The BMW 4 Series Convertible has made its world premiere, sporting a brand new fabric roof construction, a diverse lineup of engines, and advanced chassis technology, packaging the brand's hallmark driving pleasure in a new exclusive form.

At 4,768mm, the new car is 128mm longer than its predecessor, while its width has increased by 27mm to 1,852mm and its wheelbase by 41mm to 2,851mm. Increased track widths (by 28 mm at the front and 18mm at the rear) accentuate the car's muscular stature while also enhancing its sporty handling qualities.

The car also sports the vertical BMW kidney grille, which - as on the BMW 4 Series Coupe - takes pride of place at the centre of the front end. The grille has a pronounced forward slant and employs air intakes (with a mesh structure as standard) which indicate the high cooling air requirement of the powerful engine behind the scenes.

The new BMW 4 Series Convertible also features an innovative panel bow softtop, which BMW claims marries the strengths of a retractable hardtop and the puristic appeal of a fabric roof.

It comprises large panel bow elements with a flush-fitting glass rear window, several layers of insulation and a fabric cover available in Black as standard and Anthracite Silver effect as an option. The new roof design provides for levels of acoustic and thermal comfort superior to that of a conventional fabric roof, while being 40% lighter than the outgoing model’s retractable hardtop.

The roof is powered by an electric motor that enables it to open or close within 18 seconds at the push of a button, including while on the move at speeds up to 50km/h.

The BMW 4 Series Convertible range is topped by the BMW M440i xDrive Convertible, which utilises a 369bhp straight-six engine paired with all-wheel drive. The range is also joined by two four-cylinder petrol units, generating an output of 181bhp in the new BMW 420i Convertible and 255bhp in the new BMW 430i Convertible.

All model variants in the BMW 4 Series Convertible are fitted with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard.

The 4 Series Convertible also gets additional convertible-specific bracing, an aluminium shear panel at the bottom of the front end, and side skirts with extremely high torsional rigidity, resulting in a static torsional rigidity that is 4% higher overall than its predecessor.

The car is also available with an optional wind deflector that carefully directs the flow of air through the cabin. It can be easily removed, even with the roof closed, placed in the ideally designed bag supplied with it and safely stowed behind the folding rear backrest. Also available with the 4 Series Convertible are neck warmers that are integrated into the front head restraints for increased comfort when driving in low temperatures.