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BMW 4 Series Convertible 420i M Sport 2dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pack] Review

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This entry level 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine has 181bhp, but can only manage 0-62mph in 8.2sec. Claimed fuel economy in the mid to high 40s is impressive, and the CO2 emissions aren’t bad, either.

420i

Sports

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

4 SERIES

M Sport trim comes with plenty of standard goodies, including 18in alloys, electrically adjustable leather seats (heated in the front), cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, LED headlights and three-zone climate control. We’d recommend forking out extra for adjustable lumbar support, and the M Sport Pro pack which comes with adaptive suspension.

M Sport

420i M Sport 2dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pack]

420i-m-sport-2dr-step-auto-techpro-pack

Exterior mirrors - electrically folding with anti-dazzle

Alarm system (Thatcham 1) with remote control and electronic engine immobiliser

Automatic headlight beam throw control with load dependent regulating reaction, dynamic compensation of braking dive and acceleration squat

Two part LED tailights in L-shape with components in smoked glass, brake light, LED turn indicator and rear fog light

Welcome lights in interior and door handle area

Electric windows - front and rear, with open/close fingertip control, anti trap facility and comfort closing function all round

Crash sensor activating of airbags,Unlocking doors,hazard warning lights,fuel cut off,interior lighting+activation of safety battery terminal clamp

Driver and front passenger side airbags, integrated in the door side seat backrest bolsters for all seat variants

Dynamic stability control + (DSC+) - Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with brake assist and cornering brake control + Automatic Stability Control (ASC)

Automatic windscreen wipers and automatic headlight

Front seats electric adjust lumbar support

Connected professional package - 4 Series

Comfort pack - 4 Series Convertible with comfort access

Technology plus pack - 4 Series with head up display

Technology pack - 4 Series with wireless charging

BMW 4 Series Convertible

The 4 Series Convertible is very accomplished indeed, with keen handling, an impressively comfortable ride (when adaptive suspension is fitted), and a classy interior. It’s even surprisingly practical, and should be easy to live with.

What we're looking for:<ul><li>Wind-in-the-hair excitement</li> <li>Roof that’s quick and easy to raise and lower</li> <li>Comfortable seating for four adults</li> <li>Sufficient practicality for everyday use</li> <li>Little wind buffeting</li> <li>Quietness, whether the roof is up or down</li> <li>Minimal shaking and shimmying over bumps</li></ul>

Despite the British weather, UK car buyers are among the biggest enthusiasts for wind-in-your-hair motoring, so convertibles have always been surprisingly popular here. It’s best to be able to react to the fickle climate, though, so we’re after a roof that opens (and closes) slickly and quickly and good top-down cruising refinement.

There are precious few bespoke drop-tops these days, so your choice of models is generally limited to soft-top versions of existing models. Mini will sell you a drop-top version of its style-focused hatchback, if you’re after a bit of flair.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a5/sports/review/n17253">Audi A5 Cabriolet</a>, meanwhile, brings all of the benefits of the regular <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a5/hatchback/review/n170">A5</a> – refined engines and a beautifully finished interior. Alternatively, the much more expensive <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bentley/continental-gt/sports/review/n24424">Bentley Continental GT Convertible</a> is one of the most luxurious convertibles on sale.

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BMW 4 Series Convertible 420i M Sport 2dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pack] Review

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385

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154

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