The number of 4-seater convertibles has drastically decreased
At the beginning of the 21st century, Peugeot, Ford, and Nissan also had open cars. Even though it was a hatchback designed for everyday use, you could choose a version with a soft top. At the time, I never imagined that the number of 4-seater convertibles would decrease so dramatically.
Now in 2024, models with foldable roofs are almost exclusively limited to high-end sports cars and supercars. There is no convertible version of the Peugeot 208, and production of the Audi A5 Cabriolet and TT has ended.
BMW M440i xDrive Convertible (UK version)
The Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet will also be discontinued within the next few months. We can’t wait for the return of the mini convertible, which has been temporarily dropped from the lineup.
Currently in Great Britain, there are only three types of convertible cars with seating for four people, even if you increase the budget to 70,000 pounds (approximately 13.44 million yen). These are the Ford Mustang, Mercedes-Benz CLE, and the BMW 4 Series that I test drove this time.
The choices for the 4 Series have been narrowing down for some time now. The diesel turbo has disappeared, and there are two choices: the rear-wheel drive 420i that produces 186ps, and the four-wheel drive M440i that produces 374ps. At least the Coupe and Gran Coupe body styles are available.
Wide monitor panel and sports seats
The 4 Series has undergone a facelift, and the treatment of the kidney grille, which has been a hot topic of conversation, also appears to have become more mature. I think the passage of time has helped give it a sporty and energetic vibe. The fact that the trim is matte chrome must also have had an effect.
The LED headlights have the same design as the limited production M4 CSL. The taillight is a new item that uses optical fiber to shine sharply. As usual, a new color has been added to the body paint, and the wheel design has also been updated.
BMW M440i xDrive Convertible (UK version)
Matrix LED headlights can also be installed as an option. The inside of the cluster is dyed blue, just like BMW used in previous battery EVs. Recently, the policy seems to have changed.
The updates inside the car go beyond the styling. Sports seats are now standard equipment, and the steering wheel has a flat bottom. The air conditioner has a new vent, and you can adjust the direction of the air with a knob.
On the dashboard is a wide panel with two integrated monitors. The infotainment system is the latest iDrive. The graphics are beautiful and the responses are quick. However, the home screen is packed with small icons, making it difficult to use while driving.
Air conditioning and ventilation operations are also centralized on this touch monitor. The rotary controller is still available, and you can access each function without digging into submenus. A fixed menu has also been added to the right side.
Comfortable and casual open road cruiser
Image Exhilarating open road cruiser! M440i Convertible BMW convertible cars you can still choose from 100 photos
