The new BMW 4 Series Convertible

SYDNEY – Jan 24, 2014: Open top motoring has never been more appealing with BMW Australia today announcing specification and pricing for the stunning new BMW 4 Series Convertible.

Closely following in the footsteps of its recently released Coupé sibling, the newest open top model from BMW sets new standards in terms of dynamics, elegance and extraordinary driving pleasure for its segment.

According to Phil Horton, managing director of BMW Group Australia, the new 4 Series Convertible sets fresh heights in emotional allure.

“With its striking blend of performance, elegance and innovation the new BMW 4 Series Convertible instantly appeals,” he said.

“It’s a definite winner and is sure to extend on the worldwide success of its predecessor,” said Horton.

The new BMW 4 Series Convertible reflects the more muscular and purposeful design as first seen on the Coupé variant. 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 vehicle’s increased width. The air-intake is capped at both ends by apertures for aerodynamically motivated air-curtains which are complimented by air-breathers located just behind the front wheels.

The design language of the new BMW 4 Series Convertible is also reflected in the cars unmistakably sleek and elegant silhouette with the convertible top up or down.

Proportionally larger in comparison to the out-going model, the new BMW 4 Series Convertible boasts an overall length of 4,638 mm, an increase of 26 mm, and a width of 1,825 mm which has increased by 43 mm over the predecessor.

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 - 45 mm extra at the front and a full 81 mm wider at the rear.

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

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 just 20 seconds, even whilst 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). This new feature 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.

Powered by the latest in engine technology, the new BMW 4 Series Convertible models are all equipped with BMW TwinPower turbo engines boasting exhilarating power and torque figures, yet still returning impressive fuel economy.

At the entry point to the range, the 420d Convertible is equipped with a BMW TwinPower turbo four-cylinder diesel engine producing 135kW of power and 380 Nm of torque. The 420d accelerates to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds and boasts a staggeringly low fuel consumption figure of 4.8 l/100km, with emissions of just 127 grams of CO2 per km.

The 428i Convertible features the multi-award winning TwinPower turbo four-cylinder petrol engine, developing 180 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque. This output is enough to nail the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 6.4 seconds while consuming a low 6.7 l/100 km of fuel on the combined cycle.

At the top of the range, the supremely capable performance of the 435i Convertible is generated by the much lauded BMW TwinPower turbo in-line six-cylinder petrol engine which pumps out 225 kW and 400 Nm of torque. Reaching 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds, the performance belies the conscientiously frugal fuel consumption and emissions figures of just 7.7 l/100km and 180 g/km of CO2 respectively.

These impressive results are achieved in part due to the standard inclusion of the eight-speed sport automatic transmission for all BMW 4 Series Convertible models.

Additionally, all three models combine ultra-efficient engine and transmission combinations with a suite of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies to achieve exemplary consumption and emissions figures. Each BMW 4 Series Convertible is equipped with Auto Stop/Start, Brake Energy Regeneration, ECO PRO mode and on-demand ancillaries such as electric power steering.

The equipment levels of the BMW 4 Series Convertible models are similarly impressive as they include a high level of standard specification nearly identical to that of the equivalent BMW 4 Series Coupé models. The exceptions include a wind deflector and heated front seats which are fitted as standard on every 4 Series Convertible model as well as the optional Air Collar (standard on the 435i Convertible).

The new BMW 4 Series Convertible will be arriving in Australian showrooms from March.