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Expert Rating

BMW 4 Series Convertible

(2021 - present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

74
%
A

Used car score:

70
%
B

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

79
%
A

Safety Rating:

86
%
A

Eco Rating:

61
%
B

Reliability Rating:

73
%
C

Running Costs:

45
%
D

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

74
%
A

Used car score:

70
%
B

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

79
%
A

Safety Rating:

86
%
A

Eco Rating:

61
%
B

Reliability Rating:

73
%
C

Running Costs:

45
%
D

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


Media reviews


Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Trader

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Honest John

+

Parkers

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

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

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

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

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models39 mpgD34 – 42 mpgD – D
Diesel models53 mpgB46 – 58 mpgB – C
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models164 g/kmC154 – 184 g/kmB – C
Diesel models139 g/kmB129 – 162 g/kmA – C
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models36C30 – 45C – D
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£257B
Year 2£638B
Year 3£1,056C
Year 4£1,404C
Year 5£1,837C
Overall£5,192C

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 CabrioletFord 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.

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


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Refined, practical, well-equipped with impressive performance - the BMW 4 Series is considered a soft-top class-leader, despite its polarising looks.BMW 4 Series Convertible