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The new BMW 4 Series Convertible

The new BMW 4 Series Convertible is the latest entrant to a market segment where BMW has enjoyed widespread acclaim and great success over five generations of premium Convertibles.

The design language introduced with the 4 Series Coupé is evident in this, the second model debut in the series. The result is a sporting yet elegant car, roof raised or lowered, that is clearly distinguished from its 3 Series brethren. It's a lower, wider, longer car than the old 3 Series Convertible, with a visibly greater sporting intent.

The BMW 4 Series Convertible has a folding metal roof which can be raised or lowered in just 20 seconds and at speeds of up to 8mph. The optional wind deflector can now be stored behind the seats when not in use, and a new Air Collar system blows warm air around the necks of front seat occupants for open-air driving on cooler days.

At launch the 4 Series Convertible range will consist of two petrol engines and one diesel engine choice, available across five different trim levels. The range is characterised by a marked increase in the standard equipment level offered, despite the minimal increase in price.

The BMW 4 Series Convertible goes on sale 8 March 2014, starting at £36,675 OTR for a 420d SE Convertible.

Design: an elegant, sporting exterior and interior
Traditionally, BMW Convertibles have dynamic and balanced proportions - when the roof is up or down - and the new BMW 4 Series Convertible is no exception.

The dimensions of the new car differ significantly from the outgoing BMW 3 Series Convertible. The overall length of 4,638mm has been extended by 26mm; the wheelbase has grown by 50mm and, together with the wider front track, this gives the car a very athletic stance on the road. The shorter overhangs, long bonnet and set back passenger compartment further accent the graceful silhouette.

Although the BMW 4 Series Convertible is a more overtly sporting car than its predecessor, the design of the front end reflects its close family ties with the kidney grille and twin headlights showing it‘s unmistakably a BMW. The optional adaptive full-LED twin headlights, with their hexagonal design, combine with the slightly forward-slanting BMW kidney grille to form a strong stylistic statement. The width of the vehicle is accentuated by a large air intake in the front apron below the headlight line. On the far left and right-hand edges of the air intake are the additional, aerodynamically refined, Aero Curtains.

From the side, the sloping roofline stretches the car's overall appearance and elegantly accentuates the sporting profile. The moulding at the juncture of the three-piece folding hardtop and the body is available in chrome, black or satin aluminium, depending on the model variant. The shallow side windows, signature BMW Hofmeister kink and the double shoulder line teams up with the striking door sill line, to give the car a dynamic elegance. With the top lowered, the smooth, flowing silhouette is not compromised by radio antennas or rollover bars, which are hidden behind the rear head restraints.

Located behind the BMW 4 Series Convertible's front wheels are Air Breathers designed to reduce drag around the wheel arches. The sporting character extends into the design of the rear where prominent horizontal lines and broadly stretched L-shaped tail lights, positioned at the outer edges, draw attention to the muscular wheel arches and wide track.

Three-piece retractable hard-top: form and function
The three-piece metal roof of the new BMW 4 Series Convertible means that occupants can enjoy a warm, quiet, snug cockpit whatever the weather outside. A simple push of a button transforms the dynamic coupé into an elegant convertible in just 20 seconds and can now be lowered when the vehicle is travelling at speeds of up 8mph.

The hard-top of the BMW 4 Series Convertible features a number of design improvements to reduce noise levels for a much quieter interior ambience. In addition, the sound-absorbing headliner also reduces wind noise by up to 2dB.

The redesigned optional wind deflector is now wider at the sides, and the optional three-temperature Air Collar allows for comfortable open-air driving at low temperatures. The wind deflector is now smaller, lighter, more effective and easier to use. When it is not needed, it can be stored behind the rear seats to save space.

The BMW 4 Series Convertible also has plenty of space in the boot, even when the retractable hard-top is lowered. The new Convertible offers wider access to the luggage compartment, and an electro-hydraulic loading assistance system pivots and positions the folded hard top to ensure maximum utilisation of the 220litres of storage space. When the top is up the luggage compartment has a volume of 370 litres, 20 litres more than in the BMW 3 Series Convertible. Moreover, with the optional Through-loading system a flat and level storage area can be utilised when the backrest of the rear bench seat is folded down.

The interior: wrap around cockpit; boat deck rear
The interior of the BMW 4 Series Convertible blends sporting intent and exclusivity. All of the controls are arranged ergonomically around the driver to provide optimum access to all functions. A sports steering wheel, circular instruments in black panel look and the freestanding flat screen iDrive monitor, controlled by the iDrive Touch Controller when the Professional Media package is specified, epitomise this functional elegance. The completely new design of the front seats includes integrated retractable seat belts , unique in this class, as well as being electrically adjustable as standard. Dakota leather upholstery with Sun Reflective technology is standard on all models.

In the rear, the bench design is contoured to form two individual seats, with cup holders and a storage tray for small items between them. The rear head restraints are separated from the concealed rollover bars and can be removed if desired. The effective rollover bars are comprised of two steel elements hidden behind the rear seats whereby in critical situations, sensors trigger the system and the rollover bars are extended within less than 200ms.

High level of standard specification
The new BMW 4 Series Convertible will offer a significantly higher standard specification that the model it replaces. As standard the 4 Series is fitted with front and rear parking sensors, heated electric front seats, Servotronic steering, a Sport-multi-function leather steering wheel and Xenon headlights. DAB radio, Dakota leather upholstery with SunReflective technology, Two-zone air conditioning, Cruise control, Bluetooth, USB, Comfort Go, Drive Performance Control, iDrive Controller and 6.5-inch colour screen complete the standard specification of all models across the range.

Five individual model trims: the BMW 4 Series Convertible personalised
There are five different trim levels for the new BMW 4 Series Convertible. The standard SE trim level can be built upon with the Sport, Modern, Luxury and M Sport trims, which all embody different takes on the car's character and offer 18-inch alloy wheels and sports seats as standard.

The Sport model features a high-gloss black finish for exterior body elements in the front and rear bumpers and the kidney grille slats. Inside the car, contrasting black and red accents provide a sporting ambience with red contrast stitching on the sports steering wheel and the red trim rings in the inner circle of the instrument dials.

With the Modern model, matt chrome and satin highlight the exterior details and trim. Inside, the light-coloured dashboard, coupled with a steering wheel in dark oyster (both also available in black), creates an airy feel to the cabin. Leather upholstery in oyster or black, and a choice of four trim surfaces with accent strips in Pearl Gloss Chrome, adds to contrast of materials, while door panels in two-tone colours are available.

The Luxury model has all the exterior details in chrome, while the same finish is also used in the interior, including the frame surrounding the audio and air conditioning system. High-gloss wood strips, leather seats with contrast stitching and a choice of two upholstery variants in four classically elegant colours complete the look. The Business Media Package also comes as standard on Luxury models.

The M Sport model is available for those looking to put the emphasis firmly on sportiness. The aerodynamic package includes numerous body components such as the front apron with large air intake, the rear bumper with diffuser and the eye-catching side skirts. Other features include the BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow line trim and the exclusive optional exterior paint Estoril Blue metallic; 18-inch or optional 19-inch light-alloy wheels are in the hallmark M design. Inside the car M doorsill finishers, an M leather steering wheel and Business Media Package are standard, while the driver and front passenger also have exclusive sport seats with M piping and royal blue contrast stitching. M Sport suspension is also included while the M Sport braking system with contrasting blue calipers is now optionally available.