BMW 4 Series Convertible will switch to soft-top

-    Based on the new-gen 3 Series, the 4 Series Convertible will employ a foldable soft top.

-    Will be revealed sometime late next year alongside the Coupe version. 

BMW revealed the new-gen G20 3 Series at the Paris Motor Show just a few weeks ago. The 3 Series is a versatile model for the Bavarian carmaker spawning four body styles – sedan, coupe, estate and convertible – apart from the M-tune models of all these body styles. However, in 2013, the two-door version of the 3 was spun off into a new line-up called the 4 series. And the previous gen 4 Series Convertible used a foldable hardtop just like the 3 Series Convertible before it. Now, the new-gen 4 Series test mule spied here reveals that the 4 Convertible will make use of fabric foldable soft top instead of the folding metal roof.

The rest of the styling will be similar to the new-gen 3 Series. Which means the headlight and tail light will get the new and attractive design as seen on the sedan. The CLAR platform will help the 4 Series to shed weight. But since it will use a soft top instead of the metal hard top, there will be an additional reduction in weight even after adding the necessary stiffening material used in convertibles. 

The grille under the camouflage, however, seems to have taken its design cue from the new-gen Z4 Roadster, which too switched to the soft top in the newest avatar. So instead of vertically louvred kidney grille, the new 4 Series could use the mesh design akin to the Roadster. There might also be some revision to the bumpers, in order to distinguish the convertible from the sedan. And a deck spoiler is also expected to add to the sportier stance of the 4 Series. 

The powertrain will be shared with the standard 3. So there will the usual turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder along with the 3.0-litre straight-six petrol and diesel motors under the hood. The power output will range from 150bhp to 265bhp and similar to the 3 Series the 4 Series will get BMW’s xDrive AWD system as well.

The new 4 Series is expected to break cover once the new-gen 3 Series goes on sale next year. So expect it to be revealed by late 2019 as an MY2020 model.