm and a maximum torque of 400Nm at 1,750rpm. It completes the 0-62mph dash in just 7.8 seconds and effortlessly accelerates to a maximum speed of 135mph. Fuel consumption is an admirable 57.6mpg, while CO₂ emissions are 129g/km.

The BMW 218i Gran Tourer is powered by an extremely compact and lightweight 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. It develops 136hp at 4,400 rpm, with peak torque of 220 Nm already available from 1,250rpm, rising to 230Nm for short periods by using the overboost function. The BMW 218i Gran Tourer when fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox accelerates from 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds with a top speed of 127mph, while fuel consumption is 53.3 (52.3)mpg and CO₂ emissions are 123 (126)g/km.

The BMW 220i Gran Tourer features a high-performance, 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 192hp with peak torque of 280Nm available between 1,250 and 4,600 rpm. As such it sprints from 0-62mph in as little as 7.9 (7.8) seconds and goes on to a top speed of 138mph. The combined fuel consumption is rated as 44.8 (47.9) mpg and CO₂ emissions are 145 (138)g/km.

Chassis: tuned for agile handling and supreme ride comfort.

To optimise the handling of the new 2 Series Gran Tourer, BMW’s engineers focused on a perfectly configured chassis with a wide track, a reduced-friction steering system, a torsionally very stiff and lightweight body, a low centre of gravity and honed aerodynamics. The single-joint spring-strut axle provides the perfect setup for agile cornering performance, with outstanding directional control. 

Aluminium swivel bearings, the use of high-strength steels in the axle subframe and wishbones and a hollow variable-gauge anti-roll bar reduce unsprung masses, while high-quality mountings and bearings along with precisely calculated elastokinematics ensure fine ride comfort.

The rear suspension features a compact multi-link design with particularly stiff control arms and a hollow anti-roll bar. Finally, an electromechanical power steering system provides precise steering and excellent feedback, with both hardware and software tuned for this particular application.

The DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system includes ABS, DTC (Dynamic Traction Control), EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) and Performance Control. In DTC mode the intervention of the stability control is slightly delayed to allow the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer the appropriate amount of wheel spin for maximum acceleration. 

In DSC Off mode, precisely controlled brake power is applied at the front wheels to simulate the effect of a mechanical differential lock (EDLC function) for a significant improvement in traction when accelerating out of bends. 

Performance Control positively influences the vehicle’s self-steering properties by suppressing the typical front-wheel-drive understeer tendency even before a critical level of stability is reached. Standard specification also includes the Start-Off Assistant, Dry Braking function, Brake Standby and Fading Compensation, while ultimate acceleration from rest can be achieved with the aid of the Launch Control that comes as standard in conjunction with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission.

The 10-millimetre-lower M Sport suspension that is a feature of the M Sport model is also available as a separate option. It is based on a tauter spring/damper calibration as well as stiffer anti-roll bars. As an alternative, drivers can choose a chassis with Dynamic Damper Control: using the Driving Experience Control switch, two different damping settings are available. In fact, ECO PRO, SPORT and COMFORT modes are available via this switch in front of the centre console. A press of a button calls up a predefined set-up that configures the powertrain and chassis components accordingly.The additional option of variable sport steering allows the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer to be steered with even greater agility and precision.

EfficientDynamics: making every litre of fuel go further

In the new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer the ancillary units and electrical items form part of an intelligent energy management system. On-demand operation of the coolant pump, a map-controlled oil pump and Electric Power Steering that consumes energy only when required all contribute to reducing fuel consumption. ECO PRO mode also helps the driver achieve an efficient and frugal driving style without compromising on comfort. This feature enables an improvement in fuel economy of up to 20 per cent, while the coasting function (Steptronic only) and ECO PRO Route (in conjunction with the navigation system) can save yet more fuel.

High-tensile and ultra-high-tensile multi-phase steels and components lend the body a high degree of stiffness coupled with extremely low weight. Along with integrating state-of-the-art composite materials, using aluminium helps keep the weight down: the bumper supports, steering shaft, brake guards and wheel swivel bearings are all made of the material. 

With a drag coefficient of cd = 0.28 the new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer is exceptionally aerodynamic, thanks in part to the largely smooth-surfaced underbody panelling. The familiar BMW Air Curtain at the front apron creates a curtain of air in front of the wheel arches to reduce turbulence at the front wheels, while the integration of the roof spoiler with the D-pillar trailing edges (aeroblades) optimises rear-end air flow. 

Trailing edges on the rear lights serve to reduce drag further. Finally, on-demand control of the air flaps behind the BMW kidney grille and in the lower cooling air intake also play their part.

UK model structure

In addition to the standard SE version outlined above, the new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer is available in three other model variants, each with their own particular emphasis: Sport, Luxury and M Sport. Moreover, a host of options are available for enhancing the specification yet further, both inside and out.

The new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer is available in a wide selection of exterior colours, with a multitude of interior trim strips and light-alloy wheels offered. Some 13 different paint finishes are available in all, while the choice of wheels includes nine different designs ranging in size from 16 to 18 inches as an alternative to the 16-inch light-alloy wheels fitted as standard.

The extensive standard equipment list includes a high-quality AM/FM radio, with Bluetooth hands-free system and audio streaming in conjunction with compatible smartphones; the iDrive operating system with Controller on the centre console; Intelligent Emergency Call; a 6.5-inch colour display and the Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode. 

In addition, every BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer also comes with an electronic parking brake, a front armrest, a rain sensor with automatic headlight activation as well as Collision Warning with City Braking function. Two-zone automatic air conditioning, rear Park Distance Control, front fog lamps and a multi-function steering wheel complete the package.

The Sport model brings 17-inch light-alloy wheels, sports seats and bodywork detailing in high-gloss black. The elegance of the Luxury model includes understated chrome trim, interior trim strips in fine wood, exclusive leather upholstery, as well as 17-inch light-alloy wheels. Finally, there is the M Sport model, which maximises the car’s on-road presence via the M Aerodynamics package, BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line trim, sports seats in exclusive leather upholstery, M leather multifunction steering wheel and exclusive 18-inch M light-alloy wheels.

An attractive range of options includes a panoramic sunroof, Dynamic Damper Control and variable sport steering. There is also the option of a Head-Up Display that projects all readouts from the driver assistance systems, navigation information and the current speed in full colour onto a transparent screen. In addition, the new camera-based Driving Assistant Plus feature additionally includes cruise control with Stop & Go function and a Traffic Jam Assistant.

BMW ConnectedDrive offers an unrivalled portfolio of driver assistance systems, with digital services and apps offered either as standard or as optional extras. These include the Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, the camera-based cruise control system with Stop & Go function, the Traffic Jam Assistant, Intelligent Emergency Call, Speed Limit Info Memory, the High Beam Assistant, the Lane Departure Warning system and the Parking Assistant.

Other services include Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) and the Concierge Service. To enable apps to be used safely and easily when driving, those offered have been specially tested by BMW to check that they can be used safely in the vehicle with the iDrive operating system and the Control Display.