Official images, specs and pictures of the BMW 4 Series Convertible have appeared on the Internet ahead of its big reveal at the LA Auto Show in November.
The new drop-top Bimmer will come with a triple-layered hard roof for keeping noise, the elements and the claws your neighbour’s cat at bay. It can retract in a relatively slow 20 seconds but can be operated at speeds up to 11mph, so you won’t have to stop completely if the heavens open.
It’s a big departure from the fabric roof found in the BMW 3 Series Convertible and more in line with the new BMW Z4.
Because the non-fabric roof is stowed away in the boot when retracted, the boot space of the two-door, four-seater 4 Series Convertible drops from 370 litres to 220 Litres, making it much less practical.
Just like the 4 Series Coupe, two petrols and one diesel engine will be available at launch. There’s a 420d diesel lump that produces 180bhp and 280lb/ft of torque, a turbocharged four-cylinder 428i with 241bhp and a range-topping twin-turbo 435i that churns out 302bhp.
All engines are mated to a 6-speed manual as standard but an 8-speed automatic can be specified if you are happy stump up some extra coinage.
No word on performance figures just yet, but given the 420d weighs 305kg more than its hard-top brethren we expect that 1,755kg kerb weight to bring the 0 to 62mph time of 7.5 seconds down quite substantially. Handling and fuel efficiency are also likely to suffer, although the 50/50 weight distribution may offset some of the damage.
Standard extras of the 4 Series Convertible will include heated front seats, full parking sensors, xenon headlights, 6.5-inch colour display and automatic headlights, wipers and boot opening. There’s even seatbelt feeders that make it easier to belt up.
Like with the BMW 4 Series coupe, a performance-focussed M4 Convertible could be revealed although it’s not been set in stone yet.
Expect to pay a minimum of £35,650 for the 420d ─ about £5,000 more than the coupe – rising up to around £45,000 for the king-of-the-hill 435i.
It will go on sale in on the 8th of March 2014. Expect more details to emerge as the 2013 LA Auto Show nudges closer.
BMW 4 Series Pictures
Leave a Reply