There’s something special about hitting the open road in a convertible, and a BMW convertible elevates that experience just a little more. If you’re in the market for a luxury vehicle and want to put the top down, then a BMW convertible might be the perfect fit.
What convertible models does BMW make?
- 2 Series: $41,100 – $52,400
- 4 Series: $53,100 – $62,150
- 8 Series: $97,400 – $121,400
- i8: $145,616 – $164,295
- M4: $77,650 – $87,835
Whether you’re looking for prestige and a head-turning car or want something practical but just a little sporty, BMW has a convertible to fit. Which one’s right for your driving style? How can you find the best model? By the end of this article, you’ll know.
BMW 2 Series Convertible: $41,100 – $52,400
Compact in design, the BMW 2 Series is designed for someone who wants the prestige of a BMW convertible but with a more budget-friendly design. It has minimal room for rear passengers, but has a powerful engine even with the four-cylinder base model.
The 2 Series has a front-engine, rear-drive design that helps it handle well on even the curviest roads. A six-speed manual transmission option puts more control in the driver’s hands, which some like. It also boasts a large trunk capacity.
Here are the important specs for the 2 Series:
- 24 mpg city, 34 mpg highway
- 248 horsepower
- 0 to 60 in 5.6 seconds
- 258 lb.-ft. of torque
- Max seating capacity of 4
Overall, the BMW 2 Series is ideal for the driver looking for a compact sports car with BMW’s prestige. It’s nimble and has impressive power for its size. However, those who are on a tight budget may find the Acura ILX or Subaru WRX STI to be just as enjoyable.
BMW 4 Series Convertible: $53,100 – $62,150
The 4 Series features a retractable hardtop, which means you get a tranquil ride when the top is up. For the best power and performance, consider an upgrade to the twin-turbo inline-six engine available in the 440i trim.
Here are some critical specs for the BMW 4 Series convertible:
- 27 combined mpg
- 248 horsepower
- 0 to 60 in 5.6 seconds
- 257 lb.-ft. of torque
- Max seating capacity of 5
The 2020 BMW 4 Series ranks high for the combination of affordability with the BMW status and convertible option. However, owners and experts alike note that adding options starts to drive the price up.
BMW 8 Series Convertible: $97,400 – $121,400
A richly detailed cabin and an engine that are a dream for long drives make this an appealing sports car. The twin-turbo V8 gives tremendous power, while the turbocharged six-cylinder provides better fuel economy without sacrificing power. It boasts many luxury features for passenger and driver comfort.
The BMW 8 Series is known for its exceptional handling, which is surprising for the vehicle’s size. The six-cylinder engine’s addition in 2020 drove the price lower, making it more accessible for a larger range of buyers.
Here are the major specs for the BMW 8 Series:
- 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway
- 335 horsepower
- 0 to 60 in 5 seconds
- 335 lb.-ft. of torque
- Max seating capacity of 4 to 5
The Vehicle History experts note the surprising performance and impressive styling of the 8 Series as its main perks. The limited rear-seat legroom and headroom were drawbacks, as well as the high price tag, but that’s what happens when you shop BMW.
BMW i8: $145,616 – $164,295
The i8 looks like something that stepped out of the future. The flip-up doors and rear spoilers instantly turn heads. High-end materials, including options like white perforated leather, are scattered all through the vehicle. It even has an option for laser headlights.
The i8 is, surprisingly, not a muscle car; rather, it’s a hybrid. The turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine is paired with an electric motor with an 11.6 kWh battery. It’s still quite powerful, creating 369 horsepower, and it’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Here are the critical specs of the i8:
- 27 combined mpg
- 369 horsepower
- 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds
- 420 lb.-ft. of torque
- Max seating capacity of 4
With all of the eye candy the i8 delivers, its performance trails the competition. The flip-up doors may be cool, but they make it hard to get into and out of the vehicle. Some owners have reported that the air vents and other interior features damage easily.
BMW M4: $77,650 – $87,835
Comfort and responsive handling are what set the M4 apart. The manufacturer is well-known for its ability to merge these two things, showing this in this convertible. The turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine is quite powerful.
The M4 is particularly known for its responsive handling. The car goes where you want it to go with every turn of the steering wheel.
Here are the specs of the M4:
- 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway
- 425 horsepower
- 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds
- 406 lb.-ft. of torque
- Max seating capacity of 4
While the M4 is an impressive vehicle, some competitors, like the Mercedes-AMG C 63, do offer better engine options for the price.
