A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
BMW 1 Series vs BMW 4 Series Convertible: the short answer
1 Series and 4 Series Convertible are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
1 Series starts ZAR 441,500 cheaper1 Series from ZAR 705,000 · 4 Series Convertible from ZAR 1,146,500
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
1 Series
4 Series Convertible
Maximum Power
1 Series233 kW
4 Series Convertible285 kW
Maximum Torque
1 Series400 Nm @ 2000-4500 rpm
4 Series Convertible500 Nm @ 1800-5000 rpm
Engine Size
1 Series1998 cc
4 Series Convertible2998 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
1 Series12.5 km/l
4 Series Convertible12.5 km/l
Ground Clearance
1 Series140 mm
4 Series Convertible140 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
BMW 1 Series
M135 xDrive
Hagalu editorial rating
4.1/5★★★★★★★★★★
Desk research · Exact variant
Hagalu Editorial Team ·
Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
1 Series
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Specification evidence leader
4 Series Convertible
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
1 Series
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
4 Series Convertible
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
1 Series
4 Series Convertible
Model Introduced Year
2024
2020
Generation
Fourth-generation F70 BMW 1 Series, configured for South Africa as a five-door hatchback.
G23 four-seat premium convertible related to the G22 Coupé but with body- and roof-specific packaging.
Facelift History
F70 is the current fourth-generation South African launch version; no local facelift has been announced.
Current updated G23-generation BMW 4 Series Convertible offered in South Africa with a fabric soft top.
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
Convertible
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Premium Hatchback
Premium Convertible
Vehicle Type
Car
Car
Spec
1 Series
4 Series Convertible
Length
4361 mm
4770 mm
Width
1800 mm
1852 mm
Height
1459 mm
1394 mm
Wheelbase
2670 mm
2851 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
140 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
125 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
49 l
59 l
Boot/Cargo Space
380 l
385 l
Kerb Weight
1550 kg
1965 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2100 kg
2375 kg
Payload Capacity
550 kg
485 kg
Towing Capacity
750 kg
1800 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
4 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
2 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
5.6 m
Front Headroom
985 mm
997 mm
Rear Headroom
958 mm
942 mm
Front Legroom
1041 mm
1049 mm
Rear Legroom
896 mm
899 mm
Spec
1 Series
4 Series Convertible
Engine
BMW turbocharged engine
BMW turbocharged engine
Engine Code
B48
B48
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
2998 cc
Cylinders
4
6
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Direct injection
Direct injection
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
10.5:1
Bore
82.0 mm
82.0 mm
Stroke
94.6 mm
94.6 mm
Maximum Power
233 kW
285 kW
Maximum Torque
400 Nm @ 2000-4500 rpm
500 Nm @ 1800-5000 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
AWD
AWD
Transmission
7-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
250 km/h
250 km/h
0-100 km/h
4.9 sec
4.9 sec
Quarter Mile
12.2 sec
12.2 sec
Drive Modes
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
7000 rpm
7000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
100 kW/tonne
100 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
220 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
1 Series
4 Series Convertible
Gearbox
7-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
All-wheel drive
All-wheel drive
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Yes
Yes
Number of Gears
7
8
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic selector
Automatic selector
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Yes
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Yes
Yes
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
7
8
Spec
1 Series
4 Series Convertible
Claimed Mileage
12.5 km/l
12.5 km/l
City Mileage
10.5 km/l
10.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
15.0 km/l
15.0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
49 l
59 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Standard
Real-world Mileage
12.5 km/l
12.5 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
49
59
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
360 km
360 km
Range Real World Mixed
420 km
420 km
Spec
1 Series
4 Series Convertible
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
AEB
Yes
Yes
BA
Standard
Standard
Brake Override System
Yes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Standard
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Yes
Yes
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
1 Series
4 Series Convertible
Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Standard
Auto Wipers
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Standard
Parking Assist Plus
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Yes
Spec
1 Series
4 Series Convertible
Seat Material
Leather/Sensatec
Leather 'Vernasca' Black with decorative stitching
Heated Seats
Yes
Front
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Yes
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Standard
Steering Wheel Material
Yes
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
Electric multi-way
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
Electric multi-way
Seat Trim
M Sport Seats
Yes
Spec
1 Series
4 Series Convertible
Climate Control
Standard
Standard
Power Windows
Standard
Standard
Keyless Entry
Yes
Comfort Access
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
Standard
Sunroof
Panoramic
Panoramic
Electric Tailgate
No
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Yes
AC Type
Standard
Standard
Spec
1 Series
4 Series Convertible
Infotainment System
Yes
Widescreen Display
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3
BMW Live Cockpit Professional (includes head-up display)
USB Ports
2
2
Infotainment Screen
14.9
14.9
Touchscreen
14.9
14.9
Spec
1 Series
4 Series Convertible
LED Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Standard
Fog Lamps
Yes
Yes
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple manufacturer colours
Multiple manufacturer colours
Headlights
Yes
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Yes
Spec
1 Series
4 Series Convertible
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
All-wheel drive
All-wheel drive
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
1 Series
4 Series Convertible
Tyre Size
Runflat tyres
Runflat tyres
Front Brake Type
M Sport brake, dark blue metallic
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
M Sport brake, dark blue metallic
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
Tyre repair kit
Wheel Rim Size
18"M light alloy wheels Y spoke style 975 M Bicolour with runflat tyres
19" M Lt/Aly wheels double spoke 792 M Bicolour Jet Black / MT and runflat tyres
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electronic
Spec
1 Series
4 Series Convertible
Front Suspension
Adaptive M Suspension
M Sports Suspension
Rear Suspension
Adaptive M Suspension
M Sports Suspension
Spec
1 Series
4 Series Convertible
CO2 Emissions
177 g/km
192 g/km
Spec
1 Series
4 Series Convertible
Service Plan
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
Spec
1 Series
4 Series Convertible
Ownership Role
Private and enthusiast
Private and enthusiast
Price Zar
975000 ZAR
1642500 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current recommended retail price
Current recommended retail price
Starting Price
975000
1642500
Starting Price Zar
975000
1642500
Spec
1 Series
4 Series Convertible
Warranty
Yes
Yes
In depth: how these cars differ
This 1 Series and 4 Series Convertible comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: 1 Series 91 vs 4 Series Convertible 97.
Efficiency index: 1 Series 50 vs 4 Series Convertible 49.
Safety-equipment index: 1 Series 92 vs 4 Series Convertible 92.
Practicality index: 1 Series 53 vs 4 Series Convertible 55.
Ownership-cover index: 1 Series not separately scored vs 4 Series Convertible not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
1 Series and 4 Series Convertible image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
4 Series Convertible leads by 2 points
1 Series and 4 Series Convertible are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
4 Series Convertible +6
Efficiency
1 Series +1
Safety
Level
Practicality
4 Series Convertible +2
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
4 Series Convertible
Performance
97/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
55/100
1 Series
Performance
91/100
Efficiency
50/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
53/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBMW 4 Series Convertible
leads the specification evidence index with 75 pts
vs 73 pts for 1 Series
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, 4 Series Convertible leads. However, 1 Series may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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