New BMW i4 cabriolet takes shape as first Neue Klasse open-top

BMW's archetypal electrical cabriolet has moved a measurement closer, with a caller prototype providing the clearest denotation yet that the German car shaper is already good precocious connected an i4 Convertible based connected its Neue Klasse electrical platform.

Set to marque its nationalist debut during the 2nd fractional of 2027 earlier reaching UK dealerships successful 2028, the caller four-seat exemplary is planned to signifier portion of an all-new two-door i4 family.

Alongside it, BMW is besides processing an i4 Coupé, which volition efficaciously win today's Cluster Architecture (CLAR)-based i4 Gran Coupé, portion the i4 Convertible expands the line-up with BMW's archetypal dedicated open-top electrical model.

The disguised prototype reveals respective cardinal details astir the i4 Convertible.

Most evident is the electrically operated cloth roof, which confirms that BMW has resisted calls to instrumentality to the folding metallic hard tops utilized connected earlier 3 Series Convertibles. Instead, it has retained a brushed apical akin successful conception to that of today's G23-generation 4 Series Convertible. When lowered, the extortion stows neatly beneath a dedicated rear tonneau cover.

The prototype captured present besides provides the clearest look yet astatine however the Neue Klasse's dedicated electrical level has influenced the caller open-top's design. It brings shorter overhangs astatine the beforehand and rear, a longer wheelbase and proportions much intimately aligned with the precocious revealed i3 saloon.

Mechanically, the i4 Convertible is expected to get extensively from the caller i3. The Neue Klasse level supports an 800V electrical architecture, cylindrical artillery cells and DC charging capableness of up to 400kW.

Initial models are expected to reflector the i3 range, opening with a rear-wheel-drive mentation earlier expanding to a four-wheel-drive i4 50 xDrive Convertible exemplary featuring BMW's latest synchronous rear centrifugal and asynchronous beforehand motor. In i3 saloon specification, the dual-motor drivetrain develops 463bhp and 476lb ft. More almighty M Performance variants are besides likely.

The i4 Convertible volition not instantly regenerate its combustion-engined counterpart. BMW plans to proceed producing the G23-generation 4 Series Convertible alongside the caller electrical exemplary until astir mid-2029.

Speaking to Autocar earlier this year, Joachim Post, who oversees the improvement of each caller BMWs, said: "The 4 Series is an important car for us. It's much sporty, and BMW is simply a sporty marque which has a wide practice besides connected the show side. It volition play an important relation besides for the future."