New BMW 4 Series Convertible has a low-slung silhouette and has grown in size when compared with the model it supersedes, the result is an ultra-smooth look.
The soft-top roof is 40 per cent lighter than the outgoing model’s hardtop. The roof is powered by an electric motor that enables it to open or in 18 seconds at the push of a button. This can even be done while on the move at speeds up to 50km/h.
At 4,768 millimetres, it is 128mm longer than its predecessor, width has increased by 27mm to 1,852mm and its wheelbase by 41mm to 2,851mm. It’s 1,384mm tall with the roof closed.
Increased track widths (+28mm at the front and +18mm at the rear) accentuate the car’s muscular stature while also enhancing its sharp handling qualities.
It has a very large BMW kidney grille, which certainly stands out from the crowd in a market segment where looks are very important.
The slim headlights are full-LED on all models. High Beam Assistant is fitted as standard on the 420i and 430i models.
BMW Laserlight is standard on the M440i xDrive, this includes the adaptive cornering function with variable road illumination optimised for urban and freeway driving.
The cabin design has a large screen grouping formed by the instrument cluster and control display. Vernasca leather trim, seat heating and a sports steering wheel work neatly.
Engines on offer are two four-cylinder units for the 420i and 430 (135kW/300Nm and 190kW/400Nm). And a six-cylinder unit for the M440i xDrive (285kW/500Nm).
All three work through an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic that can be controlled via steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.
The body’s rigid structure is stiffened further still by the addition of convertible-specific bracing, an aluminium shear panel at the bottom of the front end, and side skirts with extremely high torsional rigidity.
The M Sport suspension incorporates specially tuned lift-related dampers, while the 430i and M440i xDrive models feature Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers.
The new BMW 4 Series Convertible rides on 19-inch alloy wheels across all variants, while M Sport brakes, which are standard on the 430i and M440i xDrive, are available with a choice of either blue or red brake calipers.
The flagship M440i xDrive has an M Sport differential with electronically controlled, fully variable locking function in the rear differential.
BMW’s M Sport Package will be standard on Australian-delivered BMW 4 Series Convertibles. This has large front air intakes, a sculpted rear apron, sport seats upholstered in ‘Vernasca’ leather trim and knee pads on the centre console.
It features a premium hi-fi speaker system.
BMW M models can be identified by their exterior accents finished in Cerium Grey. Both they and the M Sport model are also available with an M Carbon exterior package.
A wind deflector directs the flow of air through the cabin. It can be easily removed, even with the roof closed, placed in the bespoke supplied bag and stowed behind the folding rear backrest.
Extended BMW Individual Merino leather trim and BMW Individual full leather trim will be made available later as an alternative to the standard ‘Vernasca’ leather trim.
Standard are parking Assistant including Reversing Assistant, Driving Assistant including front collision warning with brake intervention, Lane Change Warning and Lane Departure Warning and the Speed Limit Info system are all now fitted as standard.
Driving Assistant Professional is standard on 430i and M440i xDrive. It adds multiple features including Steering and Lane Control Assistant.
The latest generation of the BMW Head-Up Display uses a projection area that is now 70 per cent larger to show driving-related information in the driver’s field of vision.
New digital services with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality are installed.
A built-in SIM card with 4G LTE connectivity and standard BMW Connected Package Professional enable use of digital services including BMW TeleServices and Intelligent Emergency Call, Real Time Traffic Information with hazard warning, Remote Services and Concierge Services.
BMW Live Cockpit Professional features a fully digital screen grouping comprising a digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel with a screen diagonal of 12.3 inches and a 10.25-inch control display.
BMW Connected Package Professional also includes optimised smartphone integration.
In addition to Apple CarPlay, the operating system for the convertible also has remote Software Upgrade which enables improved vehicle functions, the ability to update the vehicle software and additional digital services to be imported over the air.
It all sounds like a very desirable BMW convertible and we are looking forward to driving one for our week’s road test where we can enjoy top-down motoring on the Gold Coast.
MODEL RANGE
420i 2.0-litre 135kW twin-turbo petrol two-door convertible: $89,900
430i 2.0-litre 190kW twin-turbo petrol two-door convertible: $107,900
M440i xDrive 3.0-litre 285kW twin-turbo petrol two-door convertible: $135,900
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local BMW dealer for drive-away prices.
