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 4 Series Convertible vs Suzuki Baleno: the short answer
4 Series Convertible holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over Baleno.
Baleno starts ZAR 876,600 cheaper4 Series Convertible from ZAR 1,146,500 · Baleno from ZAR 269,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
4 Series Convertible
Baleno
Maximum Power
4 Series Convertible285 kW
Baleno77 kW
Maximum Torque
4 Series Convertible500 Nm @ 1800-5000 rpm
Baleno138 Nm
Engine Size
4 Series Convertible2998 cc
Baleno1462 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
4 Series Convertible12.5 km/l
Baleno16.1 km/l
Ground Clearance
4 Series Convertible140 mm
Baleno0 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 4 Series Convertible
M440i xDrive Convertible
Hagalu editorial rating
3.7/5★★★★★★★★★★
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)
Specification evidence leader
4 Series Convertible
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Baleno
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
4 Series Convertible
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Baleno
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
4 Series Convertible
Baleno
Model Introduced Year
2020
2026
Generation
G23 four-seat premium convertible related to the G22 Coupé but with body- and roof-specific packaging.
Current market generation
Facelift History
Current updated G23-generation BMW 4 Series Convertible offered in South Africa with a fabric soft top.
Current market specification
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2026
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Convertible
Hatchback
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Premium Convertible
Hatchback
Vehicle Type
Car
Hatchback
Spec
4 Series Convertible
Baleno
Length
4770 mm
3990 mm
Width
1852 mm
1745 mm
Height
1394 mm
1500 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2520 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
0 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
150 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
37 l
Boot/Cargo Space
385 l
318 l
Kerb Weight
1965 kg
940 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2375 kg
1700 kg
Payload Capacity
485 kg
760 kg
Towing Capacity
1800 kg
500 kg
Seating Capacity
4 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
2 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
5.2 m
Front Headroom
997 mm
1000 mm
Rear Headroom
942 mm
950 mm
Front Legroom
1049 mm
1050 mm
Rear Legroom
899 mm
900 mm
Spec
4 Series Convertible
Baleno
Engine
BMW turbocharged engine
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
B48
K15B/K15C
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2998 cc
1462 cc
Cylinders
6
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Direct injection
Multi-point fuel injection
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
12.0:1
Bore
82.0 mm
73.0 mm
Stroke
94.6 mm
85.0 mm
Maximum Power
285 kW
77 kW
Maximum Torque
500 Nm @ 1800-5000 rpm
138 Nm
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
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
4-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
250 km/h
170 km/h
0-100 km/h
4.9 sec
9.5 sec
Quarter Mile
12.2 sec
16.5 sec
Drive Modes
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
7000 rpm
6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
100 kW/tonne
81.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
146.8 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
4 Series Convertible
Baleno
Gearbox
8-Speed Automatic
4-speed automatic
Drivetrain Layout
All-wheel drive
2WD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Paddle Shifters
Yes
No
Final Drive Ratio
Yes
4.3
Number of Gears
8
4
Transmission Type
Automatic
4-speed automatic
Clutch Type
Yes
Torque converter / CVT
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic selector
Floor-mounted selector
Drivetrain
AWD
2WD
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
Yes
No
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
Automatic
4-speed automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Yes
Front driven axle
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Transmission Speeds
8
4
Spec
4 Series Convertible
Baleno
Claimed Mileage
12.5 km/l
16.1 km/l
City Mileage
10.5 km/l
16.0 km/l
Highway Mileage
15.0 km/l
19.0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
37 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6 equivalent
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Yes
Real-world Mileage
12.5 km/l
16.1 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
59
37
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
700
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
360 km
650 km
Range Real World Mixed
420 km
600 km
Spec
4 Series Convertible
Baleno
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Not Applicable
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Yes
No
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Applicable
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
AEB
Yes
Yes
BA
Standard
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Standard
Not Applicable
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Hold
Standard
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
TCS
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Yes
No
ABS EBD
Standard
Not Applicable
Spec
4 Series Convertible
Baleno
Cruise Control
Standard
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Not Applicable
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Yes
Front and rear
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
Standard
Not Applicable
Auto Wipers
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Parking Assist Plus
Yes
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Not Applicable
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Yes
Spec
4 Series Convertible
Baleno
Seat Material
Leather 'Vernasca' Black with decorative stitching
Fabric upholstery
Heated Seats
Front
No
Ventilated Seats
Yes
No
Ambient Lighting
Standard
No
Steering Wheel Material
Yes
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
Manual adjustment
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
Manual adjustment
Seat Trim
Yes
Fabric upholstery
Spec
4 Series Convertible
Baleno
Climate Control
Standard
Automatic climate control
Power Windows
Standard
Yes
Keyless Entry
Comfort Access
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
Yes
Sunroof
Panoramic
No
Electric Tailgate
No
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Not Applicable
AC Type
Standard
Automatic climate control
Spec
4 Series Convertible
Baleno
Infotainment System
Widescreen Display
Touchscreen infotainment system
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Yes
Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
BMW Live Cockpit Professional (includes head-up display)
Digital instrument display
USB Ports
2
USB-A / USB-C
Infotainment Screen
14.9
9
Touchscreen
14.9
9
Spec
4 Series Convertible
Baleno
LED Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED
Fog Lamps
Yes
Yes
Roof Rails
Yes
No
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple manufacturer colours
Multiple Suzuki factory exterior colours
Headlights
Yes
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
No
Spec
4 Series Convertible
Baleno
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
No
4WD System Type
All-wheel drive
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
4 Series Convertible
Baleno
Tyre Size
Runflat tyres
195/60 R16
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
Space-saver spare wheel
Wheel Rim Size
19" M Lt/Aly wheels double spoke 792 M Bicolour Jet Black / MT and runflat tyres
16
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Manual parking brake
Spec
4 Series Convertible
Baleno
Front Suspension
M Sports Suspension
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
M Sports Suspension
Torsion beam
Spec
4 Series Convertible
Baleno
CO2 Emissions
192 g/km
145 g/km
Spec
4 Series Convertible
Baleno
Service Plan
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
5 Years / 90000 km
Spec
4 Series Convertible
Baleno
Ownership Role
Private and enthusiast
Suzuki ownership programme
Price Zar
1642500 ZAR
312500 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current recommended retail price
Hagalu Research Team price estimate
Starting Price
1642500
312500
Starting Price Zar
1642500
312500
Spec
4 Series Convertible
Baleno
Warranty
Yes
5 Years / 200000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This 4 Series Convertible and Baleno 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: 4 Series Convertible 97 vs Baleno 34.
Efficiency index: 4 Series Convertible 49 vs Baleno 62.
Safety-equipment index: 4 Series Convertible 92 vs Baleno 87.
Practicality index: 4 Series Convertible 55 vs Baleno 50.
Ownership-cover index: 4 Series Convertible not separately scored vs Baleno 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
4 Series Convertible and Baleno 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 18 points
4 Series Convertible holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over Baleno.
Performance
4 Series Convertible +63
Efficiency
Baleno +13
Safety
4 Series Convertible +5
Practicality
4 Series Convertible +5
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
4 Series Convertible
Performance
97/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
55/100
Baleno
Performance
34/100
Efficiency
62/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
50/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBMW 4 Series Convertible
leads the specification evidence index with 75 pts
vs 57 pts for Baleno
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, 4 Series Convertible leads. However, Baleno 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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