BMW M440i Cabriolet: A Lasting Legacy in the Convertible Market

A Changing Landscape

The BMW 4 Series has a certain air of nostalgia surrounding it. In a time when even mainstream brands like Ford, Peugeot, and Vauxhall offered convertible options, the market for everyday convertibles seemed endless. However, as we enter 2024, the options for adjusting your hair on the move have significantly dwindled. The Lexus LC, Audi A5, and TT are no longer available, and even the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet and Mini Convertible are facing discontinuation. The Vauxhall Cascada may not see a revival either. With the exception of the new Ford Mustang, Mercedes-Benz CLE, and the refreshed BMW 4 Series, finding an everyday, four-seater convertible under £70,000 is becoming increasingly challenging. Even within this niche, the choices are limited. The 4 Series no longer offers a diesel engine, and petrol options are restricted to the rear-driven 420i with 184bhp or the four-wheel-drive M440i with 369bhp, which we will be reviewing here. However, you can still choose between a coupé, cabriolet, or four-door Gran Coupé configuration.

A Timeless Design

The 4 Series is the epitome of BMW’s coupé heritage. It is lower, wider, and more aggressive-looking than its counterpart, the 3 Series. With enhanced handling capabilities and an exclusive two-door cabin, the 4 Series has been a symbol of BMW’s coupé prowess since the 1970s. The design of the new 4 Series pays homage to its 1970s predecessor, the Wilhelm Hofmeister-designed E9-generation 3.0 CSi, with its bold and controversial upright radiator grille. Now, let’s delve into whether the range-topping M440i xDrive can live up to the legacy of its celebrated ancestor on the road and against the clock.