BMW 428i Not Just Another Pretty Car

By George Polgar

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The creation of the BMW 4 Series by adopting the coupe and convertible models and leaving the 3 Series line-up with the sedans and wagons caused a lot of controversy. But it was a strategic move because it turned a tech and styling update into a new model intro which is a good sales tactic.

No matter how you read the numeric nomenclature, the new BMW 428i is a beautifully executed vehicle and more civilized approach to the "ultimate driving machine" benchmark.

The lower roofline and pronounced muscular character lines from every view give the new 4 Series a fresh new look. With the top down - after a 20 second one-touch retractable hardtop ballet - even macho BMW fans will have to admit, the 428i convertible is a delicately pretty car.

But sultry good looks are just part of the BMW 428i story and possibly a diversionary maneuver when you cut loose the full fury of its 2.0 liter twin turbo 240 horsepower 4 cylinder plant. This elegant convertible sets fire to the pavement in the straightaways and then shreds through the most challenging twisting and turning track conditions with supreme confidence and aplomb.

A full complement of electronic aids including stability control, brake fade compensation, start-off assist and dynamic traction control, add to the precision engineered BMW platform and suspension design, making this ride both a traditional convertible romp and the epitome of high tech command and control.

With a base price of about $48,000, the fully equipped 428i convertible rolls in at just $62,000, with better than average fuel economy ratings of 23 city and 34 highway mpg.