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The new BMW 4 Series Convertible's massive grille isn't its biggest change, here's what it is

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BMW 4 Series Convertible. Image: BMW Press
BMW 4 Series Convertible. Image: BMW Press

• BMW unveiled its latest 4 Series Convertible with a soft-top folding roof only. 

• The G23 model now has the Coupe's vertical-shaped kidney grille. 

• The flagship model is the M440i xDrive with 275kW and 500Nm. 

BMW unveiled its latest 4 Series Convertible without a folding hardtop roof. Instead the latest G23 model has a folding fabric roof that takes 17 seconds to open or close. 

The four-seater offers infinite headroom with the roof open. BMW says the new car sports a 'panel bow' soft-top roof and is 40% lighter than the predecessor car’s. 

The soft-top comes in black as standard and anthracite Silver effect as an option and features extremely stiff body structure with reinforced side skirts, additional convertible-specific bracing and a new aluminium shear panel in the front end, says BMW.

The roof can be operated at up to 50km/h and has a claimed luggage capacity of 300-litre when stowed, it increases to 385-litres with the roof up. 

bmw 4 series

Image: BMW Press

Apart from the switch to a soft-top roof, the new 4 Series Convertible has the latest vertical kidney grille first seen on the Coupe version. The worldwide launch will begin the March 2021 and the range will be headlined by the M440i xDrive with 275kW and 500Nm from its three-litre six-cylinder engine. 

It uses an eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW says the flagship model will reach 100km/h from standstill in 4.9 seconds. Adaptive  dampers are optional on all models besides the M440i which also has an active locking rear differential.

There are also two four-cylinder petrol units, a 420i with 135kW and a 430i with 190kW. The 420d's four-cylinder diesel has 140kW. There are a duo of more powerful straight-six diesel engines set to follow later in 2021 says BMW. 

The Convertible rides on the same chassis as the coupe's but has been stiffened slightly more. It has the company's trademark 50:50 weight distribution and features a wider tracks an increase of 28mm at the front and 18mm at the rear.

The 4 Series Convertible's local line-up has not yet been confirmed. 

bmw 4 series

Image: BMW Press

Compiled: Sean Parker

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