Yahoo Autos 2021 BMW 4 Series convertible debuts with canvas top, giant grille
Following closely on the heels of the latest BMW 4 Series coupe comes the new 2021 BMW 4 Series convertible. As expected, the four-seat droptop 430i and M440i adopt their coupe counterpart's giant bucktoothed grille but do surprise by switching from the previous retractable hardtop to a traditional soft top.
While a retractable hardtop was used by the previous 4 Series as well as the preceding 3 Series convertibles going back to the F20 generation, BMW notes several advantages for making the switch. The insulated, multi-layer soft top is claimed to be 40 percent lighter than the previous hardtop, and it's more compact when lowered, allowing for a 1.2-cubic-foot larger trunk. The top is available in black or Starlight black (black with silver woven into the material) and can be raised or lowered at speeds up to 31 mph, an operation that takes 18 seconds. Those actions also can be initiated via the remote on cars equipped with Comfort Access, which is standard on the M440i and optional on the M430i.
Powertrains essentially mirror those of the hardtop coupe, with one addition. The 430i uses the same B46 2.0-liter four bolstered by a twin-scroll turbocharger, making 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The B48 3.0-liter six also boasts a twin-scroll turbo and spins out 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. BMW says the 430i convertible should reach 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, with the 440i able to do so in 5.0 seconds. As on the coupe, the B48 is joined by a 48-volt starter/generator hybrid assist system. It recuperates braking energy, which is stored in a 48-volt battery, and can tap that energy to supplement the powertrain under acceleration. It also smooths the operation of the start-stop system and allows it to shut down the gasoline engine at speeds as high as 9 mph when decelerating.
