Making its debut at the upcoming LA Motor Show this November, the new 4 Series Convertible from BMW offers a stunning upgrade to its sleek 3 Series predecessor.
What makes it distinguishable from the 3 Series model is design. The car has “a visibly greater sporting intent” and is longer, wider and lower and its overall look draws on that seen in the 4 Series Coupe released around four months ago.
The new Convertible also has improved standard specifications compared to the 3 Series. It has a raft of driver aids, including rear parking sensors and Servotronic steering as well as heated electric front seats and a sport-multi-function leather steering wheel for improved comfort.
Of course it also comes with the standard features that are sold across the range, including cruise control, leather upholstery with sun-reflective technology, two-zone air conditioning, Bluetooth and a 6.5 inch colour screen.
Its three-piece folding metal roof can be raised or lowered in a mere 20 seconds, while its wind deflector can be stored behind the seats when it is not being used. Occupants can also keep the roof down on cooler days as the car’s Air Collar system blows warm air at their necks. The roof has improved soundproofing and aerodynamic efficiency so that noise from the wind can be reduced by up to two decibels.
On launch, three choices of the model will be made available; the 420d Convertible, 428i Convertible and 435i Convertible. All of which come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard but the option of an eight-speed automatic is also being offered.
The 420d Convertible comes with a four-cylinder diesel engine on launch. This has an aluminium composite crankcase, common-rail direct injection technology and a turbocharger that boosts low emissions and fuel consumption. The 420d can go from 0 to 62 mph in 8.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 146 mph thanks to its maximum output of 184 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 400 Nm at 1,200 rpm.
In the 428i Convertible, the petrol 2.0 litre four cylinder turbocharged engine means that 245 horse power can be produced from 5,000 to 6,500 rpm while peak torque of 350 Nm can be achieved between 1,250 to 4,800 rpm. It can reach 62 mph in 6.4 seconds and can get to top speeds of 155 mph, though this is electronically limited. While fuel consumption and emissions are low at 41.5 mpg and 159 g/km, with the optional eight gear automatic version, these can be improved to 42.8 mpg and 154 g/km.
At the top of the range is the 435i with its straight-six 3.0 litre petrol engine. The car can go from 0 to 62 in only 5.6 seconds, reaching an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Peak torque of 400 Nm can be achieved between 1,200 rpm and 5,000 rpm, while its maximum horsepower of 306 can be gained between 5,800 rpm and 6,000 rpm.
The car will be released to the UK on March 8th 2014 with prices starting at £36,675 for a 420d SE Convertible.
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