BMW lifts lid on topless 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series Convertible will hit South African boulevards during the first quarter of 2014, just before summer bows out.
The BMW 4 Series Convertible will hit South African boulevards during the first quarter of 2014, just before summer bows out.
The BMW 4 Series Convertible will hit South African boulevards during the first quarter of 2014, just before summer bows out.
The BMW 4 Series Convertible will hit South African boulevards during the first quarter of 2014, just before summer bows out.
The BMW 4 Series Convertible will hit South African boulevards during the first quarter of 2014, just before summer bows out.
The BMW 4 Series Convertible will hit South African boulevards during the first quarter of 2014, just before summer bows out.
The BMW 4 Series Convertible will hit South African boulevards during the first quarter of 2014, just before summer bows out.
The BMW 4 Series Convertible will hit South African boulevards during the first quarter of 2014, just before summer bows out.
The BMW 4 Series Convertible will hit South African boulevards during the first quarter of 2014, just before summer bows out.
The BMW 4 Series Convertible will hit South African boulevards during the first quarter of 2014, just before summer bows out.
The BMW 4 Series Convertible will hit South African boulevards during the first quarter of 2014, just before summer bows out.
The BMW 4 Series Convertible will hit South African boulevards during the first quarter of 2014, just before summer bows out.
The BMW 4 Series Convertible will hit South African boulevards during the first quarter of 2014, just before summer bows out.

Published Oct 14, 2013

BMW has unveiled the sunnier side of its new 4 Series range.

Like the open-top 3 Series that it replaces, the 4 Series Convertible features a three-piece retractable hardtop, although the new version offers new features and functionality.

Advanced soundproofing comes in the form of a noise-absorbing headliner that reduces noise by 2 dB while integrated lights add to the cabin ambience.

TOP DOWN WARMTH

The hard top can be lowered in just 20 seconds, with a single button-push of course, and even when it's folded into the boot, 220 litres of luggage space remains. BMW says that's enough for bulky luggage or golf clubs, but if the kitchen sink really needs to come for the ride, raising the roof again will liberate 320 litres of stashing space.

For open-top motoring on those chilly mornings, the Convertible is now available with neck warmers as part of the Cold Weather Package.

For those who enjoy the high-tech highway, BMW offers a glut of driver assistance systems including full-colour head-up display, the pedestrian-detecting Active Driving Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go and 3D navigation.

LOW SLUNG

Like its Coupé counterpart, the 4 Series Convertible boasts sportier proportions than its predecessor. Not only is it visibly larger in width and wheelbase, but it also sits lower to the road.

There are no surprises on the engine front, where the 4 Series initially offers a choice between three turbocharged engines on international markets.

The smallest petrol option is the 428i, fitted with BMW's 180kW/350Nm 2-litre motor while the flagship 435i is fitted with the 225kW/400Nm 3-litre straight-six. The sole diesel offering, for now, is the 135kW/380Nm 420d. The engines can be paired with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed Sports automatic transmission.

More details on the South African specification Convertible will be released nearer to its early-2014 launch, as will the prices but given that the previous Convertible commanded a R100 000 premium over the Coupé, we're not expecting it to be cheap.

BMW recently announced the prices of the 4 Series Coupé, which range from R520 988 for the 428i to R691 527 for the 335i.