Topic: Test Drive: 2014 BMW 428i xDrive Cabriolet

[Autos_Editor]

Laid-back 428 ideal for long-distance, high-confidence cruising.

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[jamesautos]

It is sad to see that the new small BMW coupe is now a comfortable Highway cruising machine... 
What happened to the "ultimate driving machine"?

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[Solstice2006]

Saw the picture of the car, 4 series convertible with the smaller turbo 4 cylinder.  Skipped to page two, $70k with tax and freight, before any options.  Sorry, even if I could afford it, something about $70k for a turbo 4, that replaced the nice sounding inline 6, with only 241hp is a no go.  Guess we will see how much the 2 series cabriolet will go for.  If it's typical BMW, 10k more than coupe for a cabriolet.  So a 228 cabriolet, will go for $43k with freight and tax. So is a 4 series worth over $25k than a 2 series with the same engine?   IMO, NO! 

[MR2Pritch]

Yank some of the options and you'll cut the price down. Equipped as this one is, it's a fairly specialized model targeting a fairly narrow shopper segment, I'd figure. The shopper wants options, and this is one of them. As I mentioned in the first paragraph, performance bang for the buck isn't everyone's priority. And for those where long-haul comfort, support, efficiency and confidence are priorities, this thing hits the mark, pricey or not.

Maybe not to you or I, but I'll bet BMW sells plenty of them regardless.

And if you want the ultimate driving machine, get a 435 coupe instead. Or I'll bet you can almost get an M3 or M4 for the same money as this thing.

[Northernridge]

I think BMW is repositioning this car more along the lines of the E350 convertible and A5 cabrio...more of a stylish/semi-luxo GT convertible. It's more of a fashion/lifestyle accessory (albeit an expensive one). I think this approach is making up more and more of BMW's lineup – and it's working.

[Fobroader]

Yeah....no. I could see my mom and a few of her girlfriends cruising to the mall in this thing in Phoenix.....this is like the Chrysler Sebring cabrio for rich people.

[Solstice2006]

Yank some of the options and you'll cut the price down. Equipped as this one is, it's a fairly specialized model targeting a fairly narrow shopper segment, I'd figure. The shopper wants options, and this is one of them. As I mentioned in the first paragraph, performance bang for the buck isn't everyone's priority. And for those where long-haul comfort, support, efficiency and confidence are priorities, this thing hits the mark, pricey or not.

Maybe not to you or I, but I'll bet BMW sells plenty of them regardless.

And if you want the ultimate driving machine, get a 435 coupe instead. Or I'll bet you can almost get an M3 or M4 for the same money as this thing.

Not sure if your replying back to my first post.  But it was 70k for the base model, out the door, not one option, not even metallic paint!  Yes they are selling, but this is the first model year, I expect them to sell. 

[evil_twin]

I think the author did a good job of positioning the car and explaining that this is clearly NOT one for the enthusiast crowd.  Of course nobody on these forums would buy it.

I agree with Northern, this is positioned against the E350/A5 cabrio as the well-to-do summer transport for "middle age+"


However, the concept of AWD + Convertible does not compute for me.   RWD only in such a machine.

[Noto]

Saw the picture of the car, 4 series convertible with the smaller turbo 4 cylinder.  Skipped to page two, $70k with tax and freight, before any options. 

Funny, I did the EXACT same thing!  I do love Pritch's writing, so I will read it entirely later, but while busy at work, I knew that the forum would just be:


I think the 228i is the better purchase if you're getting a coupe - I just really don't understand boat coupes.  Want space?  Get 4 doors.  Want a sporty coupe?  Smaller is better.

Lotus.

[OliverD]

However, the concept of AWD + Convertible does not compute for me.   RWD only in such a machine.

Why? It's got a folding hardtop so this car could actually make sense for someone as a year-round daily driver.

[evil_twin]

However, the concept of AWD + Convertible does not compute for me.   RWD only in such a machine.

Why? It's got a folding hardtop so this car could actually make sense for someone as a year-round daily driver.

Understood.  And in that context, yes AWD makes sense. 

I just can't imagine buying a convertible as a year-round daily driver.   When I think convertible, I think: S2000, Miata, etc.  RWD sports car for summer.   And if looking to a larger boulevard queen, I think SL or 911 Cabrio.   All of which I'd want in RWD.

I wouldn't drive any of those on a messy winter day.

[Ex-airbalancer]

We have used our cabriolet, as a year round drive, it a Germany car, and they have snow in a germany so why not use it year round

[Solstice2006]

I would drive a Mazda MX-5 as an all year round, especially the NC with the PRHT!  Now, if it is a day were expecting 10-15cm, maybe not. 

[Julie]

Saw the picture of the car, 4 series convertible with the smaller turbo 4 cylinder.  Skipped to page two, $70k with tax and freight, before any options.  Sorry, even if I could afford it, something about $70k for a turbo 4, that replaced the nice sounding inline 6, with only 241hp is a no go.  Guess we will see how much the 2 series cabriolet will go for.  If it's typical BMW, 10k more than coupe for a cabriolet.  So a 228 cabriolet, will go for $43k with freight and tax. So is a 4 series worth over $25k than a 2 series with the same engine?   IMO, NO!

I saw this car for the first time at an auto show, promptly went to look at the price, and then promptly ran away, lol.

As evil_twin said, we are not the types the manufacturers cater to with these cars. 

[Snowman]

Meh...not even my wife would want this.

[Hannibalsmith]

It is sad to see that the new small BMW coupe is now a comfortable Highway cruising machine... 
What happened to the "ultimate driving machine"?

tapatalk

It lives...but it's all in how you option it up.

[Snowman]

I dunno....for $58k you can get a base Porsche Boxster, that is the ultimate driving machine.

[Snowman]

I dunno....for $58k you can get a base Porsche Boxster, that is the ultimate driving machine.

Or C7

Yes, for sure.

[mixmanmash]

I dunno....for $58k you can get a base Porsche Boxster, that is the ultimate driving machine.

Or C7

Yes, for sure.

Agreed. With both.  But since I am not a convertible guy, make mine a Cayman.

[evil_twin]

We have used our cabriolet, as a year round drive, it a Germany car, and they have snow in a germany so why not use it year round

Of course you can use it year round, I'm just saying for me PERSONALLY, I would not buy a convertible unless it was more of a dedicated summer fun car.   I generally don't love the looks of convertibles and would prefer the coupe/sedan alternative for a year-round car.

So yes, for me AWD + convertible doesn't add up.

But if I ever were to buy a 'vert, it'd be a 3rd car of the Boxster, vette, miata, etc.... sportscar variety (depending on budget).