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 C-Class Cabriolet in the high-end convertible market.
The 4 Series Convertible has received a very positive reception since its UK arrival in Autumn 2021, 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 hinders 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 providing 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 August 2023, the BMW 4 Series Convertible holds an Expert Rating of 79%, a score that’s just 2% behind its coupé sibling. It’s also 10% higher than its key rival, the Audi A5 Cabriolet.
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 £45,800 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2021
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test 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.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: 4 Series M440i
Score: 8 / 10
“For those wanting a four-seat convertible right now, the 4 Series seems an obvious choice.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The BMW 4 Series Convertible is one of the best four-seater soft-tops around.”
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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.”
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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…”
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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.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“The BMW 4 Series Convertible is very accomplished indeed, with keen handling, an impressively comfortable ride (when adaptive suspension is fitted), and a classy interior.”
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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 January 2023, the BMW 4 Series Convertible has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
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 | 35 – 42 mpg | D – D |
| Diesel models | 53 mpg | B | 46 – 58 mpg | B – C |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 162 g/km | C | 154 – 182 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 | 33 – 45 | C – D |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £313 | C |
| Year 2 | £701 | C |
| Year 3 | £1,177 | C |
| Year 4 | £1,479 | C |
| Year 5 | £1,973 | C |
| Overall | £5,643 | 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
2023
- What Car? Awards – Best Convertible
2022
- What Car? Awards – Best 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 C-Class Cabriolet | Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
More information
More news, reviews and information about the BMW 4 Series at The Car Expert
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