BMW 4 Series Convertible 2021 Review

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and no car embodies that spirit more than the redesigned 2021 BMW 4 Series. Essentially a two-door version of the BMW 3 Series sedan, the 4 Series coupe and convertible look sleek and sophisticated from the side and predictably sporty from the rear. Glance at the 4 Series head-on, though, and the sight of the bucktoothed grille might elicit a heave in your stomach, like watching a list of highlights from the Saw horror movie franchise. If nothing else, the 2021 4 Series might serve as an excellent case study for a new generation of car designers.

Being related to the 3 Series means the redesigned 2021 4 Series gains the same redesign changes of the 2019 3 Series, including more power, a stiffer chassis and new technology features. Even in its base 430i form, it's fun to drive thanks to its responsive four-cylinder engine, tight handling and well-tuned transmission. And that's before you start equipping it with all manner of available performance upgrades.

Overall, we think the 2021 BMW 4 Series is an excellent candidate if you're in the market for a sporty luxury coupe or convertible. Check out the categories of Expert Rating below for our full in-depth evaluation.

Which 4 Series does MatoCar recommend?

The BMW 4 Series is a two-door coupe or convertible available in four trim levels: 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i and M440i xDrive. The 430i and M440i are rear-wheel-drive, and the xDrive versions (late availability) are all-wheel-drive. Standard feature highlights include:

430i Standard features on the rear-drive 430i include:

• Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (255 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque)
• Eight-speed automatic transmission
• 18-inch wheels
• LED headlights
• Power-folding and heated mirrors
• Sunroof (coupe only)
• Auto-dimming mirrors
• Push-button start
• Power-adjustable front seats with driver memory settings
• Simulated leather upholstery
• 8.8-inch touchscreen
• 10-speaker audio system
• Navigation system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality

The 430i also comes loaded with a comprehensive set of safety features, such as:

• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
• Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind or in front of the vehicle when parking)

The 430i is available with a dizzying array of packages and stand-alone options features. Highlights include:

• Convenience package
• Keyless entry
• Adjustable lumbar support
• Ambient lighting
• Premium package
• Comfort package
• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• 10.25-inch touchscreen
• Digital instrument panel
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
• Executive package
• Premium package
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Hands-free gesture controls for infotainment system
• Parking Assistance package
• Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
• 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the 4 Series and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Driving Assistance Professional package
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the 4 Series and the car in front)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Automated steering on the highway at low speeds
• M Sport package
• Convenience package
• 19-inch wheels (summer performance tires are optional)
• Variable sport steering
• Sport-tuned suspension
• Aerodynamic body kit
• Sport steering wheel
• Dynamic Handling package
• 19-inch wheels with summer performance tires (non-run-flat)
• Upgraded brakes
• Sport differential (can enhance available traction)
• Adaptive suspension dampers (automatically adjust to maximize ride comfort or handling stability)

Other notable stand-alone options include:

• Upgraded brakes and adaptive suspension dampers from the M Sport package
• Power trunklid
• Ventilated front seats
• Leather upholstery
• Drive recorder
• 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
• Wireless charging pad
• Neck warmers (convertible only)

430i xDrive Aside from its all-wheel-drive powertrain, the 430i xDrive is identical to the standard 430i. All of the 430i's packages and optional extras are available on this trim level as well.

M440i (convertible only) Sportier than the 430i, the M440i has:

• Turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder (382 hp, 369 lb-ft)
• M Sport package (with 18-inch wheels)
• Dynamic Handling package (minus adaptive suspension dampers)

Unless otherwise included, all of the 430i's packages and options are available on the M440i. You can also get:

• Cooling and High Performance Tire package
• 19-inch summer performance tires
• Adaptive suspension
• High-performance brake and drivetrain cooling systems

M440i xDrive The M440i xDrive is the same as the M440i but comes with all-wheel drive.