BMW India has officially launched the M440i Convertible at Rs 1.09 crore ex-showroom, bringing its soft-top four-seat open-top to the Indian market. Powered by the same B58 3.0-litre straight-six turbocharged engine as the much-loved M340i, the M440i Convertible produces 374 hp and 500 Nm, claims a 0-100 kph time of 4.9 seconds, and features a fabric soft-top roof that opens or closes in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 50 kph. It goes up directly against the Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet, which is priced at Rs 1.16 crore, making the BMW the more accessible of the two premium convertibles in India.
Price and Rival Comparison
| Model | Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| BMW M440i Convertible | Rs 1.09 crore |
| Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet | Rs 1.16 crore |
Exterior Design: Four Series DNA with a Soft Top
The M440i Convertible draws heavily from the standard 4 Series in its design language, with the most significant change being the move to a fabric soft-top roof from the folding hard top used on the first-generation F33 4 Series Convertible. The soft-top can be operated in 18 seconds in either direction at speeds of up to 50 kph, making it one of the more convenient roof mechanisms in the segment.
Key exterior highlights:
- Signature BMW beaver teeth kidney grille extending from the bonnet to the lower bumper section
- Snake eyes LED headlamps with integrated DRLs
- Functional air intakes on both sides of the front bumper for engine cooling
- Staggered 19-inch alloy wheel setup: 225/45 R19 front, 255/35 R19 rear
- Two doors on each side with front seat fold-forward access to the rear row
- Wraparound LED tail lamps with intricate detailing
- Dual exhaust tips integrated into both sides of the rear bumper
Interior, Comfort and Features
The M440i Convertible uses a 2+2 seating layout with a clean, clutter-free dashboard design. The front seats are carried over directly from the M340i, bringing with them power adjustability and memory functions as standard.
Cabin technology and features:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Central Touchscreen | 14.9-inch |
| Digital Driver’s Display | 12.3-inch |
| Steering Wheel | 3-spoke flat-bottom with physical controls |
| Sound System | 12-speaker Harman Kardon |
| Wireless Charging | Standard |
| Head-Up Display | Standard |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring | Standard |
| Climate Control | Automatic |
Powertrain and Performance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 (B58) |
| Power | 374 hp |
| Torque | 500 Nm |
| Gearbox | 8-speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | xDrive All-Wheel Drive |
| 0-100 kph (BMW Claimed) | 4.9 seconds |
| 0-100 kph (Real World Tested) | 4.43 seconds |
| Top Speed | 250 kph (electronically limited) |
| Fuel Economy (ARAI) | 12 kmpl |
The M440i Convertible uses the same B58 engine as the M340i but takes 0.5 seconds longer to complete the 0-100 kph sprint on paper, owing to its additional 165 kg of kerb weight over the sedan. However, in real-world testing, the M440i Convertible returned a 0-100 kph time of 4.43 seconds, comfortably beating BMW’s own conservative claim and coming remarkably close to the M340i’s real-world figures.
Pros and Cons Of BMW M440i Convertible
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Real-world performance beats BMW’s official claim | Rs 1.09 crore is a significant ask for a convertible in India |
| Soft-top operates at up to 50 kph for added convenience | 2+2 rear seating is tight for adults on longer journeys |
| B58 engine is proven, refined and rewarding | Slightly heavier than M340i affects performance on paper |
| Undercuts Mercedes CLE Cabriolet by Rs 7 lakh | Limited to a single fully loaded variant |
| Fully loaded single variant with no options required | Convertible body style limits everyday practicality |
| Harman Kardon audio and HUD as standard |
The BMW M440i Convertible makes a strong case at Rs 1.09 crore as the more accessible of the two premium convertibles now available in India. It undercuts the Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet by Rs 7 lakh while offering the same proven B58 engine, a well-equipped cabin, and the real-world performance that BMW has quietly understated in its official figures. For buyers who want open-top motoring with genuine performance credentials and the reassurance of a fully loaded single variant with no options to navigate, the M440i Convertible is a compelling and well-rounded choice.
