2026 is a sad year for those who enjoy open-top motoring, as BMW is axing two convertibles. The Z4 and 8 Series are being retired from the lineup, leaving the 4 Series as the sole surviving cabrio. Seeing the glass half full, the “G23” is expected to stick around until closer to the decade’s end. In the meantime, South Korea gets a special-edition duo.
As you’re probably used to by now, the cars have a limited production run and can only be ordered through the company’s online shop. Both are capped at 15 units and carry impossibly long names: BMW 420i Convertible M Sport Pro Arctic Race Blue Edition and BMW M440i xDrive Convertible Pro Mineral White Edition.
South Korea-only versions typically come in a well-equipped, fixed configuration, and these two are no exception. The 420i comes in Arctic Race Blue, while the more potent M440i is painted Mineral White. Both ride on 19-inch wheels, but while the lesser version has Jet Black alloys, its M Performance cousin gets a more attractive Individual two-tone set.
Since the 420i also has the M Sport Package Pro, it makes a convincing impression of an M440i. However, BMW connoisseurs can immediately spot the subtle differences. BMW fits the B58-powered model with a different kidney grille and a more aggressive front bumper. From the side, the carbon side mirror caps in the M-specific design are hard to miss.
Inside, the B48-powered car features Individual upholstery with extended Merino leather in Ivory White. The beefier special edition takes a different approach with brown mocha-colored Vernasca leather. Stepping up to the M440i also gets you crystal accents on the iDrive controller, gear selector, and start button.
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Predictably, there is a sizeable price gap between the two. BMW South Korea is charging 80.4 million won ($53,600) for the 420i, whereas the M440i costs 99.2 million won ($66,200). The two special editions will be available to order through the online shop from April 9 at 3 PM local time.
Looking ahead, the “G23” is likely to remain in production until mid-2029. Although another facelift seems improbable, BMW will reportedly transition the inline-six, 3.0-liter engine to the B58B30M3 for the M440i sold outside of the United States. The switch is rumored to take place with vehicles produced from March 2027.
First published by https://www.bmwblog.com
Source: https://www.bmwblog.com/2026/04/07/bmw- ... nvertible/