BMW 4 Series Convertible 435i Sport (A) Review
23 May 2014|20,050 views
Instead of waiting for the next Transformers sequel, perhaps you can just watch the BMW 4 Series convert from coupe to convertible.
As you may have already heard or read, the 3 Series Coupe and Convertible models have become the 4 Series, so essentially, this car we have here today is just a new generation of the 3 Series Convertible.
The name may be all new but since the 4er Convertible is the new 3er Convertible, the concept of having a dynamic and balanced proportion whether top up or down stays the same.
Up close and Personal
Measuring 4,638mm x 1,825mm x 1,384mm (L x W x H), the 4 Series Convertible is 26mm longer and 43mm wider than its predecessor. Despite the increase in dimensions, the new rump fits in nicely with the handsome front fascia of the 4 Series and allows the car to look as elegant as ever.
The 4 Series Convertible looks much more stylish than its predecessor, in particular, the way the roof is integrated. With the roof in place, the convertible no longer looks awkward. In fact, the convertible could easily be mistaken as its coupe sibling at a quick glance.
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Unlike its coupe brethren, the convertible has larger rear windows which livens the interior, allowing rear passengers to feel a little less claustrophobic.
On the flipside, with the top down, there is practically 'unlimited' headroom. And with a wheelbase that is 50mm longer at 2,810mm, passengers also enjoy more legroom, making longer journeys more comfortable.
It's not surprising that convertibles are not associated with practicality - the folded roof has to go somewhere eventually. But it's not that bad in the 4 Series Convertible - luggage space is 370 litres with the roof up (20 litres more than before) and 220 litres with the roof down.
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The Drive
The 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged powerplant is a gem of an engine. It offers excellent low-rev pulling power with top-end grunt and is paired with the ever so smooth eight-speed automatic transmission.
Although the 4 Series Convertible is 20kg lighter than its predecessor, it is still 315kg heavier than its coupe brethren, and this additional heft can be felt when you push pedal to the metal, which makes the convertible slower by 0.4 seconds to reach the century mark.
Removing a top usually results in negative consequences for vehicle rigidity, but there is much to like about the 4 Series Convertible.
With its top erected, the 4 Series Convertible is as serene at highway speeds as its equivalent coupe sibling, which does heighten the level of refinement.
Things become noisier with the top down definitely, but then again, that's the only time you can really enjoy the charming exhaust note.
The car remains as accomplished as its coupe sibling, with a precise and responsive steering that matches the 4 Series' formidable grip and composed handling, without any hint of the kind of body wobble that can ruin a convertible's driving experience.
And thanks to the Adaptive M suspension fitted as standard on the Sport trim, ride quality is never unduly sharp or harsh.
Conclusion
Surprisingly, it's only when the 4 Series Convertible's top is dropped that you realise it's a convertible you are driving.
Even then, it still feels like a coupe at the wheel, allowing the 4 Series Convertible to set the benchmark for fun, drop-top motoring and certainly an enjoyable way to feel the wind in your hair.
Instead of waiting for the next Transformers sequel, perhaps you can just watch the BMW 4 Series convert from coupe to convertible.
As you may have already heard or read, the 3 Series Coupe and Convertible models have become the 4 Series, so essentially, this car we have here today is just a new generation of the 3 Series Convertible.
The name may be all new but since the 4er Convertible is the new 3er Convertible, the concept of having a dynamic and balanced proportion whether top up or down stays the same.
Up close and Personal
Measuring 4,638mm x 1,825mm x 1,384mm (L x W x H), the 4 Series Convertible is 26mm longer and 43mm wider than its predecessor. Despite the increase in dimensions, the new rump fits in nicely with the handsome front fascia of the 4 Series and allows the car to look as elegant as ever.
The 4 Series Convertible looks much more stylish than its predecessor, in particular, the way the roof is integrated. With the roof in place, the convertible no longer looks awkward. In fact, the convertible could easily be mistaken as its coupe sibling at a quick glance.
Unlike its coupe brethren, the convertible has larger rear windows which livens the interior, allowing rear passengers to feel a little less claustrophobic.
On the flipside, with the top down, there is practically 'unlimited' headroom. And with a wheelbase that is 50mm longer at 2,810mm, passengers also enjoy more legroom, making longer journeys more comfortable.
It's not surprising that convertibles are not associated with practicality - the folded roof has to go somewhere eventually. But it's not that bad in the 4 Series Convertible - luggage space is 370 litres with the roof up (20 litres more than before) and 220 litres with the roof down.
The Drive
The 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged powerplant is a gem of an engine. It offers excellent low-rev pulling power with top-end grunt and is paired with the ever so smooth eight-speed automatic transmission.
Although the 4 Series Convertible is 20kg lighter than its predecessor, it is still 315kg heavier than its coupe brethren, and this additional heft can be felt when you push pedal to the metal, which makes the convertible slower by 0.4 seconds to reach the century mark.
Removing a top usually results in negative consequences for vehicle rigidity, but there is much to like about the 4 Series Convertible.
With its top erected, the 4 Series Convertible is as serene at highway speeds as its equivalent coupe sibling, which does heighten the level of refinement.
Things become noisier with the top down definitely, but then again, that's the only time you can really enjoy the charming exhaust note.
The 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged powerplant is a gem of an engine. It offers excellent low-rev pulling power with top-end grunt and is paired with the ever so smooth eight-speed automatic transmission.
Although the 4 Series Convertible is 20kg lighter than its predecessor, it is still 315kg heavier than its coupe brethren, and this additional heft can be felt when you push pedal to the metal, which makes the convertible slower by 0.4 seconds to reach the century mark.
Removing a top usually results in negative consequences for vehicle rigidity, but there is much to like about the 4 Series Convertible.
With its top erected, the 4 Series Convertible is as serene at highway speeds as its equivalent coupe sibling, which does heighten the level of refinement.
Things become noisier with the top down definitely, but then again, that's the only time you can really enjoy the charming exhaust note.
The car remains as accomplished as its coupe sibling, with a precise and responsive steering that matches the 4 Series' formidable grip and composed handling, without any hint of the kind of body wobble that can ruin a convertible's driving experience.
And thanks to the Adaptive M suspension fitted as standard on the Sport trim, ride quality is never unduly sharp or harsh.
Conclusion
Surprisingly, it's only when the 4 Series Convertible's top is dropped that you realise it's a convertible you are driving.
Even then, it still feels like a coupe at the wheel, allowing the 4 Series Convertible to set the benchmark for fun, drop-top motoring and certainly an enjoyable way to feel the wind in your hair.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
BMW 4 Series Convertible 435i Sport (A)
CAT B|Petrol|13km/L
Horsepower
225kW (302 bhp)
Torque
400 Nm
Acceleration
5.5sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used BMW 4 Series Convertible
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