BMW reveals 2021 4 Series convertible starting at $54,095

(October 1, 2020) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — BMW has revealed 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 $54,095 for the new 430i Convertible, $56,095 for the 430i xDrive Convertible, $64,995 for the M440i Convertible and $66,995 for the M440i xDrive Convertible. Pricing includes the $995 destination.
 
 All models 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 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 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 new BMW 4 Series Convertibles are available in a choice of either traditional rear-wheel drive or with BMW’s latest intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive system offering additional traction during both performance driving and in varied weather conditions.
 
The BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system helps to sharpen the car’s handling properties. Power is sent to the wheels via an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case. The latest xDrive system found in the new 4 Series Convertible offers rapid, precise and fully variable distribution of drive torque between the front and rear wheels. In driving situations where all-wheel drive is not needed, all the power is directed to the rear wheels.

 The new 4 Series Convertible’s soft 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.
 
 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.