Pricing and specifications for the BMW 4 Series Convertible have been announced ahead of the model's debut in South Africa. Here's what's on offer.

BMW has reverted to a soft-top configuration for the 1st time since the E46 3 Series Cabriolet was phased out in 2006 (the E93-gen 3 Series Convertible and its F33-generation 4 Series successor had folding hardtops), the newcomer has comparatively sleeker rear styling, especially in terms of its shapelier three-quarter proportions. Why?Well, because it has less to fold away:the new fabric roof assembly is more compact (and 40% lighter) than the previous car’s metal-and-glass origami.

Another benefit of the newcomer’s revised roof configuration isa better-claimed luggage capacity of 300litres (80litres more than before) with the roof down and 385litres (15litres) when the roof is up. A storage package, folding rear backrest and through-loading facility are standard.Meanwhile, to compensate for the loss of torsional rigidity (because of the absence of a solid roof), BMW has stiffened the 4 Series Convertible’s body with specific bracing, an aluminium shear panel at the frontand reinforced side skirts. The newcomer also has a 50:50 weight distribution

BMW South Africa is offering just the two convertible models for now; 420i and M440i xDrive. When it comes to engines, the 420i is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder motor, developing 135 kW and 300 Nm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox and BMW claims its entry-level 4 Series Convertible can accelerate to 100 kph in just 8.2 seconds and will run to a top speed of 236 kph. In terms of economy, BMW claims a consumption figure of 6.6 L/100 km.

For the performance fans, the M440i xDrive Convertible packs a turbocharged 3.0-litre 6-cylinder motor that thumps out 275 kW and 500 Nm, as well as an 8-speed gearbox.Thanks to all-wheel drive, it's claimed to hit 100 kph in just 4.9 seconds and will run to a top speed of 250 kph. It's claimed to consume 8.2 L/100 km. If you're wanting even more performance, there will be a BMW M4 Convertible, due for a reveal sometime in 2021.

The BMW 4 Series configurator has some interesting options to consider for your topless experience. There are plenty of exterior and interior colour combinations, as well as6 alloy wheel designs, ranging from 17-inch to 19-inch in size. To give your BMW 4 Series Convertible a stylish look, theM carbon exterior package for R83 600 has you covered. Other options of interest include:BMW LASERLIGHT headlightsR16500, Tyre pressure sensorsR5000, Adaptive M suspension R16900, M Sports suspension R6 400, Harmon Kardon sound system R12 500 and the clever Parking Assist Plus with its intelligent camera software for R17 600.

How much does the new BMW 4-Series Convertible cost in South Africa?

BMW 420i Convertible R957 466

BMW M440i xDrive Convertible R1 392 634

Further Reading

New BMW Cars for SA in 2021

BMW 4-Series Convertible Revealed

BMW M440i Filmed in South Africa

BMW M3 and M4 Pricing in SA