What is it?
So, it’s back to fabric: BMW has retired the folding metal roof that appeared first on the 3 Series Convertible in 2004 and then in modified form on the 4 Series Convertible in 2014.
The new second-generation BMW 4 Series Convertible adopts a traditional hood, and with it arguably more appealing proportions that have added a generous 128mm to its length and 27mm to its width while contributing to a 10mm reduction in height at a respective 4768mm, 1852mm and 1384mm.
This doesn’t come as a surprise: both the smaller 2 Series Convertible and larger 8 Series Convertible have fabric roofs, so it was really only a matter of time.
The exterior design is dominated by the large, vertically stacked grille – as first seen on the 4 Series Coupé and set to be adopted by the upcoming 4 Series Gran Coupé. The bolder front end undoubtedly gives the new 4 Series Convertible greater visual presence, although it's somewhat at odds with the car's otherwise svelte lines.
The multi-layer fabric roof, developed specifically for the 4 Series Convertible, is claimed to be 40% lighter than the old metal item. It opens automatically and stows beneath a plastic tonneau cover behind the rear seats in the upper part of the boot. The whole process takes just 18sec and can be done while the car is moving at speeds up to 31mph.
The packaging of the new structure is greatly improved, leading to a slight increase in head room for front-seat occupants and a larger boot. With the roof down, there's 80 litres more luggage space than before, at 300-litres. This increases to 385 litres – 15 litres more than before – when the roof is closed and a retaining function is manually folded back. A folding rear centre backrest and through-loading function is standard on all models.
As with its coupé sibling, the 4 Series Convertible is based on the latest evolution of BMW’s CLAR (cluster architecture) platform. It receives a 41mm longer wheelbase than its predecessor, at 2851mm, as well as track widths increased by 28mm to 1575mm at the front and by 18mm to 1611mm at the rear.
To offset the lack of a fixed roof structure, BMW has added bracing to a front and rear bulkheads and within the floorpan to boost stiffness and rigidity.
Inside, there’s a new dashboard featuring digital instruments and a heavily upgraded infotainment system with BMW’s latest ID7 operating system. Quality has taken a big step in line with developments brought to the 4 Series Coupé.
The UK line-up at launch comprises five models: the petrol 420i and M440i xDrive, plus the 420d, 430d and M440d xDrive diesels. Standard models receive rear-wheel drive, while the M Performance models feature four-wheel drive.
Join the debate
Add your comment
I think the reviewer nails the grille issue succinctly, it's at odds with the styling of the rest of the car. To my eyes it looks like an afterthought. If BMW want to create striking or controversial designs, appending a dodgy grille to an otherwise reasonably elegant design isn't the way to do it.