Summary
As the name suggests, the BMW 4 Series Convertible is the soft-top version of the 4 Series Coupé, rivalling the Audi A5 Cabriolet and Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet in the high-end convertible market.
The 4 Series Convertible has received a very positive reception since its UK arrival in Autumn 2021, with reviewers particularly commending the soft-top for its comfortable and refined interior, which comes with plenty of on-board tech as standard.
Now in its second generation since evolving away from the 3 Series Convertibles of old, the 4 Series Convertible has swapped its predecessor’s folding hard-top roof for a fabric alternative, which Carbuyer says is quicker to take down, and leaves more space for passengers and luggage. That said, Carwow explains that limited rear passenger space and boot capacity still slightly hinder the soft-top’s day-to-day practicality.
Like almost all modern BMWs, most publications are not convinced by the 4 Series Convertible’s “toothy” grille design. Regardless of its controversial styling, however, the large majority of reviewers are more than won over by the convertible’s impressive performance – the BMW’s agile handling and range of petrol and diesel engines provide driving dynamics that Top Gear calls “fabulous” and The Telegraph “exhilarating”.
Auto Trader concludes, “The BMW 4 Series Convertible has all the charm and sophistication of its coupé brother with the added bonus of fun in the sun for four.”
As of December 2024, the BMW 4 Series Convertible is the best-rated version of the 4 Series family with a New Car Expert Rating of A and a score of 74%. That rating drops to a B as a used car, with a slightly lower score of 70%. The 4 Series Convertible scores top marks for its safety rating and excellent media reviews, while its CO2 emissions are also low. However, like most BMW models, reliability is only average and running costs are high.
- BMW 4 Series Coupé (2020 onwards) – Expert Rating
- More BMW Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features
4 Series Convertible highlights
- Refined interior trim
- Sharp handling
- Impressive performance
- Smooth ride comfort
4 Series Convertible lowlights
- Predictably controversial BMW styling
- Convertible roof limits boot space
- Rivals are more affordable
- Optional extras are very pricey
Key specifications
Body style: Four-seat convertible
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £49,570 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2021
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: 4 Series M440i
Score: 10 / 10
“The BMW 4 Series Convertible has all the charm and sophistication of its coupe brother with the added bonus of fun in the sun for four.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The BMW 4 Series Convertible is one of the best four-seater soft-tops around.”
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW 4 Series Convertible packs impressive handling, a smooth ride, impressive engines and an open-top driving experience that’s perfect for sunny days. So it’s a pity it looks the way it does.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The BMW 4 Series Convertible features a striking appearance and fabric soft-top roof.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Most people after a swish convertible want something that looks sporty, but isn’t unnecessarily harsh riding. The BMW delivers on this. The interior is a great place to spend time. The weight of the controls points to everything being durable, while the placement is easy to understand too.”
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic M440i
Score: 8 / 10
“This is a very convincing all-rounder. It is, in many ways, the perfect four-seat convertible, mixing exhilarating driving dynamics with practicality, space, quality and impressive fuel economy. It is expensive to buy, though. And then there are those looks…”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The 4 Series Convertible is a class-leading drop-top. It hits every base: it’s refined top up or down, the engines are fabulous, it’s spacious and reasonably practical, well-finished and can be festooned with all the gadgets and assists you’d expect.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: January 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 96%
Child protection: 80%
Vulnerable road users: 93%
Safety assist: 72%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of December 2024, the BMW 4 Series Convertible has not been tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 311
Average repair cost: £844.01
Last updated: October 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The BMW 4 Series family has an average reputation for reliability, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers all versions of the current-generation 4 Series (Convertible, Coupé and Gran Coupé) as well as the original (pre-2020) models.
The average repair bill to date has been just under £850, which is obviously a lot more than a used car warranty – so bear that in mind if you already own a BMW 4 Series or are looking at buying a used 4 Series.
The most common faults with 4 Series models to date have been engine-related. These are also the most expensive to repair, with an average bill of £2,000. Gearbox repairs are even more expensive, averaging more than £2,600, but are thankfully not as common. Other faults – like suspension, fuel system, electrics and brakes – have much lower repair bills.
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 39 mpg | D | 34 – 42 mpg | D – D |
Diesel models | 53 mpg | B | 46 – 58 mpg | B – C |
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 164 g/km | C | 154 – 184 g/km | B – C |
Diesel models | 139 g/km | B | 129 – 162 g/km | A – C |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 36 | C | 30 – 45 | C – D |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £257 | B |
Year 2 | £638 | B |
Year 3 | £1,056 | C |
Year 4 | £1,404 | C |
Year 5 | £1,837 | C |
Overall | £5,192 | C |
Running costs for the BMW 4 Series Convertible are a bit of a mixed bag, according to numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Petrol models offer a below-par fuel consumption of 39 mpg on average, while diesel models are much more efficient, offering 53 mpg. Insurance is neither expensive nor cheap, and service and maintenance costs are fairly average, too, when compared to the rest of the market.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the BMW 4 Series Convertible has received
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the BMW 4 Series Convertible, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi A5 Cabriolet | Ford Mustang convertible | Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet
- BMW 4 Series Coupé (2020 onwards) – Expert Rating
- More BMW Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features
Running costs for the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé are a bit of a mixed bag, according to numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Petrol models offer a below-par fuel consumption of 40 mpg on average, while diesel models are much more efficient, offering 55 mpg. Insurance is neither expensive nor cheap, and service and maintenance costs are fairly average, too, when compared to the rest of the market.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Alfa Romeo Giulia | Audi A4 | Audi A5 Sportback | Jaguar XE | Kia Stinger | Mazda 6 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Peugeot 508 | Polestar 2 | Subaru Levorg | Tesla Model 3 | Vauxhall Insignia | Volkswagen Arteon | Volkswagen Passat | Volvo S60 | Volvo V60
- BMW 4 Series Coupé (2020 onwards) – Expert Rating
- BMW 4 Series Convertible (2021 onwards) – Expert Rating
- More BMW ratings, reviews, news and features
More information
More news, reviews and information about the BMW 4 Series family at The Car Expert
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