yes the new BMW 4 Series Convertible (G23) inherited, as expected, the imposing double kidney that marks the front of the Series 4 Coupé and the new M3 and M4, a topic that has practically dominated all discussions about the new generation.
However, the Series 4 Convertible stands out beyond its nose. It is the hood, its raison d'être, that takes center stage, with the new generation abandoning the metal hood solution of its predecessor (and the last of the 3 Series Convertibles).
the new hood
Despite the appearance of it, it is not a “pure” canvas roof. In fact, underneath the fabric covering (available in two tones, black and anthracite silver) are “hidden” rigid panels, a solution that, says BMW, allows for the best of both worlds: the strength of the metal roof with the appeal canvas hood look.
One of the benefits of this solution is that the new hood is 40% lighter, with BMW announcing levels of acoustic and thermal insulation (several layers of insulating material) far superior to a conventional canvas hood.
With electric operation, the hood of the new BMW 4 Series Convertible opens and closes in 18s and we can do so at speeds of 50 km/h.
More luggage space and more structural rigidity
As space is needed to store the hood, the trunk of the convertible is reduced compared to the 4 Series Coupé. Between 300 l and 385 l (top open/closed) are advertised against 440 l. Even so, these are values that mean gains in relation to the predecessor, which stood for a much more measured 220-370 l in the same measurements.
Another of the "sins" of this type of convertible is that they are not able to be as structurally rigid as their closed "brothers", a consequence of the absence of a roof.
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To alleviate this loss, BMW not only reinforced the structure at key points, but added an aluminum plate at the bottom of the car and the side skirts are now stiffer. Compared to its predecessor, torsional stiffness increases by 4%.
under the hood
For the rest, everything we saw in the 4 Series Coupé is replicated in the new BMW 4 Series Convertible, whether in terms of technological and safety equipment, or in terms of engines.
Consequently, the new BMW 4 Series Convertible will hit the market in March 2021 with two petrol and one diesel engines, both four-cylinder, with the range to be topped, for now, by the M440i xDrive, six-cylinder in-line. The engines:
- 420i — 2.0 l, 4 cylinders, 184 hp and 300 Nm
- 430i — 2.0 l, 4 cylinders, 258 hp and 400 Nm
- M440i xDrive — 3.0 l, 6 cylinders, 374 hp and 500 Nm
- 420d — 2.0 l, 4 cylinders, 190 hp and 400 Nm
- 430d — 3.0 l, 6 cylinders, 286 hp and 650 Nm (end of 2021)
- M440d xDrive — 3.0 l, 6 cylinders, 340 hp and 700 Nm (end of 2021)
All Diesel engines and the M440i xDrive are also associated with a 48V mild-hybrid system.
M Sport
As usual, for those who want a 4 Series Convertible with a bolder image, they will opt for the M Sport versions, which receive new bumpers, 18" wheels (instead of 17"), sports seats and also a more adjustable suspension. sport.
The only transmission available is the Steptronic eight-speed automatic transmission, while the Steptronic Sport is also available (standard on the BMW M and M Sport versions, optional on the others), whose action is faster and adds some paddles to select gear ratios per behind the wheel.
The highlight goes to its Sprint function, which allows you to maximize the performance available in sudden acceleration or overtaking.
Specificities
Despite sharing practically everything with the 4 Series Coupé, the new 4 Series Convertible, due to its unique features, brings certain obviously exclusive options.
One of them is a windshield, removable, even with the top closed, and that can be easily stowed in a special bag that is placed behind the rear seats that allow the back to fold.
The other optional are ventilation outlets on the front seats, at the neck level, allowing you to warm it up… a kind of virtual scarf, which will certainly make driving a convertible in winter a more pleasant option.
When arrives?
As we have already mentioned, the launch is scheduled for 2021, in March, with no further information on the composition of the national range and its prices.
