Captivating sporting prowess is the defining feature of the new BMW 4 Series range, and it can now also be experienced in an open-top car. With its standalone design, brand new softtop construction, diverse line-up of engines, advanced chassis technology, model-specific stiffening elements for the body structure and innovative equipment features, the new BMW 4 Series Convertible packages the brand’s hallmark driving pleasure in a particularly exclusive form. The open-top four-seater follows the lead of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé with an extremely sporty profile that is notably sharper than its predecessor’s. In addition, its design, distinct vehicle concept and superior driving dynamics differentiate it more clearly than ever from the new BMW 3 Series Sedan, which has provided the technological blueprint for the new BMW 4 Series range.
With its blend of sporting driving pleasure and open-air thrills, the new BMW 4 Series Convertible builds on a long-standing tradition in this model class that began 35 years ago with the launch of the first ever BMW 3 Series Convertible. The sixth model generation’s dynamic profile is epitomised by a new arrival to the model range: the BMW M440i xDrive Convertible. As well as the 275 kW/374 hp six-cylinder in-line petrol engine powering the flagship model, there will also be a choice of two four-cylinder petrol units and a four-cylinder diesel from launch in March 2021. Two straight-six diesel engines are set to join the engine line-up later in 2021. The new BMW 4 Series Convertible will be built at BMW Plant Dingolfing.
Exterior design: distinctive, sporty and elegant
With its dynamically stretched proportions, the new BMW 4 Series Convertible clearly announces its class-leading sporting prowess and the stylish elegance of an open-top four-seater built for exclusive driving pleasure. At the same time, the brand’s new design language has produced a very striking interpretation of the low-slung silhouette established as a signature feature of premium midsize BMW convertibles.
The newcomer’s elegant yet powerful presence also stems from its larger exterior dimensions. At 4,768 millimetres, it is 128 mm longer than its predecessor, while width has increased by 27 mm to 1,852 mm and its wheelbase by 41 mm to 2,851 mm. Vehicle height is 1,384 mm with the roof closed. Increased track widths (+ 28 mm at the front, + 18 mm at the rear) accentuate the car’s muscular stature while also enhancing its sporty handling qualities.
Front end with expressive, tradition-rich styling highlights
Alongside the car’s proportions, it is the front end of the new BMW 4 Series Convertible that truly highlights its standalone character and distinguishes it most clearly from the new BMW 3 Series Sedan. The defining element is its large, vertically emphasised BMW kidney grille, which – as on the new BMW 4 Series Coupé – takes pride of place at the centre of the front end. The grille has a pronounced forward slant and employs air intakes (with a mesh structure as standard) which indicate the high cooling air requirement of the powerful engine behind the scenes.
The slim headlights of the new BMW 4 Series Convertible cut deep into the front wheel arches. Full-LED headlights are fitted as standard. There is also the option of Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Laserlight, whose features include the adaptive cornering function with variable road illumination optimised for urban and motorway driving. At speeds above 60 km/h (37 mph), BMW Laserlight increases high-beam range to a maximum 550 metres and follows the course of the road dynamically.
Elegant silhouette, distinctive roofline, striking rear
Its dynamically stretched side profile helps to give the new BMW 4 Series Convertible a low-to-the-road look that exudes sporting flair, while the powerfully contoured surfaces intensify the car’s athletic character. The far-back positioning of the seats becomes particularly apparent when the roof is open and helps to create the sort of open-top driving experience – with the sun on your face and wind in your hair – for which BMW convertibles are renowned. When closed, the softtop roof gracefully arches over the passenger cell.
The precise lines and three-dimensionally sculpted surfaces of the rear wheel arches combine to form powerful shoulders that give the new BMW 4 Series Convertible a broad-set, muscular appearance, particularly with the roof down. This impression is reinforced by the slim rear light units extending well into the flanks. The lights are stylishly darkened, with their rear bars illuminating uniformly to reproduce the L shape familiar from other BMW models.
New panel bow softtop: comfort, harmonious design and minimised weight blended into one
The innovative panel bow softtop on the new BMW 4 Series Convertible marries the strengths of a retractable hardtop and the puristic appeal of a fabric roof, thereby combining the best of both worlds. It comprises large panel bow elements with a flush-fitting glass rear window, several layers of insulation and a fabric cover available in Black as standard and Anthracite Silver effect as an option. The acoustic and thermal comfort of the panel bow softtop roof are far superior to a conventional softtop’s. At the same time, it is 40 per cent lighter than the outgoing model’s retractable hardtop.
The roof is powered by an electric motor that enables it to open or close within 18 seconds at the push of a button, including while on the move at speeds up to 50 km/h (31 mph). The variable softtop compartment allows luggage capacity to be increased from 300 to 385 litres when the roof is closed.
Interior: four seats immersed in a premium ambience of sporting elegance
The blend of sportiness and elegance that characterises the new BMW 4 Series Convertible is carried through into the design of its cabin. The driver-centric cockpit design is further enhanced by the large screen grouping formed by the instrument cluster and Control Display. The ergonomically optimised arrangement of the controls also reveals the character of a car built for the enjoyment of intense driving pleasure – as do standard features including sports seats in the front with automatically extending and retracting belt feeders, Vernasca leather trim, seat heating and a leather sports steering wheel, plus the clear individual-seat design of the two seats in the rear.
The high-set centre console combines with the harmoniously coordinated structuring of the instrument panel, door panel trim and shoulder areas in the rear to create an enveloping environment. The shoulder line framed by a continuous trim strip increases this sensation, particularly when driving with the roof down.
Four- and six-cylinder engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo and mild hybrid technology for greater dynamism and efficiency
Mild hybrid technology is on hand in the new BMW M440i xDrive Convertible and all diesel model variants to boost both dynamism and efficiency. Fitting a powerful 48V starter-generator and a second battery allows far more braking energy to be regenerated and stored. This energy is used for supplying the electrical system, lightening the combustion engine’s workload and increasing its power. The starter-generator produces an electric boost effect that instantly puts an additional 8 kW/11 hp on tap for overtaking or even more dynamic getaways off the line.
The 275 kW/374 hp straight-six engine under the bonnet of the flagship model is joined in the range by two four-cylinder petrol units, generating an output of 135 kW/184 hp in the new BMW 420i Convertible and 190 kW/258 hp in the new BMW 430i Convertible. A 140 kW/190 hp four-cylinder diesel engine powers the new BMW 420d Convertible. This particular unit, like the six-cylinder in-line engine in the new BMW 430d Convertible, now features BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with two-stage turbocharging. Two turbochargers of different sizes also ensure exceptionally rapid power delivery in the new BMW M440d xDrive Convertible. All models comply with the Euro 6d emissions standard.
Eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard for all model variants, with the option of shift paddles and new Sprint function
This is the first time that all model variants in the BMW 4 Series Convertible range have been fitted with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard. The latest version of the automatic transmission relays the drive torque from the engine with optimised shift characteristics and greater efficiency.
The eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission fitted as standard in the BMW M cars and M Sport model and available as an option for all other variants offers even sharper shift dynamics, comes with shift paddles on the steering wheel and introduces the new Sprint function. This prompts the powertrain and shift characteristics to maximise dynamic performance when putting in a sudden burst of speed or overtaking.
Improved body rigidity, stiff chassis tuning
The body’s extremely rigid structure is stiffened further still by the addition of features such as convertible-specific bracing, an aluminium shear panel at the bottom of the front end, and side skirts with extremely high torsional rigidity. As a result, the static torsional rigidity of the new BMW 4 Series Convertible is four per cent higher overall than its predecessor’s. An intelligent mix of materials serves to optimise both weight and crash safety. The car’s low centre of gravity, improved aerodynamic properties and model-specific tweaks to the chassis geometry, mounting and set-up result in even sharper handling agility and precision.
The standard and M Sport suspension each incorporate specially tuned lift-related dampers. Customers can also opt for adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers. Variable sport steering is included with the two optional suspension variants. The new BMW 4 Series Convertible rides as standard on 17-inch light-alloy wheels. The optional M Sport brakes are available with a choice of blue or red brake callipers.
The standard equipment roster for the two flagship models includes 18-inch M light-alloy wheels and an M Sport differential with electronically controlled, fully variable locking function in the rear differential. This item is also available as an option for the new BMW 430i Convertible in conjunction with M Sport suspension or adaptive M suspension.
The M Sport model offered for the new BMW 4 Series Convertible as an alternative to standard specification stands out with its extremely large front air intakes, strikingly sculpted rear apron, M Sport suspension, 18-inch M light-alloy wheels, sport seats upholstered in M-specific Vernasca leather trim, knee pads on the centre console and other specially designed interior features. Its specification can be further upgraded by opting for the M Sport package Pro, which adds highlights such as 19-inch M light-alloy wheels, a sporty engine soundtrack in the cabin and a hi-fi speaker system.
BMW M models can be identified by their exterior accents in Cerium Grey. Both they and the M Sport model are also available with an M Carbon exterior package. In addition, customers will also be able to order an extensive selection of M Performance Parts from the launch of the new BMW 4 Series Convertible.
Model-specific options: wind deflector and neck warmers
A wealth of top-quality optional extras can be added to further enhance both the car’s comfort and individual sense of style, and the pleasure of driving with the roof down. The optional wind deflector carefully directs the flow of air through the cabin. It can be easily removed, even with the roof closed, placed in the ideally designed bag supplied with it and safely stowed behind the folding rear backrest. The neck warmers integrated into the front head restraints increase the sense of comfort when driving in low outside temperatures.
Extended BMW Individual Merino leather trim and BMW Individual full leather trim will be made available at a later date as an alternative to the standard Vernasca leather trim. Electrically adjustable sports seats come as standard, while optional climate seats are also now available for the first time. Other options include BMW Individual interior trim strips of particularly fine quality, an instrument panel in Sensatec and a leather-covered BMW Individual instrument panel.
Three-zone automatic climate control and a storage package are both included as standard on the new BMW 4 Series Convertible, while an auxiliary heating system, ambient lighting with Welcome Light Carpet and a trailer coupling that extends and retracts electrically are some of the features that can be specified as options.
Wide range of driver assistance systems
A far wider selection of driver assistance systems compared to the preceding generation of the BMW 4 Series Convertible serves to boost comfort on long journeys and increase safety in situations where the driver does not have a clear view. Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear, front collision warning with brake intervention, Lane Departure Warning including lane return with steering assistance, and the Speed Limit Info system are all now fitted as standard. The optional Driving Assistant Professional adds a number of features, including the Steering and Lane Control Assistant with the new Active Navigation function, which enables it to use navigation data to detect any necessary lane changes. There is also a new Emergency Lane Assistant for automatically guiding the new BMW 4 Series Convertible to the most appropriate side of its lane in tailbacks on the motorway. In conjunction with BMW Live Cockpit Professional, 3D visualisation of the surrounding area presents both the traffic situation and the possible courses of action offered by activated driver assistance systems as a graphic in the centre of the fully digital instrument cluster.
The latest generation of the BMW Head-Up Display uses a projection area that is now 70 per cent larger to show driving-related information in the driver’s field of vision. The Parking Assistant also found on the options list now includes the Reversing Assistant.
New digital services: BMW Maps, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, smartphone integration, Remote Software Upgrade
The driver and passengers in the new BMW 4 Series Convertible will benefit from the wealth of possibilities brought by the introduction of BMW Operating System 7. Display content can be configured individually, while the Control Display’s touchscreen, the proven iDrive Controller, the multifunction buttons on the steering wheel and voice control provide intuitive multimodal interaction between driver and vehicle, depending on the situation.
The standard-fitted BMW Live Cockpit Plus comprises the iDrive operating system with 8.8-inch Control Display and a Touch Controller, a black panel instrument cluster centred around a 5.1-inch colour display, plus a multimedia and navigation system, two USB ports for data transfer and a WiFi interface. A built-in SIM card with 4G LTE connectivity and the likewise standard Connected Package Professional enable use of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and other digital services, including BMW TeleServices, Intelligent Emergency Call, Real Time Traffic Information with hazard warning, and the Remote Services and Concierge Services.
The optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional, meanwhile, features a fully digital screen grouping comprising a digital instrument cluster (with a screen diagonal of 12.3 inches) behind the steering wheel and a 10.25-inch Control Display. The cockpit’s fully digital instrument display provides enough room to accommodate an excerpt from the navigation map, status indicators for the driver assistance systems or 3D visualisation of the surrounding area.
Besides calculating routes and arrival times with remarkable speed and precision and updating real-time traffic data at frequent intervals, the cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps also lets drivers enter any word when searching for the journey’s destination. Thanks to the optimised smartphone integration feature, also included as standard, the vehicle’s operating system now supports Android Auto in addition to Apple CarPlay. The Remote Software Upgrade feature enables improved vehicle functions and additional digital services to be imported into the car over the air.