In early June BMW unveiled their 4 Series Coupe, now they’ve just unveiled the convertible version. It is a thing of beauty. The grille has made it’s way to the convertible but we think it looks pretty darn good, we know opinions differ in the car world.
So what’s the biggest change? Well BMW has decided to ditch the hardtop in place of a lighter soft-top just like the new Z4. BMW promises better handling from the new 4 Series Convertible and more cargo space.
BMW says that the roof is 40 per cent lighter than the predecessor. The soft top comes in Black as standard and Anthracite Silver effect as an option for buyers. Thanks to the new soft top cargo space has increased from 300 litres (80 l more than predecessor) with the roof down to 385 litres (15 l more) when closed. With a low center of gravity BMW claims it has a 50:50 weight distribution. BMW says it also has optimized aerodynamics, wider tracks than on the outgoing model.
Engine derivatives come in the form of the 420i (2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol 135 kW/300 Nm), 430i (2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol 190 kW/400 Nm), M440i xDrive (3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol 275 kW/500 nM0, 420d (2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel 140 kW/400 Nm), 430d (3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel 210 kW/650 Nm), and the M440d xDrive (3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel 250 kW/700 NM) The M440i benefits from mild-hybrid technology which is a 48V starter-generator that assists the engine with its additional 8 kW of power. All models come standard with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. An eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is available as an option and comes with a sprint function for instantaneous acceleration.
Specially tuned lift-related dampers come as standard whilst buyers can opt for stiffer M Sport suspension or adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers, M Sport brakes with a choice of blue or red brake callipers. The optional M Sport package Pro includes 19-inch M light-alloy wheels and a sporty engine soundtrack that plays in the cabin.
Inside BMW describes it as “Modern premium ambience and characteristic blend of sporting flair and sophisticated elegance in the interior.” The new 4 Series Convertible comes standard with Vernasca leather trim and seat heating, plus leather sports steering wheel as standard. Knee pads on the centre console are an optional extra. The infotainment is courtesy of BMW’s latest iDrive 7 which comes as standard. All models come standard with an 8.8-inch touch screen which can be upgraded to 10.25-inches and bigger 12.3-inch digital drivers display is available as an option. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant come as standard.
We are yet to find out when the new BMW 4 Series will make its way to our shores and which engine options will make it to Mzansi.
