As the second of the 4 Series variants, the new BMW 4 Series Convertible carries the same aggressive styling. Leaving the hardtop behind with the previous generation, the new 4 Series convertible now has what BMW describe as a panel bow softtop. Overall, this model is a significant improvement over the last generation of the 4 Series boasting more balance and practicality.
BMW is not holding back with aggression and road presence.
While the current design of the 4 Series is a hot topic, especially when it comes to the grille, it definitely fills the goals that BMW set out for it. That is to be sporty and carry an imposing presence on the road. As with the rest of the 4 series, the same large upright grille features with a new colour, metallic San Remo Green. Flanking the grille are two slim headlights with daytime running LEDs. Laserlight units can be produced optionally.
Moving away from the hardtop to a softtop roof was a bigger move than one would initially expect. The new roof is a significant improvement. Using fabric, it is 40 percent lighter than the previous car and can close in just 18 seconds while still travelling at 50 km/h. Black is the standard colour but buyers can opt for anthracite silver.
The same interior as its coupé sibling.
To no surprise, the interior of the convertible borrows much from the BMW 4 Series coupé. There are some standout features still including automatically extending and retracting seatbelt feeders for the front seats. Since this is a convertible, this 4 Series model has a wind deflector and neck warmers for when the sea breeze is just a little too chilly. The softtop creates much better luggage space too. This second-generation will now have 300 litres of space with the roof down and 385 litres with the roof up.
Three models and two engines at launch.
With three models at launch, we have two engines to talk about. For starters, the 420i and 430i both come equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. They do have different peak outputs with the 420i model at 135 kW and 300 Nm. The 430i has 190 kW and 400 Nm.
The current flagship is the M40i xDrive which comes with a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine that sends 275 kW and 500 Nm to all four wheels. BMW says this will get it to go from 0 – 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds.
All models come with an eight-speed Steptronic automated transmission while maintaining a 50:50 weight ratio. Keep your eyes on the news because an M4 version is planned to reveal at a later date.
There are multiple M Sports upgrades for the 4 Series.
When buying a new 4 Series convertible, BMW offers a whole array of M Sports optional upgrades. These include stiffer suspension with variable sport steering and adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers. In addition to those are M Sport brakes, M Sport differential, M Carbon exterior package, nineteen-inch M light-alloy wheels and a catalogue of other M Performance Parts.
