BMW’s 4 Series drop-top drops in
Following on from the launch of the 4 Series Coupe last year, BMW has now introduced the 4 Series Convertible in Singapore, and the swanky drop-top is now available on sale starting from this weekend.
In accordance to BMW’s new nomenclature strategy, the 4 Series Convertible replaces the 3 Series Convertible, and the new car has grown somewhat from its predecessor, being some 26mm longer than before. Wheelbase has also been lengthened by 50mm over the 3 Series Convertible, to provide more space for interior occupants. As well, the 4 Series Convertible sits 8mm closer to the ground than its predecessor, which lowers the car’s centre of gravity for a more planted handling balance.
BMW has also increased the car’s torsional rigidity by some 40 per cent over the 3 Series Convertible, and yet, BMW claims that most 4 Series Convertible variants can be up to 20kg lighter than its equivalent predecessor despite being larger overall, thanks to the use of intelligent lightweight steel construction.
Like the outgoing 3 Series Convertible, the new 4 Series Convertible boasts of a three-piece retractable folding hard-top, which can be retracted at a push of a button in just 20 seconds. The roof can also be activated at speeds of up to 18km/h, while BMW says that it has reengineered the roof to ensure better noise reduction in the cabin when the roof is up. For example, the sound-absorbing headliner is able to reduce wind noise by up to 2 decibels more than its predecessor.
With the roof down, the 4 Series Convertible boasts of a fairly handy 220 litres of boot space, thanks to the electro-hydraulic loading assistance system which helps to pivot and position the folded hardtop in the boot such that room is maximised. When the roof is up, boot space increases to 370 litres, some 20 litres more than the 3 Series Convertible.
At launch, two variants of the 4 Series Convertible are available, being the 428i Convertible and 435i Convertible. The 428i Convertible uses a turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine that produces 245bhp and 350Nm of torque, enabling it to go from 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds. The 435i Convertible meanwhile has a 3.0-litre inline six with 306bhp and 400Nm of torque, which is good for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 5.5 seconds.
Both versions are now available on sale from authorised BMW dealer Performance Motors Limited, with the 428i Convertible retailing for $304,800, including COE. Prices for the 435i Convertible meanwhile starts from $360,800, inclusive of COE.
