Name: BMW 4 Series Convertible (2021 - ) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: BMW 4 Series Convertible
Rating: 74.0

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.

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.”
Read review

Honest John+

Model reviewed: Range overview
“The BMW 4 Series Convertible features a striking appearance and fabric soft-top roof.”
Read review

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 rating

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.

Running cost rating

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

2021

The Car Expert Awards – Best New Convertible

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

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.