The new BMW 4 Series Convertible is the latest entrant to a market segment where BMW has enjoyed widespread acclaim and great success over five generations of premium Convertibles.
The design language introduced with the 4 Series Coupé is evident in this, the second model debut in the series. The result is a sporting yet elegant car, roof raised or lowered, that is clearly distinguished from its 3 Series brethren. It’s a lower, wider, longer car than the old 3 Series Convertible, with a visibly greater sporting intent.
The BMW 4 Series Convertible has a folding metal roof which can be raised or lowered in just 20 seconds and at speeds of up to 8mph. The optional wind deflector can now be stored behind the seats when not in use, and a new Air Collar system blows warm air around the necks of front seat occupants for open-air driving on cooler days.
At launch the 4 Series Convertible range will consist of two petrol engines and one diesel engine choice, available across five different trim levels. The range is characterised by a marked increase in the standard equipment level offered, despite the minimal increase in price.
Although the BMW 4 Series Convertible is a more overtly sporting car than its predecessor, the design of the front end reflects its close family ties with the kidney grille and twin headlights showing it‘s unmistakably a BMW. The optional adaptive full-LED twin headlights, with their hexagonal design, combine with the slightly forward-slanting BMW kidney grille to form a strong stylistic statement. The width of the vehicle is accentuated by a large air intake in the front apron below the headlight line. On the far left and right-hand edges of the air intake are the additional, aerodynamically refined, Aero Curtains.
From the side, the sloping roofline stretches the car’s overall appearance and elegantly accentuates the sporting profile. The moulding at the juncture of the three-piece folding hardtop and the body is available in chrome, black or satin aluminium, depending on the model variant. The shallow side windows, signature BMW Hofmeister kink and the double shoulder line teams up with the striking door sill line, to give the car a dynamic elegance. With the top lowered, the smooth, flowing silhouette is not compromised by radio antennas or rollover bars, which are hidden behind the rear head restraints.
Located behind the BMW 4 Series Convertible’s front wheels are Air Breathers designed to reduce drag around the wheel arches. The sporting character extends into the design of the rear where prominent horizontal lines and broadly stretched L-shaped tail lights, positioned at the outer edges, draw attention to the muscular wheel arches and wide track.
The three-piece metal roof of the new BMW 4 Series Convertible means that occupants can enjoy a warm, quiet, snug cockpit whatever the weather outside. A simple push of a button transforms the dynamic coupé into an elegant convertible in just 20 seconds and can now be lowered when the vehicle is travelling at speeds of up 8mph.
The interior of the BMW 4 Series Convertible blends sporting intent and exclusivity. All of the controls are arranged ergonomically around the driver to provide optimum access to all functions. A sports steering wheel, circular instruments in black panel look and the freestanding flat screen iDrive monitor, controlled by the iDrive Touch Controller when the Professional Media package is specified, epitomise this functional elegance. The completely new design of the front seats includes integrated retractable seat belts , unique in this class, as well as being electrically adjustable as standard. Dakota leather upholstery with Sun Reflective technology is standard on all models.
In the rear, the bench design is contoured to form two individual seats, with cup holders and a storage tray for small items between them. The rear head restraints are separated from the concealed rollover bars and can be removed if desired. The effective rollover bars are comprised of two steel elements hidden behind the rear seats whereby in critical situations, sensors trigger the system and the rollover bars are extended within less than 200ms.
The BMW 4 Series Convertible goes on sale 8 March 2014, starting at £36,675 OTR.
