Introducing the all-new BMW 4 series Convertible

BMW’s all-new 4 Series Convertible will go on sale next March, priced from £36,675 for the 420d SE Convertible.

As with its predecessor – the E93 3 Series Convertible – it features a three-piece retractable metal hardtop, which means it’s slightly heavier than its competitors although 20kg lighter than before.

The range starts at 1,680kg (DIN) for the 420d and 428i, rising to 1,740kg for the 435i. By comparison Audi’s A5 2.0 TDI Cabriolet weighs in at 1,655kg, while the Audi S5 Cabriolet with quattro all-wheel drive weighs 1880kg.

As with the new 4 Series Coupé, the Convertible is lower, wider and longer than its predecessor and is available in SE, Sport, Luxury, Modern and M Sport trim.

BMW claim that despite the increase in size it has 40% more torsional rigidity than 3 Series, it’s also quieter than before with a new sound-absorbing headliner in the hard-top roof which reduces wind noise by up to 2dB.

Compared to its predecessor it is wider (+43mm), longer in wheelbase (+50mm) and sits 10mm closer to the road than the latest 3 Series Saloon, helping to lower its centre of gravity.

The new Convertible offers wider access to the luggage compartment, which now offers 220 litres of storage with the top down and 370 litres with it raised (+20 litres more than its predecessor).

The roof can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 8mph.

Performance is naturally down on the 4 series Coupé, which is 215kg lighter in 435i configuration, while fuel economy and emissions also take a hit by around 10%, but then you don’t choose a convertible for either its performance or efficiency.

The new 4 Series Convertible, which goes on sale from 8th March 2014, makes an even better case than its predecessor for those wind-in-the hair moments we occasionally experience in the UK. Judging by our recent experience, the 428i will be the one to go for, providing just enough performance together with a suitably sporting exhaust note.

SEE ALSO: New BMW 4 Series Coupé.