PORKY DROPTOP IS A SOLID FOUR-SEASON PERFORMER
BMW 4 Series convertible is deceptively quick and sure-footed with all-wheel drive
BMW’s 4 Series hardtop convertible reminds me of a gym buddy. Though in good shape, he is, shall I say, a touch on the hefty side. One of his favourite lines is: “I have the physique of an Adonis. It’s just hidden under 20 pounds of fat.”
The 440i xDrive four-seat droptop — receiving a subtle restyling for the 2018 model year — ticks most of the right boxes. It’s sleek, quick and fully functional as four-season transport, thanks to BMW’s well-regarded all-wheel-drive system and a metal roof that seals the car as tight as a drum when in place.
But it also tips the scales at 1,964 kilograms, more than most compact crossovers — or a pair of Clydesdales. Naturally, much of that weight goes to strengthening the body to cope with the loss of a fixed roof, as well as all the mechanical bits necessary to move that same roof into position. And, goodness me, it’s built like a brick outhouse.
Through some suspension of certain laws regarding physics — where heavy is often synonymous with slow — the cabrio is seemingly unaffected. The great equalizer seems to be the 440i’s engine, the robust TwinPower Turbo in-line six-cylinder engine, which in standard 440i form pumps out 320 horsepower. Despite the TwinPower appellation, the in-line six sports a single turbocharger. It’s also
bolted to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddles for self-shifting.
Not bad, though hardly a standout. But wait, there’s more! Among the numerous options that inflated the price of the tester to a jaw-dropping $89,485 from a base price of $71,050 were the M Performance Package and M Performance Package II ($4,800 for both). The combination of the two adds M Sport brakes, adaptive M suspension and 19-inch rims and tires, plus a healthy power boost — 35 more ponies and 30 extra pound-feet of torque.
This fortified, 355-hp 440i xDrive Convertible has plenty of juice to hang tough with the likes of its Teutonic rivals, namely the newer 354-hp Audi S5 and Mercedes’ 329-hp E 400 4Matic cabriolets.
Yet, as swift as the 440i is (zero to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds), it’s as a top-down cruiser that the car’s goodness really shines. Yes, it’s a proper sporting car, speedy when the throttle is given a push, especially in Sport or Sport+ modes. There’s also Comfort — the default — and Eco Pro for when you really want to dial it back. And with all the M Performance package goodies, it will corner flat and grip the road like Ebenezer Scrooge holding on to his last shilling.
No, you want to push the centre console button and listen to the whirring as the top folds up and fits flush into the body. Any droptop will put a smile on your face on a warm and sunny day; the 440i expands that into a Cheshire cat grin. Credit a quiet cabin that allows minimal wind intrusion for the front-seat occupants — at least until about 80 km/h or so — meaning conversations can be carried on in normal tones. At highway speeds, not so much. So forget talking and groove to the tunes emanating from the excellent Harman Kardon sound system. Better yet, shut everything down and pay attention to the hum of the tires on the tarmac and the varying tones from the twin exhaust pipes. Depending on the drive mode, the sound changes from a mellow drone to a deep bass trumpet. Top down, the air is fresher, birds are chirping, colours are brighter, and the world is a better, happier place.
Should you find the evening getting a little nippy, embedded in the seat is what BMW calls an air collar, which gently blows warm air onto the back of your neck. Unfortunately, it’s not standard, but part of a $6,000 Premium Enhanced package.
If there is a letdown, it’s the 4 Series’ cabin. The layout seems coldly practical, with the dash and centre stack displaying a clear functional intent over overt luxury. The tester’s Opal White Extended Merino leather seats and contrasting door trim certainly brightened up the environment. It’s not the most practical shade, though.
The latest version of the iDrive infotainment system is also standard on the 4 Series.
The 4 Series is also available with a full digital multi-functional instrument display as part of the Premium packages, giving the driver the choice of different display options, depending on the driving mode selected.
Porky yet deceptively quick, the 440i xDrive is hugely entertaining, handsome and somewhat practical, thanks to its all-wheel drivetrain.
Clearly there are less expensive droptops to be had, or faster, if that’s your preference. Ones that combine effortless sportiness and proportional sophistication are far fewer. BMW’s 4 Series convertible is solidly in this camp.