BMW presents the all-new, second generation 4 Series Convertible
BMW is proud to present the all-new, second generation 4 Series Convertible, 35 years after the very first 3 Series Convertible was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The new four-seater continues the tradition of exhilarating open-air motoring, rightfully deserving “The Ultimate Driving Machine” moniker with its modern styling, low-slung shoulder line, cutting-edge technology and performance.
The most noticeable change from the previous generation is the switch from hardtop to newly designed soft-top, which brings many benefits including weight reduction, greater cargo space and a lower center of gravity for improved handling.
MSRP is $53,100 for the new 430i Convertible, $55,100 for the 430i xDrive Convertible, $64,00 for the M440i Convertible and $66,000 for the M440i xDrive Convertible. Pricing does not include $995 Destination.
New convertible soft-top
The new 4 Series Convertible’s top uses large panel bow elements with a honeycomb-design construction, a flush-fitting glass rear window, multiple layers of insulation and a fabric cover available in two colors. The fabric is pulled taut when the roof is closed, giving the car a coupe-like appearance with a classic fabric top convertible feel.
The soft-top roof color choices include standard black and an optional Moonlight black which gives the fabric a classy metallic shimmer, especially in direct sunlight.
The soft-top is also approximately 40 percent lighter than the previous generation’s hardtop. The smooth surface, when closed, improves the 4 Series Convertible’s aerodynamics and reduces wind noise. The effective insulation allows for quicker heating of the cabin in colder temperatures. Another benefit of the fabric top is an extra 0.2 inches of headroom when compared to the previous hardtop.
Opening and closing the soft-top takes 18 seconds and can be performed at up to 31 mph. The three bow panels fold neatly into a compact Z configuration which can also be performed via the remote key thanks to the Comfort Access system which is standard on the M440i models and optional on the 430i models.
The compact dimensions of the folded soft-top increase cargo area to 9.0 cubic feet, an increase of 1.2 cubic feet over the previous 4 Series Convertible. The top features a safety mechanism which prevents it from being lowered if the trunk area is filled. A pass-through door in the rear seat allows for longer items to be carried inside the car.
A standard wind deflector with two mesh elements can be fitted in the rear to reduce both wind noise and air turbulence. When not in use, the deflector can be stored either within easy reach behind the rear backrest or in its fitted bag in the cargo compartment.
Exterior Design and Improved Aerodynamics
The new 2021 4 Series Convertible is 5.2-inches longer (5.3-inches for M440i models), 1.0-inches wider and 0.1-inch higher. It also has a 1.6-inch longer wheelbase than its predecessor. The front track has grown by 1.5-inches, accentuating the wider and more aggressive stance of the low-slung open-top cars. The new 4 Series Convertible’s aerodynamic properties are also improved over those of its predecessor (by 0.02 Cx) thanks to the sleek new soft-top, a nearly sealed underbody and numerous improved aero aids such as air curtains and air flap control.
The striking front end of the 4 Series features a new BMW kidney grille design which provides adequate airflow to meet engine cooling requirements. The grille is angled forward and extends to the bottom of the front bumper cover. The kidney grille is framed by surfaces with a three-dimensional mesh structure. The arrow-shaped lines of the hood come together at the grille while the air curtain intakes at the edges of the front bumper highlight the 4 Series’ width.
Standard LED headlights are slimmer in design and taper toward the kidney grille. Two U-shaped daytime running light elements in each headlight are the most pronounced feature. The turn signals consist of three glass blade units in the corners of each front light assembly.
The profile of the new 4 Series Convertible shows the new model’s very clean and minimalist classic lines - a notchback silhouette with the roof up or the wide, low muscular appearance with the roof down.
The width of the new 4 Series Convertible is reinforced in the rear by slim, darkened L-shaped LED taillights which extend into the quarter panels. Vertical apertures at the corners of the rear bumper mimic the front’s air breather openings.
The M Sport Package includes a uniquely styled front bumper with larger air intake openings and a restyled rear bumper with Shadowline inlays. The rear diffuser panel, front air intake trim, side window moldings and lower exterior mirror housings are all finished in high-gloss black. Selecting the optional Shadowline Package provides a high-gloss black finish to the kidney grille, exhaust tip trim and a black finish to the mirror caps.
The M440i and M440i xDrive Convertibles’ exterior styling is set apart by a Cerium Grey finish to the kidney grille, front air intake trim, exterior mirror caps and rear trapezoidal exhaust tip trim.
Interior Design
A premium driver-centric cockpit is the focus of the new 4 Series Convertible’s interior design. Newly designed front power Sport seats and leather Sport steering wheel are standard. The upswept center console creates individual space for the front seat passengers. The M Sport Package and M440i Convertible models offer additional soft knee padding on the sides of the center console as well as an M Sport steering wheel and door sill plates with the M logo.
The center display screen flows into the instrument cluster area to form a congruous unit. The light functions are operated from a panel of buttons to the left of the steering wheel. The start/stop button is now located in the center console along with the newly designed gear selector lever, the iDrive Controller and the buttons for the Driving Experience Control switch.
Rear seating with integral head restraints is designed for two passengers and features a center armrest with storage and cupholders as well as a pass-through section to the cargo area.
The interior of the new 4 Series Convertible features lighting for front and rear interior, glovebox, center armrest storage compartment, sun visor mirrors, trunk area and door courtesy lights. The optional interior ambient lighting provides adjustable lighting for the contour lines across the instrument and door panels. The lighting’s distribution, brightness and color scheme can be configured via the iDrive menu to suit the driver’s taste and mood.
The storage trays and compartments around the front seats and in the rear are more capacious than in the outgoing model. As well as the traditional glove compartment and the storage space under the center armrest, there is also a stowage tray in front of the gear selector lever, roomy door pockets and an additional storage compartment underneath the control panel for the lighting functions on the driver’s side. The cover at the front of the center console opens with a fingertip push to reveal two cupholders, a 12V socket and a USB port. A second USB port can be found in the illuminated storage compartment under the center armrest.
Convertible-specific noise reduction measures have been taken in the areas of the intake system, engine cover and underbody to dampen engine noise and thereby increase acoustic comfort when driving with the top down. Measures to divert wind noise effectively around the body further enhance comfort levels.
The acoustic properties of the air conditioning system have also been improved by reducing airflow noise. A three-zone automatic climate control system allowing independent control of the temperature and ventilation settings for the driver’s side, the front passenger side and the rear passenger compartment is standard.
Power and Performance
All models of the new 4 Series enjoy a boost in horsepower and torque over the models they replace. Powering the new 430i and 430i xDrive Convertibles is an updated B46 2.0-liter 4-cylinder BMW TwinPower turbocharged engine delivering 255 hp @ 5,000 – 6,500 rpm (an increase of 7 hp) and 295 ft-lbs. of torque @ 1,550 – 4,400 rpm (an increase of 37 ft-lbs.). The 430i Convertible accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds (tbd for 430i xDrive) and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph or 130 mph depending on the selected wheel and tire combination.
The new M440i and M440i xDrive Convertibles are powered by the B58 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder BMW TwinPower turbocharged engine producing 382 hp @ 5,800 – 6,500 rpm (an increase of 62 hp) and 369 ft-lbs. of torque @ 1,800 – 5,000 rpm (an increase of 39 ft.-lbs.). The M440i Convertible accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds (tbd for M440i xDrive) and can reach an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph or 130 mph depending on the selected wheel and tire combination.
Both 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines use a single, twin-scroll turbocharger, high precision fuel injection (operating at over 5,000 psi), VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing.
The 3.0-liter 6-cylinder motors in the M440i and M440i xDrive Convertibles also benefit from weight-optimized pistons and connecting rods and from an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head allowing for better thermal efficiency from the integrated water-cooling passages.
Click here for more information.
