BMW 4 SERIES CONVERTIBLE

The BMW 4 Series Convertible will arrive in Australia early next year. The local lineup will include the 420i, 430i and the range topping M440i xDrive.

It has the very large, vertically emphasised BMW kidney grille, with a pronounced forward slant. The slim headlights go a fair way back into the front wheel arches.

Full-LED headlight style units fitted as standard. There’s the option of adaptive LED headlights with BMW Laserlight, which has adaptive cornering function with variable road illumination optimised for urban and freeway driving.

Like any ‘proper’ convertible it has a soft top. It comprises large panel bow elements with a flush-fitting glass rear window and several layers of insulation to help keep the cabin cool. The roof is 40 per cent lighter than the outgoing model’s retractable hardtop.

BMW TwinPower turbocharged technology comes in several variants. Two four cylinder engines for the 420i and 430i, delivering 135kW/300Nm, and 190kW/400Nm a six cylinder unit for the M440i xDrive that develops 285kW/500Nm. All engines sit in front of a fast-shifting eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission that can be controlled via steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

Sport seats are upholstered in Vernasca leather trim, knee pads on the centre console as well as other interior features. There are new digital services with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

The M Sport suspension incorporates specially tuned lift-related dampers, while the M440i xDrive model features Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers. It rides on 19-inch M light-alloy wheels

The M Sport grade, which will be standard on Australian-delivered BMW 4 Series Convertibles, has large front air intakes, strikingly sculpted rear apron, and M Sport suspension.

We are certainly looking forward to the arrival of the new BMW 4 Series Convertible and will arrange a week’s test drive of one (or two if we can swing it!) and report back to you immediately afterwards.

About Ewan Kennedy

Ewan Kennedy, a long-time car enthusiast, was Technical Research Librarian with the NRMA from 1970 until 1985. He worked part-time as a freelance motoring journalist from 1977 until 1985, when he took a full-time position as Technical Editor with Modern Motor magazine. Late in 1987 he left to set up a full-time business as a freelance motoring journalist. Ewan is an associate member of the Society of Automotive Engineers - International. An economy driving expert, he set the Guinness World Record for the greatest distance travelled in a standard road vehicle on a single fuel fill. He lists his hobbies as stage acting, travelling, boating and reading.
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