If you were a fan of BMW’s sexy all-season 3 Series convertible with its folding metal roof, you’re going to be overjoyed with the new 4 Series Convertible.
How come? More space for stuff.
Now the rear seat folds flat allowing bulky stuff that can’t fit in the trunk to fit inside without messing up the fancy leather.
And with the top up, BMW’s designers have found an extra 0.7 cubic feet of luggage space in the trunk taking it to a very commodious 13.0 cubic feet.
Talking of tops, the 4 Series features a new and improved version of that impressive three-piece electro-hydraulic roof we saw on the Three. It now raises or lowers in just 20 seconds and at speeds of up to 11mph.
There’s also a new design of wind-blocker that’s smaller, lighter and easier to use than before, and can now be stowed behind the rear seats when not in use.
And life should be a little more hushed inside the new 4 Series’ cabin with the top raised, thanks to a new sound-absorbing headliner which reduces noise by a couple of decibels.
A first for BMW, and similar to Mercedes’ AirScarf, are the new neck warmers for the front seats which provide a blast of toasty air from the sides of the front headrests. Perfect for those few chilly Florida winter mornings we have to endure.
As with the 4 Series Coupe that went on sale last month, the Convertible comes as either a 428i powered by a 240-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, or the more punchy 435i with that delicious 300-horse 3.0-liter turbocharged six.
Both engines come mated to an eight-speed automatic with normal and sport modes, plus standard paddle shifters.
The old 3 Series Convertible was always one of my favorite open-top cars largely because of its dual personality – hardtop coupe and drop-top convertible. That and its head-turning styling and four-seat practicality.
What this new 4 Series does is deliver more. More space, more practicality, more style.
Alas, it also costs a little more. At $49,675, the 428i Convertible is $850 more than the outgoing version, while the 435i Convertible at $55,825 is $800 pricier. Both models should hit showrooms early next year.
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