Currently reading: 2021 BMW 4 Series Convertible arrives with 369bhp range-topper

Drop-top gets the same bold new look as the coupe and switches from retractable hardtop to fabric roof

The new BMW 4 Series Convertible features a switch to a folding soft-top and has gained a new 369bhp four wheel-drive range-topper.

The drop-top four-seater is the latest addition to the second-generation 4 Series range, following the launch of the Coupé and hot M4 variant, and shares the same controversial front-end styling that features an enlarged kidney grille. First UK deliveries are due in March next year, with prices starting from £45,785.

Whereas the previous convertible 4 Series used a folding hard-top, the new version features a cloth roof. It’s the first compact executive BMW convertible to do so since the E46-generation 3 Series Convertible ended production in 2006.

That brings it in line with the latest BMW 2 Series and 8 Series convertibles and matches the rival Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class cabriolets. The 4 Series Convertible’s soft-top uses panel bow elements and a glass rear window that, BMW claims, offer greater acoustic and thermal comfort than a standard soft top. The electrically powered roof takes 18 seconds to open or close and can be operated at vehicle speeds of up to 31mph.

The roof is 40% lighter than the hard top used in the previous 4 Series Convertible and BMW has used extra bracing and panels to improve the body rigidity, which the firm says is 4% higher than on the previous version.

86 Bmw 4 series convertible 2021 official images roof up front

The launch line-up is headlined by the £59,645 M440i xDrive, offered in convertible guise for the first time and featuring a 369bhp mild-hybrid six-cylinder petrol engine and four-wheel drive. There are also two four-cylinder petrol engines, offering 181bhp and 254bhp, and a 187bhp four-cylinder diesel. Two straight-six diesels will follow in November next year and all engines use an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The UK will offer the 4 Series Convertible in M Sport specification as standard. This features M Sport suspension, 18in alloy wheels, front sport seats and a 10.25in infotainment touchscreen. M Sport Pro Edition, adding 19in alloys, a new Sprint mode and adaptive suspension, will be available as an option.

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Car review

The facelifted BMW 4 Series has improved on an already solid proposition but can it hold off the likes of the latest generation Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé?

James Attwood

James Attwood, digital editor
Title: Acting magazine editor

James is Autocar's acting magazine editor. Having served in that role since June 2023, he is in charge of the day-to-day running of the world's oldest car magazine, and regularly interviews some of the biggest names in the industry to secure news and features, such as his world exclusive look into production of Volkswagen currywurst. Really.

Before first joining Autocar in 2017, James spent more than a decade in motorsport journalist, working on Autosport, autosport.com, F1 Racing and Motorsport News, covering everything from club rallying to top-level international events. He also spent 18 months running Move Electric, Haymarket's e-mobility title, where he developed knowledge of the e-bike and e-scooter markets. 

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Biter 3 October 2020

Good god man!

Who designed this monstrosity.  

It looks like a pig with Christmas decorations stuck to it.

 

jameshobiecat 1 October 2020

The teeth look worse on this

The teeth look worse on this than the coupe somehow.
jagdavey 30 September 2020

Designed by the SUV department?????

The Grille is idious. Together with all the naff detailing on the rear end, it looks like BMW's SUV styling department were let loose on this car! German car design is going downhill fast, look at the new  Audi A3, another whopping ugly grille with too many vents on the front bumper. They are just experimenting with car design because they just don't know what to do next. All the German luxury brands should have stuck with their evolutionary design language.