BMW 4 Series convertible | new car sales price

The new convertible shares the same underpinnings as the coupe, with enhanced dynamics and driving pleasure over the 3 Series sedan on which it’s based.

Exterior features have been designed to highlight the vehicle's sporty pedigree, starting with a large wide air-intake in the front apron which accentuates the convertible’s increased width. The air-intake is capped at both ends by apertures for air-curtains to smooth aerodynamics which are complimented by air-breathers located just behind the front wheels. It’s a sleek looker with the convertible top up or down.

DYNAMICS

There have also been some significant changes made by the engineers at BMW to enhance the steering accuracy and agility over the out-going model. The chassis has been significantly extended with 50 mm added to the wheel base and substantial increases to the track width with 45 mm extra at the front and a full 81 mm extra width at the rear.

Refinements have also been made to the suspension of the vehicle, including fine-tuning of the springs and damping, axle kinematics, as well as providing additional strengthening elements in the front section and undercarriage of the car.

FOLDING HARDTOP

The three-piece retractable hardtop in the BMW 4 Series Convertible is based on the tried and tested mechanical design from the predecessor, albeit with numerous enhancements that reduce noise level to improve the interior ambience. The new, more noise absorbent headliner also includes interior lighting features to bring it more in line with the fixed top Coupe variants.

With the push of a button the three-piece retractable hardtop opens in 20 seconds, even when driving at speeds of up to 18km/h and includes an easy-loading function for convenient access to the boot.

For added comfort the new BMW 4 Series Convertible is also available with the optional Air Collar feature (standard on 435i) that warms the neck with a variable stream of air and includes three-position adjustment via a control cleverly integrated into the switch for the convertible roof.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

Power comes from a variety of the latest BMW TwinPower turbo engines with strong performance and impressive fuel economy. Entry point is the 420d Convertible equipped with a turbo four-cylinder diesel engine producing 135kW/380Nm. It accelerates to 100kmh in 8.2 seconds and boasts a low fuel consumption figure of 4.8 l/100km.

The 428i Convertible features a turbo four-cylinder petrol engine, developing 180kW/350Nm. The 0-100kmh sprint is 6.4 seconds while fuel consumption is 6.7 l/100km. At the top of the range the 435i Convertible runs a turbo in-line six-cylinder petrol engine which produces 225kW/400Nm. The numbers are 5.5 seconds 0-10 and 7.7 l/100km. All models have an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and all three combine a suite of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies to achieve low consumption and emissions figures.

EQUIPMENT

Features include auto Stop/Start, Brake Energy Regeneration, ECO PRO mode and on-demand ancillaries such as electric power steering. The equipment levels in all three models is generous Safety is five star and a range of driver assist features are included - front and rear Park Distance Control (PDC), rear view camera, bi-xenon headlights with auto headlight control and rain sensor, as well as an anti-dazzle interior rear view mirror.

Prices start at $88,800 for the 420d Convertible.