2022 BMW 4 Series Convertible

The BMW 4 Series Convertible had only been around for one generation before the 2021 model, but that didn't stop the people in Munich from completely redesigning it. Most obvious among the changes for the 2021 model year was the deletion of a heavy folding hardtop, which was replaced with a canvas roof; the 4 Series convertible grew a little in size, too, and the whole package carries over into 2022 - the new 4 Series is stiffer, more powerful, and comfier than ever. In terms of trims, you get a choice between a 430i and an M440i, with the former offering 255 horsepower while the latter produces 382 horses; both are available in rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations. But is it as good as drop-top competition in the form of the stylish but aging Mercedes-Benz C-Class or the comfortable Audi A5? There's only one way to find out, so let's take a look.

No review of the BMW 4 Series convertible would be complete without dedicating some time to its polarizing new looks. The obvious change that has some observers in a fluster is the adoption of large vertical kidney grilles, but the more time we spend with any version of the 4 Series, the more this design trait grows on us. On either side of the controversial grilles sit LED headlights, which can be upgraded to adaptive units with Laserlight. The rear gets LED taillights as standard, along with subtle faux vents, a smoothed faux diffuser, and a pair of single-exit exhaust finishers. 18-inch wheels are standard, but 19s are available too. The M440i has the same basic design cues, but the M Sport treatment gives you squared exhaust tips, a textured faux diffuser, unique wheels, and an aerodynamic front bumper, along with Shadowline trim. This means gloss black accents where the 430i is wearing Matte Chrome. If you're still having trouble spotting the M440i, its silver mirrors and brake duct accents should help. Both cars feature adaptive air curtains in the front grilles that open and close as required, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency. Whereas the last BMW 4 Series convertible was a hardtop, the new one gets a lighter soft-top roof.

The dimensions of the second-generation 4 Series convertible swelled a little, gaining between 5.2 and 5.3 inches in length depending on which model you choose. It's also an inch wider, and 0.1 inches taller, while its wheelbase has increased by 1.6 inches. Front-end grip is enhanced by a front track that is now 1.5 inches wider. The final numbers for the 2022 4 Series convertible see length at 187.9 inches for the 430i models and 188 inches for M440i trims, while width is 72.9 inches. Height has a measurement of 54.6 inches and the wheelbase is 112.2 inches long. As for mass, the RWD 430i has a curb weight of 3,918 pounds while the xDrive variant adds 116 lbs. The M440i weighs 4,171 lbs in rear-wheel-drive guise, with the xDrive model topping out at 4,292 lbs.

In the base model, the engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder displacing 2.0 liters and producing 255 hp with 294 lb-ft of torque. Power goes to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters and launch control, giving the 430i a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph, although that can be raised to 155 mph with performance tires. Opting for the xDrive shaves off one-tenth for a 5.8-second sprint to 60 mph. It's a spritely setup that's exciting enough to feel quick but not powerful enough for you to challenge much more than a Golf GTI. That's not what a car like this is about though, and the intuitive gearbox and sharp handling will still provide loads of pleasure for the casual driving enthusiast.

Things get a lot better with the M440i. Here, you get BMW's trademark straight-six engine, along with a twin-scroll turbocharger and a 48-volt eBoost mild-hybrid system. This gives you an impressive 382 hp and 368 lb-ft of twist, and again, the power goes to the rear axle in or to all four corners via an eight-speed auto. BMW claims five seconds dead for the sprint from 0 to 60 for the M440i while the M440i xDrive does it in 4.7 seconds. The latter figure is in line with main competitors like the Audi S5. Unfortunately, the top speed figures given for the 430i do not change with the straight-six in M440i derivatives, but you'll certainly have more fun getting there.

These are BMWs, so you'd expect sharp handling, accurate steering, and a level of comfort that suits the drop-top lifestyle. BMW doesn't disappoint with any of these characteristics, but there's no doubt that a coupe is tauter in the bends. We think that the rush of an open-top driving experience makes up for this to some degree, and the gearbox is a fantastic companion for any kind of driving, be it relaxed or riveting. On a test drive, you'll find that the base car is happy enough to rev and has strong mid-range pull, but you can feel the boost tapering off at the higher end of the spectrum. Fortunately, the engine sound isn't too offensive, although it's still not particularly brilliant.

The M440i is enhanced by M Sport brakes that stop on a dime, M Sport suspension that keeps things remarkably composed, and an M Sport diff that turns corners into a playground. As you'd expect, you can hang the tail out with ease when you turn some of the electronic nannies off, but the real peach here isn't the chassis - it's the engine. This power plant pulls hard from below 2,000 rpm and keeps going until you're almost at redline. Overtaking is as simple as mashing your right foot to the floor, and standing starts are well managed too. In terms of turbulence, a standard wind deflector keeps your girlfriend's new mane relatively well tamed. Overall, it's a great car, and the optional adaptive suspension system is almost redundant. However, we must add that the new 4 Series is a lot easier to drive hard than the old one, and although the difference is slight, purists will notice it and they will be disappointed by having to work less hard.

According to the EPA, the BMW 430i convertible in AWD guise will manage gas mileage figures of 23/33/27 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles. At the time of writing, EPA estimates for the 2022 430i convertible RWD weren't available but these shouldn't differ from the 2021 version, which managed 24/33/27 mpg, making it slightly more economical in city driving than the xDrive model. The M440i is rated at 23/31/26 mpg on the same cycles.

With all models featuring a 15.6-gallon gas tank, the 430i will manage an average mixed driving range of around 421 miles, while the M440i will manage a little over 405 miles from a single tank. By comparison, the 2021 Merc C-Class convertible will return 23/31/26 mpg for the RWD model and one mpg less per cycle for the AWD model. However, with a larger 17.4-gallon tank, both Merc drop-top models offer more range.

Leisure vehicles such as these must be roomy, but not so roomy that you feel disconnected from the outside world, unlikely as that may be in a convertible. But the design of the 4 Series pulls this delicate trick off well, with a dash design that suggests both width and a focus on the driver. Speaking of, the interior of this four-seater gives the front passengers power-adjustable seating, with the driver's side gaining memory too. In the M440i, this is bolstered - excuse the pun - by power lumbar support. The taller body of the new 4 Series convertible also allows you more headroom with the top up than in the 4 Series coupe. At 0.9 inches more headroom at the back, the difference isn't massive but you could fit two average-height adults in there. It's a comfy place to be, although getting in and out with the roof up remains a little tricky for taller individuals.

For the 2021 model, the slightly stretched proportions and canvas top of the roofless 4 Series give you more cargo volume in the trunk than before, with 10.6 cubes available. The space is not quite enough to carry weekend luggage for a whole family, but for yourself and your significant other, a romantic weekend getaway beckons. With a passthrough for the rear seats and clever electronics in the trunk that allow you to lift the folding roof components to make passing longer objects through much easier, you could even go snowboarding, although we doubt that's the leisure activity of choice for those shopping for a faux-M luxury roadster.

In the cabin itself, you get a covered central bin concealing two cupholders and a wireless charging pad (if equipped), while a pair of drink holders in the doors are accompanied by medium-sized pockets for keys and other pocket contents. Your sunglasses and sunscreen are accommodated by the center armrest cubby, while an adequate glovebox can keep your toupee safe.

Where do we begin? All 4 Series models come with automatic stop/start, dynamic cruise control, tire pressure monitoring, automatic LED headlights with auto high beams, and LED taillights. Active blind-spot detection features alongside lane departure warning, and front/rear parking sensors. Those concerned with the integrity of a fabric roof in the event of a rollover will be pleased to know that BMW has accounted for this with automatic pop-out roll bars. On a less frightening note, the cabrio also gets rain-sensing wipers, power-folding heated wing mirrors, auto-dimming rearview and driver-side mirrors, pre- and post-collision preparation, and forward collision detection with automatic emergency braking.

Luxury is enhanced by tri-zone automatic climate control, a wind deflector, power front seats with driver-side memory, and, on the M440i, keyless entry and power lumbar support for both front seats. All models come with the Live Cockpit Pro, which includes a 12.3-inch instrument cluster. Regardless, you can still spend extra on niceties like a head-up display, heated front seats, BMW's take on Merc's Airscarf neck warmers, and a heated steering wheel.

The basic sound system on both configurations is a ten-speaker Hi-Fi unit with a 205-watt digital amplifier. It comes with HD Radio, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as hands-free Bluetooth with audio streaming. BMW's iDrive 7.0 does duty, meaning that a rotary wheel, voice, touch, and steering commands can be used to operate the infotainment system. For 2022, all production vehicles are upgraded to Live Cockpit Pro, which equips a 10.25-inch infotainment display alongside a 12.3-inch instrument cluster. Cheekily, BMW automatically includes Live Cockpit Pro as "standard" but it actually adds $750 to the price. The screens themselves have crisp colors and attractive graphics.

Depending on how much of an audiophile you are, there is the option to upgrade to a premium Harman Kardon surround system on both models.

Thus far, the latest 4 Series convertible has been subject to a pair of recalls in the USA, the first of which came in February 2021 while the second came a little less than a month later. The first is for a rearview camera image that displays missing or reduced images, while the second was for a head-thorax airbag that may not deploy as intended. No further recalls have been announced since but we'll have to wait a bit longer to make an accurate assessment of its reliability.

Should you still be worried, BMW covers you with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty. Roadside assistance runs concurrently for all four of those years but isn't limited by mileage. BMW also offers three years/36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance and 12 years of rust perforation coverage.

Thus far, the NHTSA has not conducted crashworthiness reviews for the new 4 Series. However, the 3 Series on which the 4 is based achieved a full five stars in all tests. The IIHS has also not yet looked at any 4 Series models, but the NHTSA's sentiments towards the 3 were mirrored with an IIHS 2021 Top Safety Pick award.

Standard safety features include dual-stage frontal airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, two front knee airbags, and front and rear head airbags. You also get dynamic cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, LED taillights, active blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, parking sensors, a rearview camera, pre- and post-collision preparation systems, rollover protection, and forward collision detection with automatic emergency braking. Traction and stability control are there, as expected, too. Optionally, you can further protect yourself with a head-up display, Icon adaptive LED headlights with Laserlight, active park distance control, a surround-view camera, and a parking assistant.

The latest take on what is essentially the roofless 3 Series has polarized onlookers. Yes, the styling is unique, but not everything that is unusual or strange is necessarily ugly. But why justify this here? If you've read this far, you're interested in the 4 Series convertible beyond just its head-turning appearance. So what do we think? Well, it feels a little less connected than the last one, yet is so confidence-inspiring that you barely notice. This is truly a lot of fun to drive, especially in M440i guise. Furthermore, similar sentiments were shared over the F-series convertible, so it's just something that we have to get used to - cars are getting less feelsome but remain oddly engaging on some level. This one is no different, and it manages to be a fine boulevard cruiser too. It's got just the right level of glamor that it doesn't look too pretentious and, with the M Sport styling cues, just enough aggression to let you know it's quick. There's plenty of standard tech included in the base price, an impressive fuel economy rating, lots of options to add on, numerous ways to customize the looks, and enough room for four. Now we wait to see if Mercedes-Benz will have a response that makes the 4 look antiquated.

Starting with the cheaper of the two, the RWD 430i convertible carries an MSRP of $53,300 in the US, excluding a $995 destination fee, handling, tax, title, license, and registration. Opting for the 430i xDrive convertible adds $2,000 to the price. The M440i carries the same surcharge but comes with a starting cost of $64,200 for the rear-wheel-driven variant, and $66,200 for the xDrive.

Ticking every box, including the longest extended service plan available, our fully-loaded build worked out to over $80,000 before the $995 destination fee. A similar experiment with the 2021 C-Class convertible in C300 4MATIC guise will see you fork out $73,570, including $1,050 for destination fees, but the more expensive C43, which offers similar performance to the M440i, can raise that price even further.

We would love to point you in the direction of the base model. It's loaded with features, offers the same top speed as its wannabe M brother, and sips a little less fuel. It's also comfier with no M Sport suspension and has more subdued styling too. Unfortunately, the M440i, also offered in rear-wheel-drive guise and with that turbocharged straight-six, is just too tempting to ignore. We know that it gets very expensive when you load it with options, but there are more than enough standard features to keep you going. Sure, we wouldn't mind adding a head-up display, neck warmers, and a more powerful sound system, but beyond that, we like the simplicity of a regular M440i: big engine, power to the rear, comfort in the middle. As a car for fun - which all convertibles ultimately are supposed to be - it's just brilliant.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class convertible - a 2022 model hadn't yet been revealed at the time of writing - is far more traditionally styled, meaning that it looks like every other Mercedes out at the time of its release. But if you're considering a 4, maybe a C's looks don't matter. There's considerably less space in the C-Class trunk, at only 8.8 cubic feet. Standard features are not identical but are matched in class and quantity. Under the skin is a 2.0-liter turbo-four producing 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, making it equal to the base 430i on power but lacking in torque. A nine-speed auto drives the rear wheels as standard but AWD is available. Sadly, that also means that there's nothing more powerful or as quick as the M440i unless you step up to a "proper AMG" in the competitively priced $65,500 C43. That car's 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 is a touch more powerful and a lot torquier, with 385 hp and 384 lb-ft, but this is only available with AWD. So if you want a comfy but slower drop-top, get the base Merc. If you want a heavy but super quick convertible, get the AMG. If you want something in the middle, get the Bimmer.

If you care about performance in this particular segment, BMW has the rest licked. Audi's A5 drop-top is also powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four in base spec, but there's only a base spec. That means the range only offers you 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, unless you step up to the so-called performance model which in this case is the S5. But before we get there, the A5 has some issues that need addressing. You get tri-zone climate control, but you'll want to go for at least the $55,300 Premium Plus for access to the best features. However, the performance is decent, the pricing is excellent (just over $50,000 in base spec), and it's comfy. And in S5 format, it bests the M440i in a race to 60. It's also really pretty. Compared to the regular A5, the M440i is in a league of its own. But compared to the cheaper S5, we leave the choice to you.