The primary BMW i4 Convertible has been spied testing, and like the present petrol-powered 4 Sequence Convertible it will characteristic a two-plus-two structure and a folding soft-top.
BMW instructed Autocar earlier this 12 months there can be no successor to the present i4, a five-door liftback that is without doubt one of the model’s best-selling electrical autos (EVs) in Australia.
But the next-generation vary of two-door BMWs seems to have given the i4 badge a reprieve, with spy pictures displaying a convertible is on the way in which, with an anticipated 2028 launch in Europe.
Based mostly on the upcoming BMW i3 sedan due in Australia in 2027, the i4 Convertible, codenamed ‘NA3’, will use BMW’s devoted 800V Neue Klasse electrical car (EV) platform.
The platform first underpinned the brand new iX3 SUV, revealed in 2025 and arriving in Australian showrooms this 12 months priced from $89,900 earlier than on-road prices.
With the iX3’s 2897mm wheelbase 41mm longer than the present i4’s, the brand new platform is anticipated to carry better passenger area for the soft-top’s two-plus-two seating structure.
It’s anticipated to make use of the identical dual-motor powertrain because the i3 50 xDrive sedan, producing 345kW and 645Nm with all-wheel drive. Whereas battery particulars haven’t been introduced, BMW claims a WLTP driving vary of as much as 906km within the electrical sedan.
The i4 Convertible can have basically no competitors, with electrical convertibles being extraordinarily uncommon. There are solely a small handful at the moment in manufacturing, together with the Maserati GranCabrio and MG Cyberster – each of that are offered in Australia.
The i4 Convertible can be provided alongside the present petrol-powered ‘G23’ 4 Sequence Convertible, in addition to the present petrol-powered ‘G83’ M4 Convertible flagship.
These will proceed to be produced alongside Neue Klasse electrical fashions as BMW considerably hedges its bets on buyer demand for electrical and petrol powertrains.
The technique will see BMW produce fashions with an identical look no matter whether or not they characteristic combustion or electrical powertrains.
Key amongst these, BMW’s M division will introduce a mild-hybrid-powered model of the following M3 utilizing the present petrol mannequin’s underpinnings.
It can concurrently provide an electrical model, additionally carrying M3 badges, however constructed on the i3 sedan’s Neue Klasse EV platform because the flagship efficiency variations of the i3 sedan and i3 Touring.
Autocar has reported the i4 Convertible may also be joined by a coupe model, additionally carrying the i4 nameplate.
This might comply with the present naming conference, with sedans and wagons carrying 3 Sequence badges, whereas two-door coupe and convertible fashions are designated as 4 Sequence.
Once more, whereas not confirmed, it might make sense for BMW to make use of the identical hybrid and EV powertrains from the M3 to supply an i4-based M4.
The electrical M3 was teased on the 2026 Le Mans 24 Hours when the German automaker revealed the M Idea Neue Klasse.
Due in 2027, studies counsel the M3 EV can have 4 motors producing at the very least 746kW, digital all-wheel drive, and a battery with a capability of 100kWh or extra.