BMW has released a handful of stylised pictures of the 4-Series convertible, but here is the real thing, wearing a mild disguise.
The 4-Series open-top is expected to make its first official appearance at the Los Angeles motor show in a couple of weeks before going on sale in Europe and the United States early next year.
BMW NZ corporate affairs manager Ed Finn says the convertible will be available here, although he said he didn’t have a timeframe.
When it does land, the powertrains for the convertible will almost certainly mirror those of the hardtop 4-Series coupe, which has just gone on sale in NZ.
It is priced from $98,000 for the twin-turbo 2.0-litre 428i variant and $126,500 for the twin-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder 435i, the premium model. Both use eight-speed gearboxes.
BMW NZ isn’t taking the base model 420i coupe, believing two-door Kiwi buyers will best identify with the more powerful variants. Nor is it taking the diesel 420d, for the same reason.
The 420i uses a detuned version of the 428i petrol engine. Australia has the 420i at A$69,500. Australia also has the 2.0-litre 420d diesel at A$71,800.
The convertible’s electro-hydraulic folding three-piece hardtop roof can open and close in 20 seconds, at vehicle speeds up to 17km/h.
Like the coupe, the 4-Series convertible will offer different drive modes depending on the driver’s preference.
Each offers different parameters for the powertrain and suspension components. Eco Pro will make use of the stop/start system, Comfort makes the throttle a bit more sensitive, while Sport and Sport Plus offer drivers a more responsive vehicle.
The 4-Series convertible will be offered with BMW’s latest version of iDrive, which will control the aforementioned drive modes, navigation, entertainment and phone connectivity.
The 4-Series replaces the 3-Series coupe and convertible.