The standout element of the models in the new BMW 4-Series range is the carefully judged enhancement of their sporting abilities. And now, this can also be combined with the pleasure of open-top motoring. With its sensational styling, brand new roof design, diverse line-up of engines, top-class chassis technology and innovative equipment features, the new BMW 4-Series Convertible packages driving pleasure in a particularly exclusive form. The open-top four-seater follows the lead of the new BMW 4-Series Coupé by featuring a standalone design with a notably sharper profile than its predecessor. Its distinct vehicle concept with model-specific body structure and bespoke chassis tuning instils the new BMW 4-Series Convertible with exceptional dynamic flair. This also serves to distinguish it more clearly than ever from the new 3-Series Sedan, which provided the technological blueprint for the new BMW 4-Series range.
BMW has a long-standing tradition of fusing the brand's hallmark sporting prowess with the pleasure of open-top driving in a premium midsize model. It was 35 years ago that the first ever BMW 3-Series Convertible was unveiled at the IAA international motor show in Frankfurt. The open-top four-seater car was an instant hit with its graceful silhouette, low, horizontal shoulderline and a seating position that further intensified contact with the outside world. Unrivalled in its segment, this formula for generating supreme driving pleasure under the open sky has been consistently refined by each successive model generation, with the new BMW 4-Series Convertible now the sixth generation to deliver a contemporary take on the original concept.
As it has evolved, the midsize BMW convertible has also acquired an increasing sense of independence in terms of its design, body and specification, and this was reflected by a separate model name for the first time in the predecessor to the new BMW 4-Series Convertible. The latest edition stands apart from the 3-Series Sedan even more distinctly. The advances over the outgoing model manifest themselves predominantly in clearly superior performance capabilities and the new panel bow softtop design that combines the practical benefits of a retractable hardtop with the puristic appeal of a fabric hood - the best of both worlds, in other words.
The new BMW 4-Series Convertible will be launched worldwide starting in March 2021. It will be built at BMW Plant Dingolfing, the BMW Group's largest production facility in Germany and home to the BMW 8-Series Convertible and its siblings. Other models rolling off the production line at Dingolfing include the BMW 5-Series, BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo and BMW 7-Series luxury sedan.
Exterior design: distinctive proportions create an aura of sportiness and elegance
With its dynamically stretched proportions the new BMW 4-Series Convertible makes no secret of either its class-leading sporting prowess or the stylish elegance inherent in an open-top four-seater built for exclusive driving pleasure. At the same time, the brand's new design language has produced a striking interpretation of the low-slung silhouette that is traditionally a defining feature of premium midsize BMW convertibles. This aspect is particularly noticeable with the roof down and combines with the powerfully sculpted surfaces to bring the sporty nature of the new 4-Series Convertible prominently to the fore.
The newcomer's elegant yet powerful presence also stems from its larger exterior dimensions. At 4,768 millimetres, it is 128 mm longer than its predecessor, while width has increased by 27 mm to 1,852 mm and wheelbase has grown by 41 mm to 2,851 mm. The vehicle height is 1,384 mm with the roof closed. Increased track widths (+ 28 mm at the front and + 18 mm at the rear) accentuate the car's muscular stature while also having a beneficial effect on its sporty handling qualities. The fine balance between sportiness and elegance for which BMW is renowned shines through again in the long bonnet, short overhangs and long doors with frameless windows.
Front end includes expressive styling accents with a rich tradition
As well as the car's proportions, it is the front end of the new BMW 4-Series Convertible that most vividly highlights its standalone character and distinguishes it most clearly from the new BMW 3-Series Sedan. Its defining element is the large, vertical BMW kidney grille, which takes pride of place at the centre of the open-top four-seater's front end, just as on the new BMW 4-Series Coupé. The kidney grille, with its pronounced forward slant, employs air intakes with a standard mesh structure, indicating the high quantity of cooling air required for the powerful engine behind the scenes. Its upright elements connected in the centre reprise a design feature from the brand's past - one familiar from legendary classics such as the BMW 328 and BMW 3.0 CSi - while adding a modern twist.
The BMW kidney grille extends down almost to the lower edge of the front apron and is framed by crisp, precisely sculpted surfaces. Like the contours of the headlights, the bonnet's arrow-shaped lines zero in on the kidney grille. The optional LED fog lights and the likewise vertically designed Air Curtains positioned at the outer edges merge harmoniously into the elegantly styled surfaces.
LED headlights as standard, BMW Laserlight optional
Alongside the BMW kidney grille, the extremely slim headlights also do their bit to give the front end of the new BMW 4-Series Convertible its arresting appearance. With outlines that cut deep into the front wheel arches and taper towards the kidney grille and light sources in a side-by-side arrangement, they create the focused gaze on the road that has become a signature design cue of the BMW brand. The new BMW 4-Series Convertible comes as standard with full-LED headlights whose sophisticated lighting technology is visible in detail. This includes two slender, U-shaped fibre-optic light guides that serve as the daytime driving lights. And the turn indicators come in the form of three high-quality glass blades at the outer reaches of the headlight units.
Among the items on the options list for the new BMW 4-Series Convertible are Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Laserlight including BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling high beam assistant. Here, low and high beam are generated from both the headlights' outer and inner light sources. This equipment item also comes with the cornering light and adaptive cornering functions with variable road illumination optimised for urban and motorway driving. At speeds above 60 km/h (37 mph), BMW Laserlight increases high-beam range to a maximum 550 metres and follows the course of the road dynamically. Three-dimensional hexagonal fibre-optic light guides supply the daytime driving lights. Each of the outer daytime driving light elements also doubles as a turn indicator.
BMW Laserlight can be easily identified by the blue inlays at the upper edge of the headlight units. Both LED light variants are available in BMW Individual lights Shadowline form, with darkened inlays adorning their upper edges.
Elegant silhouette, distinctive roofline, striking rear
The dynamically stretched side profile helps to give the new BMW 4-Series Convertible a low-slung look that exudes sporty flair, while the powerfully contoured surfaces intensify its athletic character. The far-back positioning of the seats also becomes particularly conspicuous when the roof is open. This guarantees the open-top driving experience readily associated with BMW convertibles, highlighted by the sun on your face and wind in your hair. When closed, the softtop roof gracefully arches over the passenger cell, with its compact form creating a distinctive and eye-catching notchback silhouette.
In the area around the rear wheel arches, precise lines and three-dimensionally sculpted surfaces combine to form powerful shoulders that give the new BMW 4-Series Convertible a broad-set, muscular appearance, particularly with the roof down. This impression is reinforced by the slim rear light units extending well into the flanks. The lights are stylishly darkened, with their rear light bars illuminating uniformly to reproduce the L shape familiar from other BMW models. Vertically arranged apertures at the outer edges of the clearly structured rear apron mimic the appearance of the Air Curtains at the front. Dual-branch tailpipes - circular or trapezoidal, depending on the model variant - frame the lower section of the rear apron.
M Sport model with characteristic design; model-specific accents for the flagship variants of the new BMW 4-Series Convertible
The new BMW 4-Series Convertible is also available in M Sport form as an alternative to standard specification. This equipment variant adds extra-large outer air intakes in the front apron and a strikingly sculpted rear apron with an inlay in Dark Shadow and a diffuser element in High-gloss Black to reinforce its dynamic aura. Other design features gracing the M Sport model include air intake trim elements, side trim strips and exterior mirror bases in a High-gloss Black finish. In cars featuring optional BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline trim with extended features, the kidney grille surround and exhaust tailpipe finishers also sport a classy dark colour scheme.
As well as the body features of the M Sport model designed to optimise the supply of cooling air and aerodynamics, the BMW M440i xDrive Convertible and BMW M440d xDrive Convertible also come with a kidney grille surround, air intake trim, exterior mirror caps and trapezoidal exhaust tailpipe finishers in Cerium Grey. A rear apron inlay in High-gloss Black provides an additional flourish. Added to which, BMW M cars and the M Sport model can be specified with an M Carbon exterior package, which comprises air intake finishers for the front-wings, exterior mirror caps and a diffuser element in the rear apron all made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).
Wide range of exterior colours and BMW Individual paint finishes, plus two softtop colours to choose from
The two non-metallic paint shades Black and Alpine White, plus the Sapphire Black metallic, Mineral White metallic, Bluestone metallic, Sunset Orange metallic, Portimao Blue metallic, Arctic Race Blue metallic and new San Remo Green metallic options are available from launch for the new BMW 4-Series Convertible. Customers can also choose from the BMW Individual paint finishes Dravite Grey metallic and Tanzanite Blue metallic. And for a guaranteed highly exclusive look, the new 4-Series Convertible can also be specified in a number of BMW Individual special paint finishes, including the visually expressive matt shimmer of Frozen Portimao Blue metallic and Frozen Deep Grey metallic.
The softtop roof comes in two variants to match the selected body colour. As an alternative to the standard Black, it is also available in an Anthracite Silver effect finish, which gives the fabric a classy metallic shimmer, especially in direct sunlight.
Interior: driver-centric cockpit design and four seats immersed in a premium ambience of sporting elegance
The blend of sportiness and elegance that characterises the new BMW 4-Series Convertible is carried through into the cabin. The driver-centric cockpit design is further enhanced by the large screen grouping of instrument cluster and Control Display. Together with the ergonomically optimised arrangement of the controls, this helps to focus the driver's attention on the road ahead. Standard equipment includes sports seats in the front with ergonomically designed belt feeders that make it easier for the driver and front passenger to fasten their seat belts. The high-set centre console combines with the harmoniously coordinated surface structuring of the instrument panel and door panel trim to create an enveloping environment for the front seat occupants. In the BMW M440i xDrive Convertible, BMW M440d xDrive Convertible and M Sport model option, the outer edges of the centre console have knee pads to encourage a sporty driving style.
Standout features specific to the Convertible's interior include the smartly styled shoulder panelling, with unbroken trim edging which sweeps around the entire cabin. Subtly styled domes on the rear shelf echo the shape of the rear head restraints. The rear seats have a clear individual seat design, underscored by the rear centre armrest's built-in storage and cup holder module.
Horizontal lines define the structure of the elegantly designed instrument panel in the new BMW 4-Series Convertible. Its width is further emphasised by the contours and high-quality electroplated strips extending into the door areas. At the centre of the panel is a sharply designed unit accommodating the displays and buttons for the air conditioning and the central air vents. The start/stop button for the engine is now positioned in a classy control panel in the centre console, where the newly designed selector lever is joined by the iDrive Controller and the buttons for the Driving Experience Control switch and electromechanical parking brake. The light functions are operated from a panel of buttons next to the steering wheel.
High-quality interior trim strips also play a role in the modern premium ambience of the new BMW 4-Series Convertible's cabin. Standard specification includes interior trim strips in High-gloss Black with accent strips in Pearl-effect Chrome, while five alternatives - among them open-pore fine wood and Aluminium Mesh Effect - can be selected from the options list. Three BMW Individual interior trim strip variants are also available.
M Sport model and BMW M models: exuding dynamism inside and out
Exclusive design cues inside the M Sport model shine a further spotlight on its exceptionally dynamic character. Sports seats with M-specific Vernasca leather upholstery, an M leather steering wheel, door sill plates bearing the M logo and interior trim strips in Aluminium Tetragon with accent strips in Pearl-effect Chrome lend visual power to the richly engaging driving experience. Model lettering in the digital instrument cluster display also points to the special status of the BMW M440i xDrive Convertible and BMW M440d xDrive Convertible.
Body and softtop roof
The new BMW 4-Series Convertible is the perfect place to indulge in the pleasures of sporting performance while also enjoying the exclusive experience of open-top driving. To endow the open-top four-seater car with more agile and precise handling qualities, it is built around an independently designed body structure, just like its 4-Series Coupé sibling. Body stiffness has been increased by means of additional bracing elements engineered specifically for the convertible model. The optimised weight, almost perfect 50 : 50 weight distribution (depending on engine variant and equipment), low centre of gravity, excellent aerodynamics and stiff chassis mountings are additional factors in the sporty handling of the new BMW 4-Series Convertible.
The construction of the roof also bears testimony to the vehicle concept's unwavering commitment to delivering an intensely sporty driving experience. An innovative panel bow softtop has been purpose-developed for the new BMW 4-Series Convertible and combines the solidity and all-weather capabilities of the retractable hardtop fitted on its predecessor with the classical appeal of a fabric hood. The new softtop design sets class-leading standards in terms of styling, premium feel, and thermal and acoustic comfort.
Display and operating system, BMW Connected and ConnectedDrive
Both driver and passengers will benefit from the enhanced options for intuitive operation and the innovative digital services brought by the standard inclusion of BMW Operating System 7 in the new BMW 4-Series Convertible. Individually configurable display content and intelligent connectivity underpin remarkably seamless interaction between driver and vehicle. In the main menu on the Control Display, the driver is able to configure up to ten pages, each showing two to four pads (tiles) with live content. Both the content and the graphics are personalised to an even greater degree, as illustrated by the vehicle mock-up that matches the actual model colour and equipment line.
The intuitive multimodal operation is now even better and allows the driver to take their pick of control interface for the situation at hand: Control Display touchscreen, proven iDrive Controller, multifunction buttons on the steering wheel or voice control.
The standard-fitted BMW Live Cockpit Plus comprises the iDrive operating system with 8.8-inch Control Display and a Touch Controller, a black panel instrument cluster centred around a 5.1-inch colour display, plus a multimedia and navigation system, two USB ports for data transfer and a WiFi interface. A built-in SIM card with 4G LTE connectivity and the likewise standard Connected Package Professional make it possible to use digital services such as BMW TeleServices, Intelligent Emergency Call, Real Time Traffic Information with hazard warning, and the Remote Services and Concierge Services.
The optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional, meanwhile, offers a fully digital screen grouping comprising a high-resolution instrument cluster behind the steering wheel with a screen diagonal of 12.3 inches and a 10.25-inch 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. To further enhance the sporty driving experience, information such as lateral acceleration during high-speed cornering can be displayed here too.
BMW Live Cockpit Plus and BMW Live Cockpit Professional provide access to numerous other digital services, including the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, Connected Music and Remote Software Upgrade.
Fast, accurate, informative: BMW Maps - the new-generation navigation system
When it comes to digital services, one of the standout new features for the new BMW 4-Series Convertible is BMW Maps. This cloud-based system boasts significantly enhanced performance and excellent accuracy along with a simplified method of destination entry. The new-generation navigation system offers extremely fast route calculation carried out dynamically and based on precise real-time traffic data transmitted at short intervals. The arrival time is calculated using an anticipatory method which factors in the usual traffic levels along the entire route. Full traffic data is now available for more minor roads, too.
Drivers can now enter any word when searching for their chosen destination. The search results are sorted by relevance with a high level of precision. Alternatively, the destination can be entered simply by saying it. Points of interest (POIs) along the route are described in greater detail, with reviews, opening times and photos all included.
BMW Maps also uses Connected Parking to provide even more effective assistance when searching for a parking space close to the destination. When the driver selects their destination in the navigation system, they receive an indication of the parking situation at the destination for their estimated time of arrival. Shortly before arriving, the driver is given information on the nearest multi-storey car park as well as proposed routes offering a particularly good chance of finding a parking spot close to the destination. The familiar On-Street Parking Information and ParkNow services have been intelligently incorporated into the functionality of BMW Maps.
Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay - and now also Android Auto
BMW Live Cockpit Plus and BMW Live Cockpit Professional also come with optimised smartphone integration. In addition to Apple CarPlay, the operating system for the new BMW 4-Series Convertible will also host Android Auto. This opens up the same benefits already enjoyed by Apple iPhone owners to Android users too, making it easier to access a great number of digital services from their car in just the same way they do on their smartphone. These include Google Assistant, Google Maps, music streaming services like Spotify and Amazon Music, and the WhatsApp messaging service.
The wireless WiFi connection between the smartphone and vehicle enables the operating system in question to be integrated directly into the car's display and operating system. All the key information from the apps made available there can be viewed both in the Control Display and - in a cleverly presented way - in the instrument cluster or optional Head-Up Display.
BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant: more natural voice commands and additional functions
The latest version of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant takes the connection between driver and car to a new level in the new BMW 4-Series Convertible. Activated by a spoken prompt (for example "Hey BMW") or at the touch of a button, this digital companion acquires new capabilities all the time. Naturally formulated spoken instructions can now also be used to adjust the air conditioning. In addition, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is also capable of learning routines that increase both convenience and driving pleasure in specific situations. For instance, the driver's window can be opened automatically when the vehicle reaches a chosen location entered using GPS coordinates, such as the entrance to a garage or multi-storey car park.
When the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is in use, new graphics appear in the Control Display to emphasise the system's interactive character. The graphic now "turns" towards the speaker, thereby visualising how the system is listening attentively to what is being said. The system recognises whether the driver or front passenger is speaking to it and reacts accordingly by, for example, altering the climate control settings on one side of the interior.
Always up to the minute: new Remote Software Upgrade function for over-the-air updates
The switch to BMW Operating System 7 also brings the Remote Software Upgrade function to the new BMW 4-Series Convertible, keeping the vehicle up to date with the latest software. The content of the upgrades ranges from new services to improved vehicle functions. All updates can be imported over the air, either on a smartphone via the My BMW app or directly into the car using its built-in SIM card.
The intelligent connectivity technology also makes it possible to incorporate additional vehicle functions at a later date. The optional features that owners can retrofit via this digital channel include the High Beam Assistant, the Drive Recorder and Active Sound Design.
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