Images revealing the new BMW 4-series cabriolet have been leaked online, ahead of the car's official reveal.
The shots of the new convertible, which appeared on a BMW blog site, are reputed to be from a brochure and - if accurate - show the new cabrio in production form with its roof down.
It's also pictured fitted with an optional bike rack, while an interior shot reveals some of the available trim combinations.
Previously a lightly disguised 4-series cabriolet, the second body style in the new 4-series range, had been spotted undergoing testing in Italy.
The new BMW convertible is expected to weigh slightly more than the conventional 1525kg 4-series coupé on which it is based.
Engine options have yet to be confirmed but are expected to be similar to those offered in the coupé, and include a turbocharged six-cylinder petrol and a four-cylinder diesel.
The new BMW 4-series cabriolet is expected to go on sale in 2014. Official pricing has yet to be announced but the car will command a premium over the coupé, which starts at £29,200.
BMW has also recently revealed its BMW Concept M4 coupé, the production version of which is expected to launch in mid-2014 for £60,000.
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Straight six
I have to agree spqr - I thought it was just the economy you were referring to. Nothing beats the straight six petrol and it is sad you have to spend over £40k. I ended up going for the 330d this time - not a straight six petrol but sounds better than a 4 but with better economy and performance.
Striaght Six Engines
I accept ewanmac76's suggestion that the 435i (and the new F3X 35i engines in general) may be more efficient that the old E9X 335i engine but that is not whole picture on running costs. My E92 325i coupe was far cheaper to insure than a 335i and gave up to 39mpg. Servicing was cheaper than a 335i (though you can limit the costs on all BMWs by using the service package at purchase). The road tax was also significantly less than a 335i. And of course it was a lot cheaper to buy in the first place, about £7000 cheaper. In any event having had an extended test drive in a F30 335i M Sport the best it could do was 27.6mpg. On the same route my E92 325i did 33.2mpg so a significant difference and still nowhere near 40mpg.
By only offering a £40000+ 335i/435i six cylinder model BMW are giving no choices at all to drivers who want the straight six experience, sound and status with containable purchase costs, insurance, fuel and other running costs. The 325i and 330i are the sort of cars bought by private buyers like me so some of the "environmental" issues are less important than they are for company car buyers.
When I could only afford a 4 cylinder I bought one now I can afford the straight six I would want one not a jumped up 318i masquerading as a 328i. I know that sounds elitetist but that's what car heirarchies/brands etc are all about. Isn't it interesting that BMW now allow the driver of a 4 cylinder 320i to have the same chrome highlights previously reserved for the posher 325i?
BMW have lost me as a customer after 18 years and 9 cars, 7 of which had straight six engines. I now drive a Mercedes as they provide a V6 petrol engine with no turbocharger and reasonable running costs.
Metal or Fabric?
The 4 Series Convertible definitely has a metal folding roof; the photos of the blue test mule clearly show a Hofmeister kink in the rear window (which is in the raised position). This is the same arrangement as the E93 3 Series convertible and is only possible if the rear part of the folding roof is made of metal. Looking at the white car in the Accessories brochure pictures it is also clear that the boot shut line digs into the rear quarter panels in the same way as the present 3 Series convertible but not so deeply because the new 4 Series has a pronounced "cab forward" wedge shape and the rear of the new car seems slightly higher that the rear on the E93 3 Series convertible (which is actually kept very flat to give an elegant appearance).
However I still will not be buying a 4 Series convertible as the car is fitted with the N20 four cylinder turbo petrol engine and not an NA straight six. I do not want the running costs of the 435i which will get nowhere near 40mpg as BMW claim; more like 25mpg even if you are careful. And the roof is metal so it will rattle and leak like my E89 Z4 did because BMW still make it cheaply and still cannot get it right.
Straight Six Engines
I agree that it is sad that there are few straight six options but this is all to do with stringent emission regulations. However, the 435i will be as economical as previous NA straight sixes if not more economical. My 335i averaged mid 30s on mixed journeys, late 30s on the motorway on only sub 30mpg in town. The new model is even more efficient so I bet you will average 30 odd mpg. Not the 40mpg that BMW claim but as good as any NA straight six.