BY H. THROTTLE
AUTOMOTIVE COLUMNIST
“The Ultimate Driving Machine,” is how BMW describes their vehicles and it certainly is a good description of the 2021 BMW 430i convertible delivered for the weekly test drive.
A great car to drive and enjoy. It was hard to return to the factory delivery crew on Monday after a week of enjoying all of the 430i features. Many treats in this $67,220 beauty, including the exterior “Portimao blue metallic” paint and the stitched black leather bucket heated seats and steering wheel.
The driving surprise was the extension of the seat belt for easy buckling, the mechanical arm just extends the seat belt that eliminates that backward stretching turn to find the seatbelt.
Another treat, especially for a convertible, was the ultimate neck warmer of hot air blowing from the upper head level seat safety pad.
All of these luxury features just add to the real pleasure of the 2.0L twin-turbo 4-cylinder engine linked to an eight-speed transmission. Mode selections of “sport” and “eco” assist in achieving an overall 27 mile per gallon fuel consumption. Other luxuries include the Harman/Kardon surround sound system and smart keyless recognition entry.
What is most enjoyable about the 430i is just the perfect harmony of engine and the eight-speed transmission. A quick shift with the variable transmission can result in choice of gear ranges for special hill climbing or descending. The convertible has a low center of gravity and excellent ventilated 4-wheel disk brakes with the ABS system along with dynamic stability control. This is a fast car and the braking system is part of the overall car safety performance.
The steering is precise, and the ride is excellent on 19-inch tires.
Speed limit signs are posted on the windshield for easy compliance with the changing speed zones and the rapid acceleration of the twin-turbo engine.
The backseat space is tight, the seats tilt forward easily for entry of placement of packages or smaller passengers. The trunk space is surprising spacious for luggage and golf clubs.
This BMW 430i is a treat to drive and can spoil any driver.
Final assembly for the engine and transmission are made in the final assembly of the convertible in Dingolfing, Germany. The vehicle comes with BMW “Ultimate Care” 36 month or 3-year no cost maintenance program. The car carries a 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty.
If you desire to spoil yourself, take a spin in this beauty.