A classic, the 4 Series Cabrio?

Yes, if we forget the "4" and remember that ultimately, it is only through a marketing whim that this is the new baptismal name of an indisputable classic: the BMW 3 Series Cabrio.

The Series 4 is obviously the latest representative of a long line of elegant, discreet 4-seater cabrios that a chic and tasteful clientele has always known how to appreciate.

Cabrios which are becoming rare, by the way.

Especially outside of the premium.

Remember those summers populated by Peugeot, Renault, Ford, Opel, VW cabrios… Yes, we dare say the boat: it was better before.

With a "d"

It is therefore a pleasure practically forgotten by ordinary people to enjoy a Sunday in the sun and in the open air. Stress-free, in the comfort of this cozy BMW. Even without a windproof netting, even at high speeds, aerodynamic eddies are very, very acceptable. And since she's a Behemoth, you also want to test her behavior, which is necessarily effective.

So that's where the right foot sinks and… not much happens. Because at a time when it is mainly electrics and hybrids that we are given to try, we forget what ... a diesel! This is a 420d, and testing its 2 liter 190 hp diesel is like meeting up with an old buddy. An old friend we loved a lot, but years later, we don't quite know why. Because frankly, the 190 hp and 400 Nm here present certainly make the Series 4 Cabrio quite swift, but there is no "life", no character. We can say what we want but in the field, diesel has never equaled gasoline. And know that currently, any plug-in hybrid or ... electric engine is more alive than a 4-cylinder diesel.

In short, this test therefore shows that diesel should never have left its place of eater of kilometers.

Never has its place been under the hood of sports cars, or city cars, or pleasure cars.

And if he had stayed in his place, if he hadn't gained such commercial weight, there probably wouldn't have been any cheating.

No cheating, no ecological backlash, and no (or not so quickly) collateral condemnation of the gasoline engine, which had asked for nothing.

And yet pleasant

But since he's here, let's stay a little longer with the old friend, who still has his qualities. Because failing to give the 4 Series Cabrio the aggressiveness expected from a car of the brand, it offers its soft flexibility. And finally, this flexibility could not be more pleasant for relaxed walks in the sun. And then, let's not forget the first quality of the old friend: his bird's appetite. And it would indeed be inappropriate to complain about an actual average of 5.4 l / 100 km, when we have not for a moment deprived ourselves of the 190 hp. And we never bothered to close the soft top to improve the aerodynamics on the motorway. This is perhaps the real gift of diesel: a form of total recklessness. And there, the "anti-electric" are not wrong:diesel remains a benchmark on the energy balance.

But in short, it doesn't matter whether we feed it on gasoline, diesel or electricity.

What we mainly remember from this test is that by dint of buying SUVs, we have killed fun cars like this one.

And that's a shame.

So as long as there are a few, let's make the most of it.

If we can, if we have at least € 56,200 in the bank ...

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The BMW 420d in a few figures

  • Engine: 4 cyl., Turbo diesel, 1.995cc;

    190hp at 4,000 rpm;

    400Nm from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm.

  • Transmission: to rear wheels

  • Gearbox: 8-speed auto

  • L / l / h (mm): 4.768 / 1.852 / 1.384

  • Empty weight (kg): 1.850

  • Boot space (l): 385

  • Tank (l): 59

  • 0 to 100 km / h (sec.): 7.6

  • Max speed (km / h): 236

  • Combined consumption (l / 100 km): 4.9

  • CO2 (g / km): 128

  • Price (€): 58.750

  • Car

  • Bmw

  • Diesel

  • Automotive