Shortly after BMW ->ke178 unveiled the 4 Series Coupe, the first details on the Convertible version were also dropped. The model will be making its world debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show->ke211, but BMW decided to stop making us waiting and came up with pretty much there was to known on the model.

The new 4 Series Convertible will be a cheaper alternative to the high-end 6-Series->ke320 Convertible and the company hopes it will appeal to the younger crowd. The model took pretty much all its design elements from the coupe version, except of course the three-piece retractable hardtop that can be operated in only 20 seconds.

For the American market BMW will only offer two variants: 428i priced at $49,675 and 435i priced at $55,825. Sales will begin in the first quarter of 2014.

Updated 10/14/2013: This review was updated with the official details, images and specs.

Click past the jump to read more about the upcoming BMW 4-Series Convertible.

2014 BMW 4 Series Convertible

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 BMW 4 Series Convertible
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 240 @ 5000
  • Torque: 255 @ 1250
  • Transmission: 8-speed Sport automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Updated history

Update 02/11/2013: The folks over at 4-SeriesForums.com have uncovered an official production document for the 4-Series that includes the convertible variant. The F33 – the internal code for the 4-Series convertible – is set to enter production in November 2013 and run through June 2014. This means that we should start seeing the 4-series in dealerships in late 2013. The available models will be a 428i, which will likely come with a 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter, and a 435i, which should come with a 306-horsepower, 3.0-liter.

Update 06/21/2013: Today we have created a new rendering for the upcoming 4-Series Convertible based on the recently launched coupe version.

Update 10/09/2013: The new BMW 4 Series Convertible will make its world debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show->ke211 in November, but the first official images already surfaced online. As no surprise, the Convertible version offers no big differences when compared to the coupe version, except the convertible top. (BMW Blog)

Exterior

The new BMW 4 Series Convertible will offer the same dimensions of aesthetic design and sportiness introduced by the coupe version. Up front the model will get the signature BMW design features, like the double-kidney grille and four round headlights offered with optional full-LED headlights. There is also a large air intake in the front apron and additional small vertical apertures for the Air Curtains that both ensure an improved cooling for the front wheels and cutting fuel consumption at higher speeds.

The three-piece folding hardtop is available in a choice of three colors: chrome, black or brushed aluminum, depending on the model variant. The hardtop needs only 20 seconds to open and close and can be operated at speeds up to 11 mph.

The rear is dominated by the prominent horizontal lines and broadly stretched L-shaped tail lights.

Sport Line

-Sport suspension

- High-gloss black B-pillars

- Black wrap-around window strip

- High-gloss black kidney grille with a chrome-colored surround.

- Three black air intakes in the front apron

- Black Air Breathers

- 18-inch or optional 19-inch light-alloy wheels (435i only) in twin-spoke design

- Black trim strip level with the rear apron

- Black exhaust tips

Luxury Line

-High-gloss chrome

- 11 kidney grille slats with chromed fronts and matte black sides

- Two high-gloss double bridges in the front apron’s outer air intakes

- Chromed Air Breathers

- Chrome window surround

- 18-inch or optional 19-inch light-alloy wheels (435i only) available

- High-gloss chrome strip in the rear apron

- Chrome exhaust tips

M Sport

-M aerodynamic package: front apron with large air intakes, rear bumper with diffuser, side skirts

- High-gloss Shadow Line trim

- Estoril Blue Metallic available only with M Sport on the 4 Series Convertible

- 18-inch or optional 19-inch light-alloy wheels (435i only) in M design

Dimensions:

Length

182.6 in / 4,638 mm

Wheelbase

110.6 in / 2,810 mm

Width

71.9 in / 1,825 mm

Front track

60.8 in / 1,545 mm

Rear axle

62.7 in / 1,593 mm


Interior

The interior is also pretty much similar to what we have seen in the coupe version: the controls are arranged ergonomically around the driver and they provide optimum access to all functions, there is a sports sports steering wheel, crystal-clear circular instruments in black panel look and the freestanding, flatscreen iDrive monitor and an iDrive Touch Controller.

The new 4 Series Convertible is available with standard front sports feats with integrated retractable seat belts, while at the sear the bench design is contoured to form two individual seats, with cup holders and a storage tray for small items between them.

Sport Line

- Black and red accents

- Red trim rings in the inner circle of the instrument dials

- Red stitching on the sport steering wheel

- Sports seats are included

- Coral Red interior including Coral Red leather sport seats, red door panel trim and a red lower section for the instrument panel

Luxury Line

- Chrome surround for the audio and air conditioning system

- High-gloss wood strips

- Leather seats with stitching and a choice of two upholstery variants in four colors

- Ash Grain anthracite fine wood trim surfaces

- Pearl Gloss Chrome metal inlay

Sport Line

- M door sill finishers

- M leather steering wheel

- M driver’s footrest

- M Sport suspension (rear-wheel drive models only)

- M Sport Brakes (also a stand-alone option on all 435i Convertibles and an optional upgrade on 428i Convertible when M Sport is chosen) with calipers painted in blue finish

Drivetrain

The American market will only get two versions of the new 4 Series Convertible: 428i and 435i. The base version is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers a total of 240 horsepower at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm and peak torque of 255 pound-feet delivered between 1,250 and 4,800 rpm. This amount of power will allow the 428i to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.2 seconds and up to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

The top version - the 435i - gets a 3.0-liter inline-six engine that delivers a total of 300 horsepower between 5,800 and 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 300 pound-feet delivered at 1,200 rpm. This version can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds, while top speed is also electronically limited to 155 mph.

Both engines are mated to an 8-speed Sport automatic transmission with two driving modes: Normal and Sport that can be selected using the gear shift lever or the Driving Experience Control switch. Also, the 428i can be ordered with the optional BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive, while both models offer Auto Start Stop, brake energy regeneration and an ECO PRO mode.

Suspension and Brakes

As standard feature, the 4 Series Convertible will be offered with a double-pivot strut-type front suspension with anti-roll bar and for the rear a five-link rear suspension. BMW is also offering standard Servotronic system which provides speed-sensitive power assistance, while as an option it can be updated with Variable Sport steering as part of the optional Dynamic Handling Package.

The model can be ordered with standard 18-inch or optional 19-inch light-alloy wheels combined with a powerful braking system that includes powerful swing-caliper or fixed-caliper brakes and large, inner-vented brake discs.

Prices

2014 BMW 428i Convertible

$49,675

2014 BMW 435i Convertible

$55,825


Both prices include $925 destination and handling. The 2014 BMW 4 Series Convertible will arrive in US showrooms in the first quarter of 2014.

3 Series Convertible History

The legendary BMW 3 Series didn’t always offer up convertible variant. In fact, from the 3er’s debut in 1977 through the 1986 model year, there was no true drop-top 3 Series. In 1987, that all changed with the debut of the 325iC convertible.

From the 1987 model year and on, the convertible was a staple in the 3 Series lineup. Starting in 1998, even the M3 jumped into the convertible fun through the 2013 model year. The 2014 model year will, of course, mean the end of the line for all 3er drop-tops, as four-door convertible cars are just about non-existent…

Rendering

In creating our rendering we started with a 4-Series Coupe model and removed the roof, and, voila, here's your Convertible version. Sounds easy, right? If only it were that easy in real life...

Competitors

Audi A5 Convertible

Audi brought the A5 Convertible on the market in 2009, two years after the coupe version. On the U.S. market the A5 Convertible is offered with a 2.0-liter TFSI engine that delivers a total of 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

Customers can choose between three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige, with prices ranging from $44,500 to $53,700.

Infiniti G Convertible

The G37 Convertible is powered by a 3.7-liter V-6 engine with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event and Lift), rated at 325 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque.

The model is priced from $47,900.

Conclusion

It looks like BMW did a pretty good job changing the name of the 3 Series Convertible into the 4 Series Convertible, as the model did not only received a new name, but also a more powerful stance, an aggressive look and improved engine lineup. In short: the perfect recipe for great success.