KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 ― BMW Group Malaysia today unveiled the all-new BMW 2 Series Coupé and the all-new BMW 4 Series Convertible in the form of the BMW 220i Coupé and the BMW 428i Convertible at the BMW Malaysian Open 2014.
Both models are available only in CBU (fully imported) form, and are not expected to sell in huge numbers. According to Dr. Gerhard Pils, CEO of BMW Group Malaysia, these two models are for the ‘niche’ customers who want something more than the normal offerings.
The BMW 2 Series Coupe is built on the 1 Series platform, modified for a longer wheelbase, “The all-new BMW 2 Series Coupé is a car very much at the heart of our brand as this exciting model is built on the BMW tradition of sub-compact models with unbeatable driving dynamics. The car carries the spirit of the BMW 02 Series which created a whole new driving experience and generation of cars when it was introduced in 1966. With the legendary BMW 2002 which clearly established BMW as “The Ultimate Driving Machine”, we are proud to continue this fine tradition today with the all-new BMW 2 Series Coupé,” said Dr. Gerhard Pils, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group Malaysia.
Meanwhile, the all-new BMW 4 Series Convertible will bring in a new era in the premium segment – built on the 3 Series platform, with a slightly extended wheelbase, it looks just the right size, and has a commanding presence, truly a worthy successor to the 3 Series
Dr. Pils further added, “The all-new BMW 4 Series Convertible underpins the BMW 3 Series’ successful defence of its segment leadership over the past several decades. The BMW 3 Series Convertible for example, has remained the uncontested leader in its segment through its various incarnations since it was first launched in 1986. Today, the all-new BMW 4 Series Convertible has everything it needs to take the lead once again with its distinctive aesthetics and even greater dynamism, thus taking sheer driving pleasure to all-new heights.”
According to Dr. Pils, these two models are brought in a CBU models to cater for the customers in this category who want something a little different – “ going into the niches”, as he puts it – numbers are not expected to be high, so we are not likely to see them ever
The 2 Series Coupe has compact dimensions, but is slightly larger than the 1 Series Coupe it replaces. The new dimensions for this two-door coupe are 4,432mm for overall length, 72mm longer than its predecessor. It is also wider by 26mm wider at 1,774mm. Wheelbase is increased by 30mm to 2,690mm, and both the front and rear track are wider at 1,521mm
At the launch, there was only one engine option available – the launch model dubbed the 220i, carries the same 2.0 litre turbo charged engine that is found in the current BMW 320i, with 184 horsepower and maximum torque peaking at 270Nm. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h is claimed at 7.0 seconds, and top speed is mooted at 230 km/h. Average fuel consumption is rated at 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres based on a combined driving cycle, with CO2 emissions level of 139g/km. Drive is to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission, which includes paddle shifters mounted in the traditional spot behind the steering wheel. A launch control function is incorporated.
The BMW 220i is retailed at RM259,800, with an optional ‘Sport Line’ package available for RM20,000.
The BMW 4 Series Convertible, launched at the same time and place, is a rather interesting car. The 428i (launch model) succeeds the 3 Series Convertible, and just like the 2 Series Coupe, is targeted at the more discerning buyers for vehicles in this size and capacity.
The 428i is built on an extended 3 Series platform, it comes with the higher tuned 2.0 litre turbocharged engine found in the 328i sedan. The engine delivers a maximum output of 180kW/245hp and 350Nm of torque to allow a 0-100km sprint in just 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h. The fuel consumption is recorded at 6.6 litre per 100km while CO2
Compared to the outgoing model, the 4 Series Convertible is longer and wider, being 4,638mm long (+ 26mm) and 1,825mm wide (+43mm). Wheelbase is extended by 50 mm to 2,810mm, while the front track (1,545mm) and the rear track (1,594mm) has increased by 45mm and 81mm respectively.
The first key feature to the design language of the all-new BMW 428i Convertible is its distinctive hardtop which takes just 20 seconds to transform from a coupé to a roadster – the roof folds neatly into the boot. Maximum speed allowed for this switch is 18 km/h.
The BMW 428i Convertible also has plenty of space in the boot, even when the retractable hardtop is lowered: Unlike earlier models, the new convertible offers wider access to the luggage compartment and an electro-hydraulic loading assistance system pivots and positions the folded hardtop in the boot as needed to ensure easy access to the area below
The BMW 428i Convertible also features the Adaptive M Suspension with electronically controlled dampers. This enables the car’s operating characteristics to be adapted to the driving situation at hand, enabling drivers to choose between sportslike performance or more luxury oriented set-ups. The standard Driving Experience Control offers three different vehicle set-ups for very economical driving, comfortable cruising and very sporty driving. New BMW EfficientDynamics features include The Sailing function, Route-Ahead Assistant and ECO PRO Route. Sailing function allows the car to coast or ‘sail’ with the foot off the accelerator at speeds between 50 and 160 km/h in order to save fuel.
Route-Ahead Assistant is fed data from the car’s on-board Navigation System Professional to allow it to recognise bends, city, town and village boundaries, speed restrictions and motorway exits to provide drivers with tips on reducing accelerator pressure in advance. For even more fuel efficiency, drivers can use the ECO PRO Route which operates with the Navigation System Professional to calculate the most economical means of reaching one’s destination. Both recorded fuel savings as well as the estimated travel times will be displayed and depending on the driver’s individual driving style, up to an additional five per cent of fuel can be saved
Made available as standard with the Luxury line, the all-new 428i Convertible will feature 18” light alloy Multi-spoke wheels as well as the luxury line exterior trims in Chrome and an interior trim of Fineline Anthracite with Chrome highlights. Further to that is a HiFi loudspeaker system which is powered with nine loudspeakers. “Our BMW engineers have succeeded in making key improvements in areas such as steering accuracy, weight distribution, a programme of fine-tuning in the wind tunnel and a lightweight construction concept for the all-new BMW 4 Series Convertible. This all comes together to deliver an unadulterated driving machine which will allow us to remain the world’s most successful leading premium automotive brand,” said Dr. Pils.
Colours available for the all-new BMW 4 Series Convertible are Black Sapphire, Mineral White, Midnight Blue and Mineral Grey.
The retail price (on the road, without insurance, with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair) for the all-new BMW 428i Convertible is RM428,800.
