First Drive: 2014 BMW 435i Cabriolet

Story and photos by John LeBlanc LAS VEGAS, Nevada – As sure as spring follows winter, we knew Germany’s BMW was going to follow the debut of its new 4 Series Coupe with a retractable hardtop/convertible version. And just as its non-retractable coupe sibling has substantially evolved from its 3 Series predecessor, so has the new 2014 BMW 4 Series Cabriolet. Starting this March, the four-passenger BMW 4 Series Cabriolet will be offered as 428i and 435i models. As expected, the open-air versions share their powertrains with the existing 4 Series Coupes. The $56,600 (all prices are base MSRPs) 428i is powered by a turbocharged, 2.0-litre four-cylinder gas engine. It makes 241 horsepower and 258 pound feet foot of torque, with a claimed zero to 100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds. The $67,400 435i ups the wind-in-your-hair factor with BMW’s turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder gas engine. It produces both 300 hp and 300 lb.-ft. of torque, and according to BMW shaves 0.8 seconds from the 428i’s zero to 100 km/h time. Both 4 Series Cabriolets will be available with a six-speed manual or optional eight-speed automatic transmissions. The 428i Cabriolet will be available with a choice of rear- or optional all-wheel drive, while the 435i Cabriolet will be available at launch as a rear-driver only. Rivals include open-air versions of the Audi A5, Infiniti G and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. At first glance under a sunshine-filled Las Vegas sky, the 435i Cabriolet models we media were to drive looked more upscale and aggressive than the older 3 Series versions. As before, BMW stylists have done a remarkable job making the Cabriolet’s roof look like a hardtop coupe when it’s up. And like its 4 Coupe counterpart, the 4 Cabriolet sits lower to the ground, is wider and has a longer wheelbase than the outgoing 3 Series two-door. A bigger cabin delivers noticeably more room for those sitting in the front. However, while the two 4 Series Cabriolet passengers in the back have a bit more legroom, they still suffer from relatively upright backrests. Beyond its coupe-like looks, the 4 Cabriolet also delivers a coupe-like interior. Long gone are the days when you peered up and saw a single-layer cloth top held up by rods and bows. So it’s no surprise to find the 4 Series Cabriolet’s folding roof is fully lined and features integrated lighting. When the top has been powered down into the trunk (which takes about 20 seconds and can be done while driving the car up to 18 km/h), a “load and unload assistance” function moves the folded roof and the trunk lid upwards to provide more (up to 220 litres) cargo space and easy access. Although I didn’t try it, BMW says a set of golf clubs will fit with the roof stored. Despite its growing dimensions, BMW says the new 4 Series Cabriolet “is inherently one of the sportiest open cars on the road.” Underneath its familiar BMW styling, the German automaker claims the 4 convertible’s weight has been pared by 40 kilograms compared to the older 3 Series models, yet its torsional rigidity has increased by 40%. A lower suspension drops the new cabriolet’s centre of gravity. While the M Sport suspension (that is standard on the top-line 435i Cabriolet), with its electronic shock system, can be adjusted for either top-down cruising or back-road boogieing. While the level of refinement and comfort is top notch, driving enthusiasts will ultimately be disappointed with the 435i Cabriolet’s road manners. The main culprit here is the 435i’s wobbly steering; a disappointing appetizer to what is (eventually) an enjoyable main course. The car goes around corners accurately and without drama. But the initial engagement through the steering wheel spoils the event. The lack of off-centre feel is unnerving. You turn the wheel…wait…wait…then there’s some feedback Instead, the 435i Cabriolet (we did not get a chance to drive the four-cylinder 428i models) is much happier playing the role of a cruiser instead of a sports car. The BMW convertible’s roof-up experience is darn near coupe-like. BMW says the 4 Series Cabriolet’s new “noise-absorbing” headliner decreases interior noise by two decibels compared to the outgoing 3 Series. Power the top down, put the rear wind blocker in place, and the BMW delivers a comfortable and quiet top down motoring experience. When you’re driving in a colder climate than here in Nevada, there’s a new neck warmer feature too. While driving enthusiasts may have to wait until BMW inevitably unveils convertible versions of its just-released 2 Series Coupes I also drove here in Sin City, the roomier and more refined 2014 4 Series Cabriolet should keep less aggressive drivers happy. Despite graduating from its former 3 Series title, the new 4 Series Cabriolet is as predictable as a German train timetable, a logical next step in a series of compact convertibles from BMW dating back to the 1987 3 Series Cabriolet. This article was originally published at Driving.ca

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