The standout element of the models in the new BMW 4-Series range is the carefully judged enhancement of their sporting abilities. And now, this can also be combined with the pleasure of open-top motoring. With its sensational styling, brand new roof design, diverse line-up of engines, top-class chassis technology and innovative equipment features, the new BMW 4-Series Convertible packages driving pleasure in a particularly exclusive form. The open-top four-seater follows the lead of the new BMW 4-Series Coupé by featuring a standalone design with a notably sharper profile than its predecessor. Its distinct vehicle concept with model-specific body structure and bespoke chassis tuning instils the new BMW 4-Series Convertible with exceptional dynamic flair. This also serves to distinguish it more clearly than ever from the new 3-Series Sedan, which provided the technological blueprint for the new BMW 4-Series range.
BMW has a long-standing tradition of fusing the brand's hallmark sporting prowess with the pleasure of open-top driving in a premium midsize model. It was 35 years ago that the first ever BMW 3-Series Convertible was unveiled at the IAA international motor show in Frankfurt. The open-top four-seater car was an instant hit with its graceful silhouette, low, horizontal shoulderline and a seating position that further intensified contact with the outside world. Unrivalled in its segment, this formula for generating supreme driving pleasure under the open sky has been consistently refined by each successive model generation, with the new BMW 4-Series Convertible now the sixth generation to deliver a contemporary take on the original concept.
Exterior design: distinctive proportions create an aura of sportiness and elegance
With its dynamically stretched proportions the new BMW 4-Series Convertible makes no secret of either its class-leading sporting prowess or the stylish elegance inherent in an open-top four-seater built for exclusive driving pleasure. At the same time, the brand's new design language has produced a striking interpretation of the low-slung silhouette that is traditionally a defining feature of premium midsize BMW convertibles. This aspect is particularly noticeable with the roof down and combines with the powerfully sculpted surfaces to bring the sporty nature of the new 4-Series Convertible prominently to the fore.
The newcomer's elegant yet powerful presence also stems from its larger exterior dimensions. At 4,768 millimetres, it is 128 mm longer than its predecessor, while width has increased by 27 mm to 1,852 mm and wheelbase has grown by 41 mm to 2,851 mm. The vehicle height is 1,384 mm with the roof closed. Increased track widths (+ 28 mm at the front and + 18 mm at the rear) accentuate the car's muscular stature while also having a beneficial effect on its sporty handling qualities. The fine balance between sportiness and elegance for which BMW is renowned shines through again in the long bonnet, short overhangs and long doors with frameless windows.
Interior: driver-centric cockpit design and four seats immersed in a premium ambience of sporting elegance
The blend of sportiness and elegance that characterises the new BMW 4-Series Convertible is carried through into the cabin. The driver-centric cockpit design is further enhanced by the large screen grouping of instrument cluster and Control Display. Together with the ergonomically optimised arrangement of the controls, this helps to focus the driver's attention on the road ahead. Standard equipment includes sports seats in the front with ergonomically designed belt feeders that make it easier for the driver and front passenger to fasten their seat belts. The high-set centre console combines with the harmoniously coordinated surface structuring of the instrument panel and door panel trim to create an enveloping environment for the front seat occupants. In the BMW M440i xDrive Convertible, BMW M440d xDrive Convertible and M Sport model option, the outer edges of the centre console have knee pads to encourage a sporty driving style.
Standout features specific to the Convertible's interior include the smartly styled shoulder panelling, with unbroken trim edging which sweeps around the entire cabin. Subtly styled domes on the rear shelf echo the shape of the rear head restraints. The rear seats have a clear individual seat design, underscored by the rear centre armrest's built-in storage and cup holder module.
Horizontal lines define the structure of the elegantly designed instrument panel in the new BMW 4-Series Convertible. Its width is further emphasised by the contours and high-quality electroplated strips extending into the door areas. At the centre of the panel is a sharply designed unit accommodating the displays and buttons for the air conditioning and the central air vents. The start/stop button for the engine is now positioned in a classy control panel in the centre console, where the newly designed selector lever is joined by the iDrive Controller and the buttons for the Driving Experience Control switch and electromechanical parking brake. The light functions are operated from a panel of buttons next to the steering wheel.
Engines, transmissions and BMW xDrive
Instantaneous power delivery, a vigorous appetite for revs and exceptional refined performance are the common denominators of the engines offered for the new BMW 4-Series Convertible. The various petrol and diesel units with either four or six cylinders are all members of the current Efficient Dynamics family. They boast the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which helps to reduce fuel consumption and emissions figures in exemplary fashion. Meanwhile, the introduction of mild hybrid technology with a 48V starter-generator gives a further boost to efficiency with the added benefit of even sharper response. The exhaust gas aftertreatment technology has also been improved, as a result of which all model variants comply with the Euro 6d emissions standard.
Thanks to their outstanding capabilities, the power units lend themselves to both sporty driving and relaxed cruising in the new BMW 4-Series Convertible. The range now peaks with the new BMW M440i xDrive Convertible, whose exceptionally powerful six-cylinder in-line petrol engine propels it to exceptional feats of performance. The new BMW 4-Series Convertible will also be available with a choice of two four-cylinder petrol units and a four-cylinder diesel from launch. The line-up is set to expand further with the arrival of two straight-six diesel engines over the course of 2021.
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