The upcoming launch of the convertible will round out BMW's new 4-Series line-up.
The new BMW 4-Series is about to go topless. We got our first look at the Bavarian maker’s 4-Series last January when the compact coupe stormed onto the stage at the Detroit Auto Show. The convertible will make its debut at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show next month.
The 4-Series is the ever-so-slightly larger and sexier replacement for the Coupe and Convertible versions of the old BMW 3-Series. The split reflects the approach first adopted with the 6-Series in which premium 2-door and cabriolet models adopt an even model name, sedans an odd number.
The new BMW 4-Series Coupe has been getting kudos for a more muscular and well-balanced design than the old 3-Series 2-door, with a fastback roofline that is clearly reminiscent of the bigger and more expensive 6-Series. The 4-Series Convertible maintains the new Coupe’s basic dimensions, meaning it will also be longer, wider and roomier than the outgoing 3-Series Cabriolet.
The new folding top in action.
The roof is a three-piece retractable design that can be raised or lowered while the car is rolling along at speeds of up to 11 miles an hour.
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While the 4-Series Convertible will be offered with a wide range of engines, including diesel, around the world, U.S. buyers will be offered two options: a 2.0-liter inline-four in the BMW 428i, or the TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-six of the the BMW 435i. Both engines will be paired with 8-speed automatics – not manual gearboxes this time – and can be ordered in either rear-drive configuration or with xDrive, BMW’s all-wheel-drive system.
Rated at 240 horsepower, the rear-drive 428i will launch from 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds, according to BMW, the 300-hp 435i trimming that to 5.5 seconds. The engines feature Eco and Sport modes, as well.
While larger than its predecessor, the new BMW 4-Series convertible is also lighter – and better-equipped. Using more high-strength steel and aluminum – as well as new, aerodynamic design cues such as the “Air Breather” system positioned behind the front wheel arches – helps improve both performance and fuel economy, the maker claims.
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The rear seats fold down - with a large pass-through from the trunk offering additional storage space.
The new, 3-piece retractable hardtop is similar in concept to the old 3-Series Cabrio but BMW says it has added more insulation to reduce wind noise. Folding the top away does eat into cargo space – which is cut from 13 to just 7.8 cubic feet. But the rear seats can fold down to add a little more storage. Meanwhile, there’s a new, fold-up wind-blocker that stows away in a little cubby behind the rear seats.
To further improve mileage, BMW is adding Stop/Start functionality to the new 4-Series powertrains – a feature that briefly shuts the engine off instead of idling, then instantly restarts it when the driver’s foot lifts off the brake pedal. There’s also a brake energy regeneration system that captures kinetic energy normally wasted when braking or coasting, using that to help recharge the vehicle’s battery.
Precise fuel economy numbers won’t be released until closer to the official 4-Series U.S. on sale date during the first quarter of 2014. But the maker has set pricing already. The BMW 428i set to come in at $49,675, while the 435i jumps to $55,825. Those figures include $925 destination charges.
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