BMW 4 Series Convertible detailed

BMW has released details of the new 4 Series Convertible, with the new drop-top joining its 4 Series Coupe sibling in replacing the previous 3 Series equivalent.

As with the 4 Series Coupe, the new Convertible has grown in length, width and wheelbase over the previous model, giving it a sleek overall profile that is just 10mm taller than the new hardtop.

Like the outgoing 3 Series Convertible, the new 4 uses a folding hardtop to deliver coupe/convertible duality, unlike the soft tops of the smaller 1 Series Convertible and larger 6 Series drop-top.

The new 4 Series top comes with a redesigned sound-absorbing headliner that drops cabin noise by a claimed 2dB, and can be lowered at the touch of a button in 20 seconds, at speeds up to 18km/h.

A redesigned windblock can now be stored behind the rear seat, and neck warmers are available for front seat occupants for the first time.

Boot capacity is a useful 370L (up 20L) with the roof up, which drops to 220L with the top down. A folding rear seat backrest and ski-port offer further storage flexibility.

Australian drivelines are yet to be confirmed, but are expected to match the coupe with an entry-level 420d with a 135kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel four; a 428i powered by a 180kW/350Nm 2.0-litre petrol turbo four; and a 435i carrying a 225kW/400Nm 3.0L turbo petrol six.

BMW claims 0-100km/h acceleration of 8.2 seconds for the 420d Convertible, while the 428i drops to 6.4 seconds, and the 435i manages 5.6 seconds.

The coupe’s six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmission options are also expected to carry over, and a hotter M4 variant will follow after the M4 Coupe’s official debut. 

Local 4 Series Convertible pricing is yet to be announced, but you can expect a premium over the coupe's estimated $70,000 for the 420d, $85,000 for the 428i and $110,000 for the 435i, which hit showrooms this month.

This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn