2021 BMW 4 Series Convertible: a new sportier soft-top Bimmer

“Bold, sporty and elegant.” That’s how BMW describes its newly launched 4 Series Convertible - but does the range-topping model live up to those claims?

As carwow notes, the newcomer’s standout features include a folding soft-top roof and a huge grille at the front, which has been a “divisive design feature on other BMW models it’s used on”. The roof, meanwhile, is powered by an electric motor and can open or close within 18 seconds at the push of a button, including while on the move at speeds up to 31mph.

Indeed, the German carmaker’s new model offers “optimised functionality for both everyday journeys and longer distances”, says Automotive World. The variable soft top compartment allows luggage capacity to be increased from 300 litres to 385 litres when the roof is closed.

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And the storage package, folding rear backrest and through-loading facility all come as standard. So does the M Sport specification, which means all versions in the UK “get sporty suspension, 18in alloy wheels, satnav, electric seats, a reversing camera and three-zone climate control”, adds wowcar.

An exclusive M-Sport Pro Edition is available too, and both specifications can be upgraded with the technology pack - one of several option packs.

The 4 Series Convertible also features “a new flagship – at least before the M4 Convertible arrives – in the shape of the M440i xDrive”, says Top Gear. And “we must talk about the M440i xDrive, because it’s got 369bhp and drives all four wheels through an eight-speed gearbox”.

This new addition to the sixth generation’s model range can cover zero to 62mph in 4.9 seconds, and maxes out a 155mph.

But “other engines are available” if “hotfooting around a racetrack in a convertible isn’t really your bag”, the site adds.

There will also be a choice of two four-cylinder petrol units and a four-cylinder diesel from launch, with two straight-six diesel engines joining the engine line-up later in 2021.

How much will it cost?

Prices start from £45,785 on-the-road for the 420i sDrive M Sport, and from £59,645 for the M440i xDrive, with first deliveries from next March.

M Sport and M Sport Pro Edition

The M Sport specification also includes large front air intakes, a sculpted rear apron, sport seats upholstered in Vernasca leather trim, knee pads on the centre console and a Sensatec dashboard. The Live Cockpit Professional, Ambient Lighting, electric seats, reverse camera, reversing assist, Welcome Light Carpet, three-zone automatic climate control and 10.25in CID are included in the standard specification as well.

The M Sport Pro Edition specification includes Jet Black 19in M light-alloy wheels, a choice of three Individual paint shades – Tanzanite Blue, Dravit Grey and Aventurin Red – and the M Sport Pro Package.

This package encompasses a selection of features including darkened headlights, M seatbelts, the new Sprint Mode, Adaptive M Suspension and Enhanced Active Sound Design that delivers a sporty engine soundtrack in the interior.

M440i xDrive

Powered by a six‑cylinder in-line petrol engine, this flagship model has a standard specification designed to combine the enjoyment of open-air driving with performance that would be respectable on a racetrack.

The M Sport differential - with electronically controlled, fully-variable locking function in the rear differential - is fitted as standard, along with red M Sport brakes, M seat belts, 19in light M alloy wheels and the M Adaptive Suspension.

What’s in the cabin?

A driver-centric cockpit design offers a large screen-grouping formed by the instrument cluster and control display. Standard features includes electric 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 rear seats.

Tech and digital

The BMW Operating System 7 display content can be configured individually, while the control display’s touchscreen, the iDrive Controller and the multifunction buttons on the steering wheel, plus and voice control, provide interaction between driver and vehicle.

A built-in Sim card with 4G LTE connectivity and the 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 standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional features a fully digital screen grouping comprising a digital instrument cluster (with a screen diagonal of 12.3in) behind the steering wheel and a 10.25in 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.

In pictures: BMW 4 Series Convertible