BMW 4 Series Convertible Drops Its Top for Sunny LA

Dropping its top for the bright Hollywood lights, the BMW 4 Series convertible has made its official worldwide debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Though the German automaker revealed its 4 Series convertible in October, this is the first time the vehicle has premiered at a public auto show. It’s also no surprise that BMW chose Los Angeles to be the spot for its world premiere, considering how popular convertible models are in a city that hardly sees any rain. This also marks the first time that the convertible will carry the 4 Series nameplate, thanks to BMW’s new nomenclature where its coupe models are even numbers and its sedans are odd numbers.

Compared to the 3 Series convertible model it’s replacing, the 4 Series convertible is visibly larger in width, track and wheelbase. It features a three-piece retractable hardtop that has been further enhanced with advanced soundproofing with its “noise-absorbing” headliner. Given that it’s still a luxury car, the new technology helps ensure the 4 Series convertible offers quietness and genuine comfort under all weather conditions. Adding ambience in the premium convertible are lamps lined on the interior roof. According to BMW, the convertible will drop its top in less than 20 seconds.

SEE ALSO: 2013 LA Auto Show Coverage

As for its powerplant offerings, the 4 Series convertible will mimic its coupe counterpart with the 428i Convertible, 435i Convertible and a single diesel offering in the 420d Convertible. The 428i will feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 240 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque while the 435i sports the German automaker’s 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six with 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The BMW 420d sports 184 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque.

Each powerplant comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard while all engine variants can be had with an optional eight-speed automatic transmission or an eight-speed Sports automatic transmission that allows drivers to change gears manually by using shift paddles on the steering wheel. All transmissions are equipped with standard start-stop functionality. BMW also announced that starting spring 2014, the BMW 428i convertible can be had with intelligent four-wheel drive technology BMW xDrive.

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GALLERY: BMW 4 Series Convertible Official Photos