The first sightings of the BMW i4 Convertible have surfaced during testing. Like the current petrol-powered 4 Series Convertible, it is expected to feature a two-plus-two layout and a folding soft-top roof.

BMW informed Autocar earlier this year that the present i4, a five-door liftback and one of the brand's top-selling electric vehicles in Australia, would not receive a direct successor.

Nevertheless, the next generation of two-door BMW models appears to have preserved the i4 badge. Spy photographs indicate a convertible is in development, with a planned 2028 launch in Europe.

Based on the upcoming BMW i3 sedan due in Australia in 2027, the i4 Convertible, codenamed NA3, will adopt BMW's dedicated 800V Neue Klasse electric vehicle platform.

The platform first appeared with the new iX3 SUV, revealed in 2025 and arriving in Australian showrooms this year from $89,900 before on-road costs.

With the iX3's 2897mm wheelbase 41mm longer than the current i4's, the new platform should deliver increased passenger space for the soft-top's two-plus-two seating layout.

It is 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 have not been released, BMW claims a WLTP driving range of up to 906km in the electric sedan.

The i4 Convertible will encounter almost no competition, since electric convertibles remain very rare. Only a few examples are currently in production, including the Maserati GranCabrio and MG Cyberster, both available 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 models will continue production alongside Neue Klasse electric versions as BMW balances its approach to customer demand for electric and petrol powertrains.

The strategy will result in models with similar styling whether they use 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.

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.