BMW 4 Series convertible revealed
Larger in width, track and wheelbase than the BMW 3 Series convertible, the 4 Series convertible sets itself further apart through a number of distinguishing technical features that promise to deliver a better driiving experience than the current 3 Series.
The 4 Series drop top's general design features typical BMW short overhangs front and rear, a stretched bonnet and set-back passenger compartment, with the signature double-kidney grille, twin circular headlights and the large air intakes in the front apron.
In addition to the standard model, three specially equipped lines - the Sport Line, Modern Line and Luxury Line - can be selected to personalise the new convertible with special interior and exterior accents. An M Sport package is also available.
Improved roof design and construction.
Design language of the new convertible follows that of the coupes, with a sleek look of the roofline - without a B column - when the hardtop is closed. The three-piece retractable hardtop is fully lined, features built-in lamps, and distinguished by advanced soundproofing, thanks to a "noise-absorbing" headliner, ensuring quietness and genuine passenger comfort under all weather conditions.
When the top is down and stored in the boot, the standard load and unload assistance function pivots the folded roof in the luggage compartment upwards to provide storage space and easy access, to enable large and bulky items to be conveniently stowed when the top is down.
BMW say the 4 Series' low and sporty seats ensure more headroom as well as added rear legroom in comparison to its predecessor.
Aerodynamic exterior design.
Air Breathers, positioned rearward of the front wheel arches, and Air Curtains are as per the 4 Series and M4 coupes revealed in June and August, which are designed to reduce turbulence and aerodynamic drag at the front wheels.
Horizontal lines and muscular wheel arches combine to accentuate the car's wide track and rear-wheel drive concept. Most other exterior design features are also as per the 4 Series coupe.
Individual equipment lines and exclusive details.
The 4 Series convertible's doors are designed so that all the lines converge towards the rear, and bright colour combinations featuring a two-tone effect for the door and side panels contribute in combination with the hardtop cover to the "boat deck" look. This wrap-around interior design provides for a seating ensemble that allows all passengers to share the open-sky driving experience.
The interior also features ergonomically-arranged controls, while the design of the seats is new, with electrical operation as standard and includes integrated seatbelts.
Standard seats and optional sport seats feature a new design, with integrated seatbelts and electrical operation as standard. The recessed front seat head restraints can be equipped with neck warmers, an optional extra available on a BMW for the first time.
When the top is down, the temperature setting is automatically controlled in relation to the outdoor temperature and the speed of the vehicle.
Driving dynamics from the top drawer.
BMW engineers have succeeded in making key improvements in areas such as steering accuracy, precision and agility on the 4 Series convertible, with the aim of delivering exhilarating performance and sovereign handling.
Sophisticated chassis technology, torque-steer-free Electric Power Steering, 50:50 weight distribution, a programme of fine-tuning in the wind tunnel and a lightweight construction concept enabled BMW to build an unadulterated driving machine.
A longer wheelbase, wider track and lower suspension are standard, with the extremely low centre of gravity accounting for what BMW say is "remarkable performance and handling".
Three engine options available.
The 4 Series has launched with three engine choices: an in-line four-cylinder (BMW 428i Convertible); and six-cylinder petrol engine (BMW 435i Convertible) will be available; as well as a four-cylinder diesel (BMW 420d Convertible).
The range covers performance from 135 kW (184 hp) to 225 kW (306 hp) and feature the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, delivering outstanding acceleration while intelligently reducing fuel consumption in compliance with the EU6 standard.
Six-speed manual or eight-speed Sports automatic transmission.
A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, with an eight-speed paddle shift Sports automatic available as an option on all three engine variants. Both transmissions are equipped as standard with the Auto Start-Stop function.
BMW EfficientDynamics.
Low fuel consumption can be traced to BMW EfficientDynamics, with innovations that can be found throughout the new 4 Series convertible. In addition to the optimised fuel economy, lightweight construction concept and honed aerodynamics, other features such as the Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, gear shift indicator, on-demand operation of ancillary units all do their part to ensure low fuel consumption and reduced emissions.
Additionally, the innovative Proactive Driving Assistant does its part, without compromising driving performance. BMW claim the ECO PRO mode can lead to fuel savings of 20 per cent.
In conjunction with the automatic transmission, the new convertible - like the BMW 4 Series Coupe - also features a coasting mode for the first time.
BMW Connected Drive.
The Connected Drive product range is available as standard or optional for the 4 Series convertible and, for a limited time, some can even be ordered after the initial vehicle purchase.
With these innovations, BMW says the 4 Series convertible is setting new standards in terms of safety, convenience and infotainment.
Highlights include a new generation of the Navigation System Professional, full-colour BMW Head-Up Display, Driving Assistant Plus (which warns the driver of a potential collision with a pedestrian), glare-free LED High Beam Assistant, Active Protection with Attentiveness Assistant and the latest development stage of the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function.
Set to make its official debut next month, delivery of the new BMW 4 Series convertible is expected from early 2014, but local delivery was unconfirmed at time of posting.
