BMW Asia unveils the BMW 4 Series Convertible

The BMW 4 Series Convertible. Open-top driving pleasure redefined.

Singapore. BMW Asia has unveiled the BMW 4 Series Convertible, which heralds a new era in the premium mid-size range of open-top BMW cars. Available as the 435i and 428i Convertible, it will be retailed via Performance Motors Ltd.

“The BMW 4 Series Convertible sets new standards in terms of dynamics, elegance and extraordinary driving pleasure – both with the top up or down. The BMW 4 Series Convertible has an extremely low centre of gravity, bespoke chassis setup and intelligent lightweight construction concept, resulting in an exceptionally dynamic overall package,” said Mr Sethipong Anutarasoti, Corporate Affairs Director, BMW Group Asia.

“With added dimensions, the new BMW 4 Series Convertible is bigger than the outgoing BMW 3 Series Convertible but does not compromise on its overall handling and driving dynamics. Additionally, the new BMW 4 Series Convertible now comes with a number of new features powered by both BMW EfficientDynamics and BMW ConnectedDrive technologies for the first time.”

New dimensions, lower centre of gravity.

Traditionally BMW convertibles have always been styling trendsetters thanks to their dynamic and balanced proportions, both when the top is up or down. The dimensions of the BMW 4 Series Convertible differ significantly from the outgoing BMW 3 Series Convertible. Despite an increase in the car’s length to 4,638mm (+26mm) and a longer wheelbase of 2,810mm (+50mm), these added dimensions combine neatly with the BMW 4 Series Convertible’s BMW typical short overhangs, long bonnet, set-back passenger compartment to produce a silhouette boasting impeccable visual balance.

For the first time, the rear wheel arches mark the car’s broadest point – a clear statement of dynamic intent. The result is a +45mm wider front track (1,545mm) and +81mm of extra width at the rear axle (1,594mm). The BMW 4 Series Convertible also sits 8mm closer to the asphalt than the previous BMW 3 Series Convertible, which brings the car’s centre of gravity down. As such, drivers of the new BMW 4 Series Convertible can look forward to an alluring package of assured roadholding, agile handling and enhanced precision and feedback without compromising on comfort.

Intelligent lightweight and high-strength construction.

Dynamic performance and handling is significantly influenced by vehicle weight. The new BMW 4 Series Convertible’s intelligent lightweight construction concept makes a major contribution to the car’s dynamic qualities. The use of high- and ultra-high-strength multi-phase steels and tailored blanks – customised precision components for specific applications – maximises the body’s strength. The torsional rigidity has been increased by 40 percent compared with the predecessor model. The top also plays a decisive role in a convertible, because the car does not have a roof serving as a permanent support element. Most BMW 4 Series Convertible variants are up to 20 kg lighter than the predecessor, even though the new vehicle is larger and conforms to more stringent safety standards.

 

Aerodynamic qualities.

When the hardtop is up, the new BMW 4 Series Convertible highlights its aerodynamic qualities with a Cd (drag coefficient) of 0.28 – which is the same figure as for the new BMW 4 Series Coupé. The convertible achieves a Cd of 0.33 when the top is down, which is possible due to the optimisation of the front apron and the rear of the car. The BMW Air Curtain in the front apron generates a veil of air, which reduces turbulence – and therefore air drag – around the front wheels. The new BMW Air Breathers positioned rearwards of the front wheel arches divert some of the air flowing through the wheel arches, thereby reducing air resistance. These innovations serve to optimise fuel economy and – at the same time – enhance the drag coefficient.

Three-piece retractable hardtop. Form and function.

The BMW 4 Series Convertible offers outstanding everyday driving qualities and a dynamic design, with the top up or down. The height of the BMW 4 Series Convertible is 1,384mm, making it a mere 7mm taller than the BMW 4 Series Coupé. The hardtop of the BMW 4 Series Convertible features a number of design improvements that reduce noise levels for a much quieter interior ambience. The sound-absorbing headliner also reduces wind noise by up to 2 dB in comparison to the predecessor model. All it takes is a push of a button to transform the dynamic coupé into an elegant athletic convertible within 20 seconds. The top can also be lowered while the vehicle travels at speeds of up to 18 km/h.

The BMW 4 Series Convertible also has plenty of space in the boot, even when the retractable hardtop is lowered: Unlike earlier models, the new convertible offers wider access to the luggage compartment, and an electro-hydraulic loading assistance system pivots and positions the folded hardtop in the boot as needed to ensure maximum utilisation of the 220 litres of storage space available. When the top is up, the luggage compartment has a volume of 370 litres, which is 20 litres more than the previous BMW 3 Series Convertible.

 

Individual equipment lines and exclusive details.

The interior of the BMW Series 4 Convertible presents a stylish fusion of sporty allure, elegance and exclusivity. All of the controls are arranged ergonomically around the driver to provide optimum access to all functions. The doors are designed so that all the lines converge towards the rear, and bright colour combinations featuring a two-tone effect for the door and side panels contribute in combination with the hardtop cover to the “boat deck” look.

This wrap-around interior design provides for a seating ensemble that allows all four passengers to share the open-sky driving experience. The design of the front seats is new and includes integrated seatbelts. The seats are also electrically adjustable as standard.

When the top is down, the temperature setting is automatically controlled in relation to the outdoor temperature and the speed of the vehicle. Apart from two specially equipped lines, an M Sport package is also available. The Sport Line and Luxury Line versions can be selected to personalise the new convertible with special interior and exterior accents. The fine materials and meticulous craftsmanship underline the premium ambience of the BMW 4 Series Convertible.

 

BMW 435i: Six-cylinder in-line engine with eight-speed automatic transmission.

The new BMW 435i Convertible gives full value to performance-minded drivers thanks to a straight-six petrol engine that impresses with instantaneous power delivery, the thirst for revs you would expect from BMW, outstanding refinement and exceptional efficiency. Equipped with High Precision Direct Injection and Valvetronic fully variable valve control, the 3.0-litre engine with aluminium crankcase develops maximum output of 306 hp between 5,800 and 6,400 rpm. Peak torque of 400 Nm is generated as low down as 1,200 rpm and remains on tap up to 5,000 rpm. It can complete the century sprint in 5.5 seconds. Its fuel consumption is 7.7 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 180g/km (per average EU test cycle).The promise of pure dynamics contained within those figures is delivered out on the road.

Extraordinarily rapid gear changes and outstanding shift comfort make the eight-speed sports automatic transmission the perfect choice for customers with a passion for sporty driving. Extra shift phases keep increases in rpm small between gear changes. The gearbox adjusts to a wide range of driving styles, from spontaneous and dynamic to comfortable cruising. With the eight-speed Sports automatic transmission, manual gear changes are also possible using the paddles on the steering wheel or the short-throw gearshift.

BMW 428i: Four-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.

Spirited power delivery, impressive torque, high maximum revs and low weight are the key qualities of the award-winning 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which fits in seamlessly with the dynamic concept of the new BMW 4 Series Convertible. Equipped with BMW’s technology package – including High Precision Direct Injection, twin-scroll turbocharging, Double-Vanos variable camshaft control and Valvetronic fully variable valve control – the BMW 428i Convertible lays on impressive performance potential combined with low fuel consumption and emissions.

The cutting-edge, four-cylinder petrol engine generates maximum output of 245 hp at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm and peak torque of 350 Nm, which is available between 1,250 and 4,800 rpm. The new BMW 428i Convertible harnesses these sporty performance attributes to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. The engine translates each dab of the accelerator into forward propulsion instantaneously and conjures up compelling power delivery from the moment it spins above idle all the way into the upper regions of its engine speed range along an almost linear curve. The standard eight-speed Sports automatic gearbox opens up further potential for fuel savings, with a fuel consumption of 6.7 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 157 grams per km (per average EU test cycle).

 

BMW EfficientDynamics.

The sheer driving pleasure of the BMW 4 Series Convertible is accompanied by outstanding economy. The source of this low fuel consumption can be traced to BMW EfficientDynamics, with innovations that can be found throughout the new BMW 4 Series Convertible. In addition to the optimised fuel economy of the petrol engines, the intelligent lightweight construction concept and honed aerodynamics – headlined by BMW Air Curtain and BMW Air Breathers – also help to maximise efficiency. Other features such as the Auto Start Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, the gear shift indicator, on-demand operation of ancillary units and the innovative Proactive Driving Assistant all do their part to ensure low fuel consumption and reduced emissions, without compromising driving performance. The ECO PRO mode can even lead to fuel savings of 20 percent. In conjunction with the sports automatic transmission, the new convertible – like the BMW 4 Series Coupé – also features a coasting mode for the first time, which is activated at speeds between 50km/h to 160km/h.

BMW ConnectedDrive.

BMW was early in recognising the significance of connecting the automobile with its environment through intelligent networking technologies and thus is able to offer unique mobility services and driver assistance systems. These innovations are available from the Connected Drive product range as standard or optional equipment for the BMW 4 Series Convertible and, for a limited time, some can even be ordered after the initial vehicle purchase. With these innovations, the new BMW 4 Series Convertible is setting standards in terms of safety, convenience and infotainment. Among the highlights are the new generation of the Navigation System Professional, the full-colour BMW Head-Up Display, the Driving Assistant, which warns the driver of potential collisions, the intelligent, glare-free LED High Beam Assistant, Active Protection with Attentiveness Assistant and the latest development stage of the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function.