BMW's new 4-series convertible has been spied with its top down for the first time. The new model is due for a UK launch in mid-2014 as part of a radical shake-up of the new BMW 3-series line-up.
BMW has opted to name the forthcoming coupé and convertible versions of the new 3-series as the 4-series to give it greater differentiation from the new BMW 3-series saloon. This is a strategy already mirrored for the 5-series, where the coupé and convertible versions of that car are called 6-series, with distinct styling and driving experiences.
Engines for the 4-series will lean heavily on the range in the new 3-series saloon. These will include the new 242bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol unit for the 428i coupé.
The adoption of the 4-series name for the standard coupé also has implications for the M3. The coupé and convertible versions of the M3 will be rebadged M4 and will be even more driver-focused than their four-door M3 saloon sibling.
The 4-series coupé will be the fifth of nine models to be launched in the new F30 3-series line-up. It will retain its retractable metal hard-top roof, despite pleas from BMW’s American importer for a soft-top to differentiate it more from the coupé.
The M4 coupé and convertible are due later in 2014, using the same turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six engine as the new M3 saloon.
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BMW top down is cool for me.
BMW top down is cool for me.
That looks like the convertible to me
Sorry to be boring but those pics must be the covertible. It's clearly got the two piece roof with a join in the middle like the current E93 convertible. You'd expect the F32 to have a slightly sleeker join between the rear window and the boot than that too. You can see all the lines in the disguise where the boot will open up to cover the boot. Therefore it's the F33 in the photos, not the F32.
4 series makes sense
Calling it a 4 series follows the most of the BMW range.
The 6 series is the coupe 5 series for example.
My guess is the refreshed 1 series coupe will be a 2 series.
Audi do the same thing with adding a number for the coupe as the A5 is a coupe A4 for example.