2021–2025 BMW 4 Series G23 Convertible: Freedom, finesse, and a fabric roof done right

I’ve spent enough time in the BMW 4 Series G23 Convertible to know this: when the roof folds and the horizon opens, it feels like BMW remembered what makes a luxury convertible properly special. Not just numbers. Not just badges. The simple, liberating joy of air, sound, and steering feel working together. I noticed it right away—on a chilly sunrise run along the coast, heater humming, top down, and that straight-six purring somewhere out front.

Why the BMW 4 Series G23 Convertible still feels special

BMW did something counterintuitive when the G23 arrived for 2021: it ditched the old metal folding roof and went back to a soft-top. Honestly, I wasn’t sure at first. But the fabric roof is lighter (BMW says roughly 40% versus the old hardtop), quieter than you’d expect at speed, and it works in 18 seconds at up to about 31 mph. In the real world, that means you can catch a gap between traffic lights, press the switch, and be alfresco without drama.

It’s not just about the roof. The G23’s steering has that BMW mix of calmness and intent. On crummy urban streets, the adaptive dampers (if fitted) round off the edges; on a good road they give the car the tautness you want from a premium convertible. With the top up, it’s quiet enough to hear your kids arguing about who lost the AirPods. With it down, there’s just the right amount of whoosh without turning your hair into modern art.

BMW 4 Series G23 Convertible: Engines, pace, and real-world economy

The lineup hits two sweet spots:

• 430i: 2.0-liter turbo four with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. Smooth, eager, and plenty for daily duty. Figure roughly mid-6s to 60 mph with xDrive, a touch slower with rear-drive.
• M440i xDrive: 3.0-liter turbo inline-six with 382 hp and 369 lb-ft, plus a 48-volt mild-hybrid nudge. Properly quick—about 4.5 seconds to 60 mph—and sounds the part without being shouty.

Both run an eight-speed automatic that’s instinctive in traffic and crisp when you’re in a mood. Expect high-20s mpg on gentle highway runs in the 430i; the M440i will do mid-20s if you behave. I didn’t. No regrets.

Living with the BMW 4 Series G23 Convertible: roof, cabin, tech

Roof up, visibility is decent for a soft-top, and wind noise is impressively contained. Roof down, there’s a gentle cocoon effect—especially with the wind deflector in place. On a frosty morning I tried the optional neck warmers and, yes, they do make winter top-down drives oddly addictive.

Inside, it’s unapologetically BMW: solid switchgear, supportive seats, and that low-slung driving position that makes you feel part of the front axle. A couple of quirks? On the newest cars, some climate functions are buried in the screen; it looks clean, but I miss the old physical buttons when I’m wearing gloves.

• Soft-top: fabric, multi-layer, quick and quiet
• Infotainment: Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, excellent nav, premium audio options
• Driver assists: adaptive cruise with lane centering, blind-spot, rear cross-traffic—all the modern helpers
• Practicality: a usable trunk for a weekend away; the pass-through saves ski weekends

BMW 4 Series G23 Convertible vs. rivals: what you should cross-shop

Accessories and floor mats: keep your BMW 4 Series G23 Convertible tidy

Convertibles swallow more of the outside world—sand, leaves, mystery dust. Good mats are a dull purchase you’ll appreciate every day. If you want custom-fit options, the folks at AutoWin carry solutions sized specifically for the G23 cabin. I tried a set after a muddy hike—saved me from an hour with a vacuum and a toothbrush.

Prefer something with a splash of color? There’s this set too:

BMW 4 Series G23 Convertible: quick highlights

• Fabric soft-top replaces the old metal roof—lighter, neater, faster to operate
• 430i is the sensible sweet spot; M440i xDrive is a lovely indulgence
• iDrive 7 or 8/8.5 depending on year; all get wireless CarPlay/Android Auto
• Optional adaptive dampers and M Sport bits sharpen the edge without ruining the ride
• Comfortably seats four adults for dinner; four adults plus luggage for a long holiday is optimistic

Conclusion: the BMW 4 Series G23 Convertible is the right kind of open-air luxury

If you’re chasing the old-school convertible feeling with modern polish, the BMW 4 Series G23 Convertible gets the balance right. It’s a luxury drop-top that feels equally at home rolling into a downtown dinner or carving a mountain road at sunrise. Not perfect—some screen-first controls will split opinion—but absolutely memorable. And if you’re keen to keep the cabin looking fresh, AutoWin has the custom-fit mat game sorted for the G23.

BMW 4 Series G23 Convertible: FAQs

• How much does a new BMW 4 Series G23 Convertible cost?
  In recent model years, a 430i Convertible typically starts in the low $60,000s, while an M440i xDrive Convertible lands in the mid-to-high $70,000s before options. Market and year will nudge that up or down.
• Is the soft-top durable and weatherproof?
  Yes. It’s a multi-layer fabric roof designed for year-round use. I ran one through a wet winter without drips or squeaks. Regular cleaning and the occasional protectant go a long way.
• What’s the 0–60 time for the 430i and M440i Convertibles?
  Expect around 5.8–6.0 seconds for the 430i (quicker with xDrive) and roughly 4.5 seconds for the M440i xDrive.
• Can I use the trunk with the roof down?
  Yes, though space is reduced when the top is folded. Soft bags beat hard suitcases, and the pass-through helps with longer items.
• Which rivals should I test-drive?
  Start with the Audi A5 Cabriolet and Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet. If you don’t need four seats, the Porsche 718 Boxster brings sharper handling but far less practicality.