Competition - product passion portal

The new
BMW 4 Series
Convertible
Product
Launch Guide
The Ultimate
Driving Machine
COMPETITION.
The NEW BMW 4 series CONVERTIBLE product launch guide.
COMPETITION.
Introduction.
The new BMW 4 Series Convertible seeks to build upon the impressive reaction to its sibling, the new BMW 4 Series Coupé. Its outstanding
combination of aesthetics, performance and technology combine to deliver an exciting new model with even more standard specification than
the outgoing BMW 3 Series Convertible (E93).
This document will highlight the key improvements over the outgoing BMW 3 Series Convertible and offer a competitor comparison against
the new model’s two key rivals: the Audi A5 Cabriolet and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet.
COMPETITION.
innovation.
The new BMW 4 Series Convertible offers significant improvements over the outgoing
BMW 3 Series Convertible.
• H
idden pop-up rollover protection. Constructed using low-weight, high-strength
aluminum. This results in a lighter, flatter and more elegant rear ‘deck’ design including
smaller headrests.
• I nnovative loading-aid. With the hard-top open, the loading aid feature can be
raised to improve access as well as increasing the boot capacity by up to 20 litres.
The loading aid is operated via a button on the inside of the boot-lid that must be
pressed for the duration, which takes just 6 seconds to either raise or close. There is
also additional storage space under the boot floor.
• I ncreased luggage capacity. The new BMW 4 Series Convertible offers significant
improvements in luggage capacity over the BMW 3 Series Convertible.
Boot accessibility
E93
F33
+/-
Diagonal aperture - roof open
209mm
212mm
+3mm
Diagonal aperture - roof closed
486mm
514mm
+28mm
Loading edge height
636mm
656mm
-20mm
Length of boot floor
846mm
881mm
+35mm
Smallest luggage compartment height - roof open
255mm
237mm
+18mm
Smallest luggage compartment height - roof closed
456mm
435mm
+21mm
COMPETITION.
innovation.
I mproved retractable hard-top.
The new BMW 4 Series Convertible’s retractable hard-top ensures it retains its coupé-like
styling when the roof is up. The three-part automatic roof mechanism means no manual
operation or latching is required. It can be operated easily via the centre console button, or
by using the keyfob to remotely open, should Comfort Access be specified then the roof
can be closed using the keyfob. This improved retractable hard-top now has the capabilitiy
to be opened whilst moving at speeds up to 8mph. As well as this, the speed
of opening and closing is 22 seconds which is the same as the outgoing E93.
COMPETITION.
Innovative new optional equipment.
The new BMW 4 Series Convertible offers new and enhanced optional equipment when compared to the outgoing BMW 3 Series Convertible.
Through-loading system.
As the rear bulkhead has been
redesigned and repositioned, the
through-load aperture is much
bigger than the one which features
on the E93. The filler piece can
either be removed or the whole
backrest folded down.
Wind Deflector.
This has been redesigned to be
slimmer and with aero flaps to better
guide airflow around occupants. It
now folds on just one axis to make
it more user-friendly. A hidden
compartment behind rear seats
offers even more storage.
£170
£265
Air Collar.
Available now on all models. Three
settings of heated air are availible
to choose from via controls on the
centre console. The intelligent
system will adapt to the changes in
outside temperature by increasing
or reducing temperature. It will also
increase in voltage when driving at
speeds over 50mph.
£360
COMPETITION.
AUDI A5 CABRIOLET.
The Audi A5 Cabriolet launched in 2009 and was facelifted at the end
of 2011. The model’s strong aesthetics are widely renowned across
the market, but it remains an aging design. The Audi’s soft-top roof
works to reduce overall weight and maximises luggage capacity.
POSITIVES:
NEGATIVES:
•Desirable looks and
elegant styling
•Uninspiring driving experience
• Reasonably practical
Engine
Price
(RRP)
0-62
mph
MPG
BMW 420d SE
£35,675
8.2
55.4
Audi A5 2.0 TDI SE
£34,225
8.8
57.6
Power
Torque
(hp)
(Nm)
133
184
380
127
177
380
CO 2
• Strong build quality
•Expensive optional equipment
• High running costs
• Cramped rear seats
COMPETITION.
MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS CABRIOLET.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet launched in 2009, but recently
underwent a facelift to help improve efficiency and reduce the cost of the
AMG Sport model.
POSITIVES:
NEGATIVES:
• Sharp and sleek styling
•Expensive options
Mercedes-Benz specifically lowered the price of the car in the UK market
compared to the rest of Europe – therefore making the E-Class Cabriolet a
KKL+ competitor. A Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet is expected as part
of the new C-Class family which launches in 2014/15.
•Reasonable level of
standard equipment
• Unrefined diesel engines
Engine
Price
(RRP)
0-62
mph
MPG
BMW 420d M Sport
£39,675
8.2
55.4
Mercedes-Benz
E200 CDI AMG Sport
£38,465
8.8
57.7
Power
Torque
(hp)
(Nm)
133
184
380
136
170
400
CO 2
• High quality interior
•Comfortable and
draught-free open top
driving experience
•Reviews state that it is not
as fun to drive as the
BMW 3 Series Convertible
• Lack of boot space