BMW New Zealand will introduce the all-new BMW 4 Series convertible in mid next year with the latest model ditching the hard roof for a soft top.

The sixth-generation of this open-top four seater packages the brand’s hallmark driving pleasure in a particularly exclusive form, and builds on a long-standing tradition in this model class that began 35 years ago with the launch of the first ever BMW 3 Series convertible. 

At 4768 millimetres, it is 128 mm longer than its predecessor, while width has increased by 27 mm to 1852 mm and wheelbase by 41 mm to 2851 mm. Vehicle height is 1384 mm with the roof closed. 

Increased track widths (+28 mm at the front, +18 mm at the rear vs predecessor) accentuate the car’s muscular stature while also enhancing handling abilities.

Like the 4 Series coupé, the front end of the all-new BMW 4 Series convertible highlights its standalone character and distinguishes it clearly from the BMW 3 Series sedan. 

The large, vertically emphasised BMW kidney grille reprises a design feature from the company’s past – one shared with legendary models such as the BMW 328 and BMW 3.0 CSi – while adding a modern twist. 

The grille angles forwards and extends down almost to the lower edge of the front apron. A horizontal mesh structure like other recent BMW M models features within the kidney grille.

The slim headlights of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé reach well into the front wheel arches. Full-LED headlights with high beam assistant are included as standard, while BMW Laserlight is standard fitment on the M440i xDrive model. 

The innovative panel bow soft-top design on the all-new BMW 4 Series convertible marries the strengths of a retractable hardtop with the contemporary aesthetic of a fabric roof. 

Finished in black as standard, the fabric roof is also available in an optional Anthracite Silver effect.  

Thanks to several layers of insulation and a flush-fitted rear glass, acoustic and thermal comfort of the panel bow soft-top design are far superior to that of a conventional fabric roof. At the same time, it is crucially 40 per cent lighter than the outgoing model’s retractable hardtop.

Powered by an electric motor, roof movement requires less than 18 seconds and can be done at the push of a button; roof movement is also possible on the move at speeds up to 50 km/h. 

The variable soft-top compartment allows luggage capacity to be increased from 300 to 385 litres when the roof is closed.

The interior design of the new BMW 4 Series convertible is characterised by cleanly designed surfaces, and a driver-focused cockpit.

Sport seats and a newly designed M leather steering wheel come as standard, while automatically extending and retracting belt feeders and the coordinated design of the instrument panel focus on driver centricity.  

The high-set centre console for the front seat occupants and the clear individual seat design for the rear passengers create a premium, enveloping environment for all occupants. The shoulder line framed by a continuous trim strip increases this sensation, particularly when driving with the roof down.

Multiple engine variants incorporating enhanced BMW TwinPower Turbo technology will be available to customers globally. 

These include a four-cylinder engine for the 420i, delivering 135kW/ 300Nm, a more powerful 190kW/ 400Nm four-cylinder for the 430i, and a six-cylinder unit for the M440i xDrive that develops 275kW/500Nm. 

Customers in New Zealand will only get petrol engine variants; exact specifications will be announced closer to market launch. 

All three power trains are matched with a fast-shifting eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission which can be controlled by steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

The all-new 4 Series convertible also introduces a new Sprint function, which activates when pulling on the left shift paddle for at least one second. 

The action engages the SPORT setting of the Driving Experience Control, sharpening the powertrain and shifting to the lowest possible gear for maximum dynamic performance when kicking down in a sudden burst of speed for overtaking.

The 4 Series convertible’s rigid structure is stiffened further still with the addition of model-specific bracing, an aluminium shear panel at the bottom of the front end, and side skirts with high torsional rigidity. 

As a result, the static torsional rigidity of the new car is four per cent higher overall than its predecessor.