The standout element of the models in the new BMW 4 Series range is the carefully judged enhancement of their sporting abilities. Combined with the allure of exclusive open-air motoring in the premium midsize segment, the drive satisfies with dynamic skills.

 

 

The design, conceived in the brand’s current styling language, radiates sport and elegance. A new type of roof design and performance that has stepped up significantly compared to its predecessor make the latest generation of the open-top four-seater a compelling proposition. The entire concept provides greater differentiation from the BMW 3 Series Sedan than at any time in the 35 years that BMW convertibles have challenged the midsize class.

Worldwide launch begins in March 2021.

 

 

The range now peaks with an extremely rapid BMW M440i xDrive Convertible flagship model powered by a 275 kW six-cylinder in-line petrol engine. The launch line-up also comprises two four-cylinder petrol units and a four-cylinder diesel, with two straight-six diesel engines set to follow later in 2021.

 

 

Standalone body design has dynamically stretched proportions and a low-to-the-road silhouette. Expressive front end brings together tradition-rich and modern styling features. Prominent, upright BMW kidney grille references legendary sports cars from the brand’s past and signals the high cooling air requirement of the powertrain technology. Extremely slim LED headlights are standard (BMW Laserlight is optional).

 

 

The newly developed panel bow soft-top roof marries the strengths of a retractable hardtop and the purist appeal of a fabric hood, thereby combining the best of both worlds while its sleek surface arches over the passenger cell. The roof is 40% lighter than the predecessor car’s and acoustic and thermal comfort are far superior to those of a conventional design. The soft-top comes in Black as standard and Anthracite Silver effect as an option.

Significantly enhanced performance capabilities result from an extremely stiff body structure with reinforced side skirts, additional convertible-specific bracing and a new aluminium shear panel in the front end. A low centre of gravity and perfectly balanced 5 0 : 50 weight distribution benefit optimised aerodynamics and wider tracks than on the outgoing model (+28mm at the front and +18mm at the rear).

 

 

Eight-speed Steptronic transmission is standard on all model variants for the first time and eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with new Sprint function for instantaneous and dynamic acceleration is optional. These range-topping petrol and diesel models are fitted with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive as standard.

 

 

Carefully modified chassis geometry, mounting and set-up provides added agility, precision and dynamic prowess with specially tuned lift-related dampers as standard. Even stiffer M Sport suspension including variable sport steering is an option. Other items include:  adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers, M Sport brakes with a choice of blue or red brake callipers and an M Sport differential with electronically controlled, fully variable locking effect.

The M Sport model is offered as an alternative to standard specification. Also available is M Sport package Pro including 19-inch M light-alloy wheels and a sporty engine soundtrack in the cabin. M Carbon exterior package and M Performance Parts are available from launch.

 

 

Modern premium ambiance and a characteristic blend of sporting flair and sophisticated elegance is the interior signature and a driver-centric cockpit design. Electrically adjustable sports seats in the front have automatically extending and retracting belt feeders, Vernasca leather trim and seat heating. A leather sports steering wheel is standard with knee pads on the centre console as an option. Two rear seats are clearly styled as individuals. Harmoniously designed surfaces of the instrument panel, door panel trim and rear passenger compartment create an enveloping environment with a continuous shoulder line framed by a high-class trim strip.

 

 

There is optimised functionality for both everyday journeys and longer distances. And the variable soft-top compartment allows luggage capacity to be increased from 300 litres (80 l more than predecessor) with the roof down to 385 litres (15 l more) when closed. Storage package, folding rear backrest and through-loading facility are all standard.

 

 

Top-class equipment features make open-top driving even more pleasurable. An optional wind deflector can be stored behind the rear backrest and optional neck warmers are integrated into the front head restraints. Three-zone automatic climate control is standard, ambient lighting with Welcome Light Carpet, Harman Kardon surround sound system and auxiliary heating system controlled via smartphone or the BMW Display Key are available as options.

 

 

There’s a far wider range of driver assistance systems than the outgoing model. Front collision warning with brake intervention, Lane Departure Warning including lane return with steering assistance and Speed Limit Info system are now standard. Optional Driving Assistant Professional adds a number of features including the Steering and Lane Control Assistant with the new Active Navigation and Emergency Lane Assistant functions. Innovative 3D visualisation of surrounding area in the digital instrument cluster.

 

 

Standard smartphone integration offers Apple CarPlay and now also Android Auto, wireless connection via WiFi, information shown in the Control Display, the instrument cluster and the optional Head-Up Display. A remote Software Upgrade allows improved vehicle functions and new digital services to be imported into the car over the air.

 

 

Global model variants:

BMW 420i Convertible:
Four-cylinder in-line 2 litre petrol engine, eight-speed Steptronic transmission:
135 kW at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm, 300 Nm at 1,350 – 4,000 rpm.
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/ 8.2 seconds, max speed: 236 km/h.

BMW 430i Convertible:
Four-cylinder in-line 2 litre petrol engine, eight-speed Steptronic transmission.
190 kW/ at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm, 400 Nm at 1,550 – 4,400 rpm.
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h 6.2 seconds, max speed: 250 km/h.

BMW M440i xDrive Convertible:
Six-cylinder in-line 3 litre petrol engine, 48V mild hybrid technology, eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, BMW xDrive.: 275 kW at 5,500 – 6,500 rpm,
500 Nm at 1,900 – 5,000 rpm.
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h 4.9 seconds, max speed: 250 km/h.

BMW 420d Convertible:
Four-cylinder in-line 2 litre diesel engine, 48V mild hybrid technology eight-speed Steptronic transmission.: 140 kW at 4,000 rpm, 400 Nm  at 1,750 – 2,500 rpm.
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h 7.6 seconds, max speed: 236 km/h.

BMW 430d Convertible (est. available from July 2021):
Six-cylinder 3 litre in-line diesel engine, 48V mild hybrid technology,  eight-speed Steptronic transmission, 210 kW at 4,000 rpm, 650 Nm at 1,500 – 2,500 rpm.
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h 5.9 seconds, max speed: 250 km/h.

BMW M440d xDrive Convertible (est. available from November 2021):
Six-cylinder in-line 3 litre diesel engine, 48V mild hybrid technology, eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, BMW xDrive.: 250 kW at 4,400 rpm,
700 Nm at 1,750 – 2,250 rpm.
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h 5.1 seconds, max speed: 250 km/h.

BMW South Africa

The BMW 4 Series Convertible will be introduced to the South African market in the first half of 2021. Available models to be advised