BMW's new model goes topless

Want a BMW 4 Series with a million miles of headroom? Here it is – the new 4 Series convertible.

Unveiled ahead of its Los Angeles motor show debut next month, the convertible sports a folding three-piece hardtop and the same engine range as its coupe sibling.

That means a 135kW/380Nm 2.0-litre diesel and the choice of two petrol engines – a turbocharged 2.0-litre four cylinder producing 180kW/350Nm or a 225kW/400Nm turbo straight six found in the range-topping (at least until the M4 arrives) 435i.

The roof itself can be raised and lowered in 20 seconds at speeds up to 18km/h.

Expect the convertible to command a $10,000 premium over the coupe, with local deliveries tipped to begin by mid-2014.