Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 4 Series Convertible revealed at LA show

New BMW 4 Series Convertible has been unveiled at the LA Motor Show, priced from £35,650 - now with video

The cloth has been pulled back on the new BMW 4 Series Convertible at the LA Motor Show. It goes on sale in the UK on 8 March and like the new 4 Series Coupe, the drop-top replaces the previous 3 Series-badged model.

• BMW 4 Series review

The new car is larger than the outgoing Convertible, but retains a three-piece folding steel hardtop, which takes 20 seconds to whir electronically into the boot. The top can be dropped while the car is driving but only at speeds of up to 11mph.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Our head of motoring video, Mat Watson, took a closer look at the car at the Tokyo Motor Show, where the car was also on display.

Although similar in concept to the old car’s roof, the top is a completely new design, with improved sound proofing and better aerodynamic efficiency helping to cut wind noise by two decibels with the roof up.

Top down, BMW claims the optional redesigned air blocker is easier to use and more effective at reducing buffeting, while optional neck warmers for both front seats are available for the first time.

BMW has worked to improve boot space. All models come with a new loading assistance feature that can move the folded roof up or down in the boot space to allow you to make the most of the 220 litres available with the roof stowed. With the roof up, there’s a 370-litre boot – 20 litres more than its predecessor.

Three engines will be available at launch – two petrols and one diesel – borrowed from the 4 Series Coupe. The entry level model is the 420d powered by a 181bhp 2.0-litre diesel, while the petrols are the 428i with a 242bhp 2.0-litre, and a top-spec 435i which uses a 302bhp 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six.

A six-speed manual will be standard, although most buyers are expected to opt for the eight-speed sports automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddles. The auto offers better claimed fuel efficiency than the six-speed manual, regardless of engine choice.

To ensure the 4 Series is sharp to drive, BMW claims the new model is 40 per cent stiffer yet 20kg lighter than before As with the Coupe, standard kit will be fairly generous, and includes xenon headlights (with full LED lights available as an option), heated electric front seats and front and rear parking sensors on all models.

All models also include BMW’s EfficientDynamics fuel saving features, including ECO PRO mode, low rolling resistance tyres and Air Curtains and Air Breathers to improve aerodynamic performance. Prices will start at £35,650 for the 420d SE - £4,075 more than the 4 Series Coupe.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

BMW 4 Series Convertible review
BMW 4 Series Convertible - main images

BMW 4 Series Convertible review

Wind-in-the-hair thrills with a dash of family-friendly practicality make the BMW 4 Series Convertible a compelling choice
In-depth reviews
29 Nov 2024
New 2025 Kia Sportage facelift makes public debut at LA Motor Show
New 2025 Kia Sportage facelift LA Motor Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia Sportage facelift makes public debut at LA Motor Show

The updated Sportage SUV gets a new look and interior upgrades, but won’t arrive in Europe until next year
News
22 Nov 2024
Volkswagen’s new EV platform to benefit from tie-up with Rivian
Rivian R2 - front tracking

Volkswagen’s new EV platform to benefit from tie-up with Rivian

German company has confirmed that it will apply learnings from joint venture to forthcoming SSP architecture
News
22 Nov 2024
Best used convertibles to buy now
Best used convertibles

Best used convertibles to buy now

If it’s open-top thrills that you’re after, the best used convertibles offer incredible value for money
Best cars & vans
21 Nov 2024

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: new Ford Capri looks a lot less controversial at this price
Ford Capri - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: new Ford Capri looks a lot less controversial at this price

Rebooted Seventies classic is now an electric SUV for a low monthly outlay. It’s our Deal of the Day for 5 February
News
5 Feb 2025
Best car insurance comparison sites 2025
Person browsing on a laptop

Best car insurance comparison sites 2025

It’s always a wise policy to shop around for car insurance cover, so which websites make it easiest?
Product group tests
6 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Bag one of the last Jaguar I-Pace electric SUVs for under £400 a month
Jaguar I-Pace - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Bag one of the last Jaguar I-Pace electric SUVs for under £400 a month

The I-Pace shows how good an electric Jag can be. It’s our Deal of the Day for 7 February
News
7 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts