BMW has worked hard to ensure that this 4 Series Convertible's handling is as close to that of the equivalent Coupe as possible, using extra bracing and special panels to improve body rigidity, which the company says is 4% better than the previous generation metal-topped model. As usual with this model range, there's rear wheel drive and xDrive 4WD for the fastest models (though this AWD system isn't available with lesser engines as it is on the Coupe). Plus there's a freshly developed double-jointed spring-strut front suspension and a 5-link rear axle.
Engine-wise, the key news is introduction of 48V mild hybrid tech for the 2.0-litre 184hp diesel engine in the volume 420d. The same mild hybrid tech also features with the six cylinder diesels, the 430d (286hp) and the M440d (340hp). And it's on the quickest mainstream conventional petrol variant too, the six cylinder 374hp M440i xDrive, which features BMW's Sport differential, with electronically-controlled, fully-variable locking function in the rear differential, all of this helping to get the power down through the turns, should you want to drive this car in the kind of enthusiastic manner a likely owner hardly ever would. If you do want the ultimate fast version of this car, you'll be directed to the top M4 Competition M xDrive Convertible model, which has 510hp and gets to 62mph in just 3.7s. Toupees will need to be very firmly tied down.
Back in the real world, two conventional 2.0-litre petrol turbo 4 Series Convertible models also feature, the 420i (184hp) and the 430i (258hp). All the engines link up as standard with eight-speed Steptronic auto transmission, which can now be specified with a new optional Sprint function.