BMW’s glamorous all-new 4 Series Convertible hits local dealerships in March, priced from $88,800.
Like the 4 Series Coupe which replaced the previous generation 3 Series Coupe, the 4 series Convertible is longer, wider and runs a wider track than the outgoing 3 Series Convertible. The newcomer – like the Coupe - adopts a much more purposeful look.
And there’s lots of technology to accompany the racy looks – like the 4 Series Coupe, the Convertible runs BMW’s clever aerodynamic ‘air-curtains either side of the front air intakes with matching extractors behind the front wheels.
Like its predecessor, the all-new BMW 4 Series Coupe runs a stylish folding three-piece hardtop roof (operation time 20 seconds) which looks great open or closed. BMW says much work has been done to improve the noise insulation for the 4 Series.
A familiar engine lineup awaits. Entry-level is the 135kW/380Nm 420d diesel, opening the batting for the petrol powerplants is the 180kW/350Nm 428i and the range-topper is the six-cylinder 225kW400Nm 435i.
Standard transmission is an eight-speed automatic.
Underneath, the all-new BMW 4 Series Convertible rides on a chassis which, in comparison to the outgoing 3 Series – is 50mm longer in the wheelbase, 45mm wider in the front track and 81mm wider in the rear track. BMW’s engineers have focused on sharper steering response and there have also been significant changes to springs and dampers.
Specification levels mirror the BMW 4 Series Coupe except the Convertible runs a wind deflector and heated front seats (and the neck-warming Air Collar which is standard on the 435i and optional on the others).
The full lineup is:
420d $88,800
428i $97,500
435i $126,600
