Car review: BMW 4 Series Convertible
There is something desirable about driving along the coast in a convertible; sun shining, hair blowing in the sea breeze, just, well, cruising with the top down. So it is no wonder BMW has brought the 4 Series Convertible to South Africa. This sexy, actually very sexy car leaves you feeling a bit like Grace Kelly, just without Cary Grant. However, there is one thing I must comment on and that is, well, who on earth actually looks like Grace Kelly driving a convertible? I sure as hell don’t. We have to face facts, she was on a sound stage with a little fan blowing her way which would account for her perfect hair and winning smile. I on the other hand looked a little more like Bridget Jones.
In modern convertibles diffusers play a big role in countering the buffeting effect that air coming into the cabin can create. In this regard BMW has done its best to make the 4 Series cabin as calm as possible, but nothing can control this unruly hair of mine, which to be fair is not the fault of the car, but more a rookie mistake on my behalf for not being prepared with a hair tie. Although, BMW did provide us with BMW branded caps which even if made us look completely obsessed with the brand (my driving partner had a BMW jacket on as well) it did help with the sun and of course the fly aways. But at the launch in KZN last week, I opted to keep the roof up when hitting the highways.
The other slight problem with driving a convertible in this country is that the weather can also be pretty darn unpredictable and nothing shouts “idiot” quite like sitting in your fancy, generally expensive convertible, when the heavens open and you are stuck on the side of the road trying to put the roof up.
But with all this said, the BMW 4 Series convertible is a desirable car. Even if you just drove it with the roof up all the time. And if you have the roof down and it does get a bit chilly, just turn on the “neck warmers”. Yes, electric heater-blowers under the head restraints! Very, very handy! There are no rattles or shakes, the ride is smooth, the cabin comfy and well, no one could look bad driving it.
Just like its 3 Series Convertible predecessor, the 4 Series has a folding hardtop that folds in to the boot which can often hamper the boot space but something which is new to the model is a button that allows you to move the folded roof up for better access to add more cargo. But it is still small of course. My driving partner and I had two small carry-on cases and a laptop bag in the boot and you wouldn’t be able to fit much more. However, when the roof is up, there is adequate space.
Inside, the cabin is typical BMW, its luxurious, spacious and exudes a quality feel. It’s comfortable, so comfy in fact that I nodded off more than a few times when my driving partner was at the wheel, open mouthed and everything *cringe!
Engines available at this time are the 2-litre 428i and 3-litre 435i. From July you will be able to opt for a less powerful 420i. This car is made for cruising! You don’t feel the need to speed, even though you very easily can, it just feels as if you should be at the coast lathered in sun cream under the African sun. But you will have to wait until May before you get your hands on one of these sexy beasts. Pricing will be R660 501 for the 428i manual and R814 745 for the 435i
The bottom line is, if you want comfort, style and an open top, you can’t go wrong with this beautiful machine. I on the other hand, who is less graceful than most pot belly pigs, will stay clear of convertibles until I have learnt the art of elegance and pre-planning.