The first BMW i4 Convertible has been spied testing, and like the current petrol-powered 4 Series Convertible it’ll feature a two-plus-two layout and a folding soft-top.
BMW told Autocar earlier this year there would be no successor to the current i4, a five-door liftback that is one of the brand’s best-selling electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia.
Yet the next-generation range of two-door BMWs appears to have given the i4 badge a reprieve, with spy images showing a convertible is on the way, with an expected 2028 launch in Europe.
Based on the upcoming BMW i3 sedan due in Australia in 2027, the i4 Convertible, codenamed ‘NA3’, will use BMW’s dedicated 800V Neue Klasse electric vehicle (EV) platform.
The platform first underpinned the new iX3 SUV, revealed in 2025 and arriving in Australian showrooms this year priced from $89,900 before on-road costs.
With the iX3’s 2897mm wheelbase 41mm longer than the current i4’s, the new platform is expected to bring greater passenger space for the soft-top’s two-plus-two seating layout.
It’s expected to use the same dual-motor powertrain as the i3 50 xDrive sedan, producing 345kW and 645Nm with all-wheel drive. While battery details haven’t been announced, BMW claims a WLTP driving range of up to 906km in the electric sedan.
The i4 Convertible will have essentially no competition, with electric convertibles being extremely rare. There are only a small handful currently in production, including the Maserati GranCabrio and MG Cyberster – both of which are sold in Australia.
The i4 Convertible will be offered alongside the current petrol-powered ‘G23’ 4 Series Convertible, as well as the existing petrol-powered ‘G83’ M4 Convertible flagship.
These will continue to be produced alongside Neue Klasse electric models as BMW somewhat hedges its bets on customer demand for electric and petrol powertrains.
The strategy will see BMW produce models with a similar appearance regardless of whether they feature combustion or electric powertrains.
Key among these, BMW’s M division will introduce a mild-hybrid-powered version of the next M3 using the current petrol model’s underpinnings.
It will simultaneously offer an electric version, also wearing M3 badges, but built on the i3 sedan’s Neue Klasse EV platform as the flagship performance versions of the i3 sedan and i3 Touring.
Autocar has reported the i4 Convertible will also be joined by a coupe version, also wearing the i4 nameplate.
This would follow the current naming convention, with sedans and wagons wearing 3 Series badges, while two-door coupe and convertible models are designated as 4 Series.
Again, while not confirmed, it would make sense for BMW to use the same hybrid and EV powertrains from the M3 to produce an i4-based M4.
The electric M3 was teased at the 2026 Le Mans 24 Hours when the German automaker revealed the M Concept Neue Klasse.
Due in 2027, reports suggest the M3 EV will have four motors producing at least 746kW, electronic all-wheel drive, and a battery with a capacity of 100kWh or more.