BMW 420i M-Sport Convertible (2021) Review - Suburban Droptop

Suburban Droptop

It's hard to ignore the most visible element of a BMW, those iconic kidney grilles. This design element has become to most contentious subject whenever BMW releases a new car. Wether they have become smaller, stretched out flat, wider, bolder or coloured in, the grille design always caused tongues to wag. It is no different now with BMW's latest range, the kidney grilles are now the dominant feature, and it is definitely a love it or hate design. 

Related: BMW 420d (2021) Review: A lovely coupé with a polarising front end 

We secured a new 4 series that a) had a petrol engine and b) had a retractable roof to see if it was any different to the diesel model we tested previously and here is what we found

 

Styling

I don't want to stray too long on the love it / hate it front end design suffice to say that is following a European design language that we are seeing on most sedans nowadays, a dominant front grille sets the tone for an aggressive and sporty look. I will say this though, personally I think it is the afterthought of a front mount number plate that quite ruins the look for me. Outside that, the 4 series has a stunning side profile featuring the optional 19" wheels and wrap around LED lighting front and rear.

The 420 has a long sleek design with prominent lines giving it the impression of speed and when one drops the roof it becomes a continental cruiser that you could imagine taking a slow drive along a coastal road to the yacht club.

 

The Drive

Upon initially taking the 420i for lengthy drive you would be forgiven for feeling a bit disappointed, the pomp and ceremony that usually accompanies a spirited drive in a 4 series was absent, that is until the vehicle came onto song in the higher gear ratios. It is eerily quiet inside with just the barest of engine notes but a quick glance outside reveals the countryside whipping by at a rapid pace.

Steering is responsive but a little vague and the suspension soaks up small undulations in the road. In short, the 420 makes an excellent Gran tourer, and it's even better with the roof down!

 

Performance

The 420i is powered by a 2.0l 4 cyl turbo petrol engine that puts out 135kW and 300Nm through an 8 speed Super Steptronic transmission and sends all the power to the rear wheels. The 420i gets to 100km/h in a spritely 8.2 seconds and can go onto a limited top speed of 236km/h making the cabriolet an excellent long distance cruiser, however rear passengers may have something to say about that!

 

Space and Comfort

Our convertible test unit had a simple black and silver interior colour palette, fitted with an all black full leather interior with brushed aluminium finishes. Driver and passenger get deep bolstered, heated and electrically adjustable seats, the touch surfaces receive the same treatment while the rest of the dash and door card inserts get the aluminium trim.

There are features such as keyless start and climate control, but it would seem that our unit was devoid of many other add-ons such as a rearview camera. Rear seat occupants will find that their seating looked just as nice as the fronts, but legroom is at a premium making anything other than a short jaunt rather uncomfortable. Headroom for rear occupants is also minimal but retracting the electric folding soft top opens up the world.

 

Safety

With this being a luxury German sedan you can expect all the safety systems that lead to a 5-star Euro NCAP rating to be present, you get 6 airbags, ABS EBD , TSC and Hill Start Assist. You will also get PDC front and rear but no rearview camera as mentioned before. Sadly many of the other safety features that are so prominent on competitors are optional in the 420i meaning you have to fork over a few more rands of you want Lane keep Assist or Blind Sport Monitoring.

 

Fuel Consumption

BMW says that the 420i should return 6.6l per 100km. Our real world driving on the combined cycle returned closer to 7.4l per 100. By our maths that means you can expect roughly 750km per tank of fuel. 

 

Price

The BMW 420i MSport Convertible will set you back the princely sum of R 983 586 without options.

BMW offers a warranty for 2 years with no mileage limit, and a maintenance plan for 5 years or 100 000 km.

 

Verdict

A million rand is a lot of money for a luxury convertible but if simply must have one you can do much worse than the 420i. We would have liked to have seen a few more interior refinements on the tech front but on the whole not a bad package. If you can get past teh exterior design and the price  the 420i is going to serve you quite well on your next coastal holiday.