The BMW 4 Series made its global debut in 2013, right after the German brand decided to split the two- and four-door version of the 3 Series under different nameplates. While the 3 Series kept the sedan body style, the coupe and convertible were rebadged as 4 Series models. Despite the different name, the 3 Series and 4 Series shared everything from platform and drivetrains to exterior design and interior features. A convertible version of the 4 Series followed later in 2013, while M4 variants of both body styles were launched in 2014.
After some three years on the market, the 4 Series Convertible is getting its first mid-cycle update. Spotted on public roads shorty after the 4 Series Coupe and M4 Coupe were taken out for a spin, the drop-top appears to be in for similar upgrades styling-wise. Much like any BMW facelift, changes are limited to certain exterior features, but more updates are expected to occur inside the cabin and under the hood.
Look for the revised convertible to make its public debut by the end of 2016 and go on sale for the 2017 model year. Until that happens, let’s have a closer look at the spy shots in our speculative review below.
Continue reading to learn more about the BMW 4 Series Convertible.
Exterior
Much like the 4 Series Coupe spotted earlier in July 2016, the Convertible has its front and rear fascias covered by swirly camo. As a result, it’s safe to assume that changes will be identical to the coupe. Look for the front of the car to feature a revised front bumper and the new headlamps graphics we’ve already seen on recent BMW 
releases. The rear should get similar treatment, with a revised bumper and new taillight graphics. Beyond that, the 4 Series Convertible should carry over unchanged as far as body panels go. Of course, BMW will probably introduce a couple of new paints and some new wheel designs.
Interior
Note: interior from 2014 BMW 4 Series Convertible shown here.
We don’t have photos of the test car’s interior yet, but based on previous BMW facelifts, it’s not difficult to guess what will change inside the cabriolet’s cabin. An updated infotainment system with a redesigned menu should find their way in the 4 Series, along with new apps and upgrades in the tech department. New upholstery and trim options are also on the table, but don’t expect much to change as far as design goes. The dashboard, the door panels, steering wheel and center console should carry over unaltered under the new upholstery that will come with the facelift.
Drivetrain
Note: Engine from 2017 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo shown here.
This is where the 4 Series Convertible will get the most changes, and we know everything about that because we’ve already seen them in the 3 Series. Arguably the most important upgrade will be the new, twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter, inline-six engine. The all-aluminum powerplant will crank out 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque and will be offered in the 440i model. The new denomination will replace the 435i, which came with 300 horses and 300 pound-feet on tap.
The 428i will also make way for a new model with an updated engine. The trim will be known as the 430i and its 2.0-liter turbo-four will get a 10-horsepower and three-pound-feet boost for a new output of 250 horses and 258 pound-feet.
The 428i will also make way for a new model with an updated engine. The trim will be known as the 430i and its 2.0-liter turbo-four will get a 10-horsepower and three-pound-feet boost for a new output of 250 horses and 258 pound-feet.
If the facelifted 3 Series is any indication, all the remaining versions will carry over unchanged. For reference, the 420i comes with 181 horsepower and 200 pound-feet, while the 428d benefits from 181-horses and 280-pound-feet.
In Europe, the diesel range will begin with 418d that’s good for 148 horsepower and 236 pound-feet and continue with the 425d its 215-horsepower and 332-pound-feet rating. Up next is the 430d with 254 horsepower and 413 pound-feet, while the range-topping 435d will deliver a whopping 309 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of twist.
It’s not yet known whether the 4 Series will receive the 3 Series’ hybrid drivetrain. Offered in the 330e model, it brings together a 2.0-liter turbo-four and an 80-kW electric motor for a total output of 252 horsepower and 310 pound-feet. Should the Coupe get it as well, there’s a big chance the Convertible will go the hybrid route as well.
Prices
We expect a mild increase with the facelift. The current model retails from $50,000 in the U.S., meaning that the updated drop-top should fetch no more than $51,000 before options. For that amount, customers will take home the rear-wheel drive 430i model. For AWD, you will have to add an extra $2,000. The more powerful 440i will come in at around $58,000 with RDW and about $60,000 with xDrive AWD.
In Germany, where customers have access to more affordable trims, pricing will start from around €45,000.
Competition
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet
While the 4 Series Convertible is already three years old as of 2016, the C-Class Cabriolet is brand-new for the 2017 model year. Taking cues from the latestS-Class cabriolet, the compact drop-top blends sporty and elegant design features and is regarded as one of the sexiest convertibles on the market. The interior is almost identical to the C-Class sedan and coupe, but it comes with its very own comfort features, including the AirScarf neck heater and the AirCap automatic draft stop system. Under the hood, it gets a wide range of gasoline and diesel engines, but in the U.S. it only comes with the 2.0-liter turbo-four rated at 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque with either RWD or AWD. Pricing is not yet available as of July 2016, but it’s expected to start from around $50,000.
Find out more about the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet here.
Audi A5 Convertible
The new A5 Convertible has yet to be launched, but the coupe is already out there, so the drop-top’s design isn’t exactly a mystery. Built around the previous model styling-wise, the new A5 Convertible should have a more aggressive appearance with sharper body lines. The interior will be brand new with Audi’s new continuous air-vent strip dashboard and latest technology. Under the hood, it should borrow several of the A4 sedan’s drivetrains, including the 2.0-liter, TFSI generating either 187 horses and 236 pound-feet or 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet. The diesel lineup willl probably a 3.0-liter V-6 offered in two flavors — that’s 215 horsepower and 295 pound-feet or 268 horses and 443 pound-feet, respectively. Pricing should start somewhere around the $50,000 mark.
Learn more about the Audi A5 Convertible here.
Conclusion
When it was launched in 2013, the 4 Series Convertible was miles ahead of its competitors. It had way better technology, more fuel efficient engines, and its design was fresh and modern. Three years have passed and things changed dramatically in the compact premium segment. Granted, the 4 Series is still an appealing two-door with cool gadgets and strong performance, but BMW has two new rivals to worry about. Mercedes -Benz just launched a brand-new C-Class Cabriolet, while Audi is about the unleash the redesigned A5 Convertible. It’s going to be tough for the 4 Series Convertible, but the German machine appears to have what it takes to survive for another three years among stiffer, newer competition.