The new BMW 4 Series Convertible arrives here in the first quarter of next year, with a bold new look and a new soft top.
Its three-model range, consisting of 420i, 430i and M440i xDrive models, mirrors that of the coupe.
Regardless of variant, you’ll pay a $19,000 premium to enjoy the top-down life with prices starting at $89,900 before on-road costs.
There are some minor differences in spec between the convertible and its coupe sibling, including standard Vernasca leather upholstery and heated front seats on the base 420i.
The new 4 Series Convertible now has a fabric roof instead of a retractable hardtop like the outgoing model.
That results in a roof 40 per cent lighter. It takes 18 seconds to fully open or close and can be operated at speeds of up to 50km/h.
Luggage space is up by 80L with the roof down to 300L, expanding 15L with the roof up for a total of 385L.
The new model is 128mm longer and 27mm wider than the old car, with wider tracks. It still possesses the coveted 50:50 weight distribution, while torsional rigidity is 4.0 per cent greater.
Pricing
- 2021 BMW 420i Convertible: $89,900
- 2021 BMW 430i Convertible: $107,900
- 2021 BMW M440i xDrive Convertible: $135,900
All prices exclude on-road costs.
Engines
The 2021 BMW 420i and 430i are both powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, sending power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The entry-level 420i has 135kW of power and 300Nm of torque, while the more expensive 430i ups those numbers to 190kW and 400Nm.
The range-topping M440i xDrive packs a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine with 285kW of power and 500Nm of torque, sending power to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic.
0-100km/h times are 8.2 seconds for the 420i, 6.2 seconds for the 430i and 4.9 seconds for the M440i xDrive.
Fuel Economy
BMW Australia hasn’t revealed local fuel economy figures for the 4 Series. We’ll update this once these figures are available.
Dimensions
The 2021 BMW 4 Series Convertible measures 4768mm long, 1852mm wide and 1384mm tall with the roof up, riding on a 2851mm wheelbase.
Luggage space is 300L, or 385L with the roof up.
Servicing
The 4 Series is backed by a three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
Maintenance is managed by a range of sensors in the car, which alert the driver when servicing is required. Two service packages are available.
You can purchase a five-year/80,000km service package for $1565, or pay $4110 for an expanded Plus package that covers additional consumables such as brake pads and discs, wipers, and clutch disc/plate.
Safety
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keeping assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Evasion aid
- Eight airbags
Although the 4 Series hasn’t yet been crash tested, the related 3 Series was awarded a five-star ANCAP rating in 2019.
It managed a near-perfect 97 per cent score for adult occupant protection, 87 per cent for child occupant protection, 87 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 77 per cent for safety assist.
Standard Equipment
Standard equipment in the 420i includes:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Wireless phone charging
- DAB+ digital radio
- M Sport package
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Powered front sport seats with driver’s memory
- Vernasca leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Head-up display
- Tri-zone climate control
- LED headlights and front fog lights
- Automatic high-beam
- Adaptive cruise control
- Semi-autonomous parking assist including reversing assist
- Parking sensors
- Aluminium interior trim
A $2600 Comfort Package adds:
- Heated steering wheel
- Lumbar support
- Front head restraint neck warmers
- Keyless entry and start
A $3770 Driver’s Assistance Package adds:
- Tyre-pressure monitoring
- Driving Assistant Professional with steering and lane-control assist
- Surround-view camera
Moving to the 430i adds:
- Adaptive suspension
- Keyless entry and start
- M Sport brakes
- Surround-view camera
- Driving Assistant Professional with steering and lane-control assist
The 420i’s Comfort Package is available on the 430i for $1700, though it doesn’t include keyless entry and start as this is already standard.
A Visibility Package is available on the 420i and 430i which adds ambient lighting and laser headlights. It costs $4300, or $5900 when you add a BMW Individual paint finish.
The range-topping M440i packs:
- M Sport Differential
- Ambient lighting
- Front head restraint neck warmers
- Heated front seats
- Laser headlights
- Harman/Kardon surround sound system
Options on the 4 Series Convertible include:
- Ventilated front seats
- Harman/Kardon surround sound system
- Heated steering wheel
- Ambient lighting
- Wood interior trim
- Remote start
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