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.
xDrive30 M SportElectricSingle-Speed Reduction GearCurrent
ZAR 1,255,000ex-showroom
⚡ 230 kW🔧 494 Nm
＋Add a 3rd car
Decision summary
BMW 4 Series Convertible vs BMW iX1: the short answer
iX1 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while 4 Series Convertible remains close.
4 Series Convertible starts ZAR 63,500 cheaper4 Series Convertible from ZAR 1,146,500 · iX1 from ZAR 1,210,000
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
4 Series Convertible
iX1
Maximum Power
4 Series Convertible285 kW
iX1230 kW
Maximum Torque
4 Series Convertible500 Nm @ 1800-5000 rpm
iX1494 Nm
Engine Size
4 Series Convertible2998 cc
iX1Not Applicable
Combined Fuel Economy
4 Series Convertible12.5 km/l
iX1Not Applicable
Ground Clearance
4 Series Convertible140 mm
iX1190 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)
4 Series Convertible
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Performance
Specification evidence leader
iX1
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
4 Series Convertible
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
iX1
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
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
4 Series Convertible
iX1
Model Introduced Year
2020
2023
Generation
G23 four-seat premium convertible related to the G22 Coupé but with body- and roof-specific packaging.
Battery-electric U11 compact SUV, closely related in body and cabin architecture to the third-generation X1.
Facelift History
Current updated G23-generation BMW 4 Series Convertible offered in South Africa with a fabric soft top.
The current U11 iX1 is the first battery-electric X1 generation; no South African facelift has been announced.
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Convertible
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Premium Convertible
Premium SUV
Vehicle Type
Car
Car
Spec
4 Series Convertible
iX1
Length
4770 mm
4500 mm
Width
1852 mm
1845 mm
Height
1394 mm
1616 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2692 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
190 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
170 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
0 l
Boot/Cargo Space
385 l
490 l
Kerb Weight
1965 kg
2085 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2375 kg
2580 kg
Payload Capacity
485 kg
570 kg
Towing Capacity
1800 kg
1200 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
5.8 m
Front Headroom
997 mm
1020 mm
Rear Headroom
942 mm
981 mm
Front Legroom
1049 mm
1050 mm
Rear Legroom
899 mm
928 mm
Spec
4 Series Convertible
iX1
Engine
BMW turbocharged engine
BMW eDrive electric drive
Engine Code
B48
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Petrol
Electric
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2998 cc
Not Applicable
Cylinders
6
Not Applicable
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Applicable
Valves
16
Not Applicable
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Applicable
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Not Applicable
Fuel System
Direct injection
Not Applicable
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
Not Applicable
Bore
82.0 mm
Not Applicable
Stroke
94.6 mm
Not Applicable
Maximum Power
285 kW
230 kW
Maximum Torque
500 Nm @ 1800-5000 rpm
494 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Permanent-magnet synchronous motor
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
2
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Front and rear axles
Drive Type
AWD
AWD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Top Speed
250 km/h
210 km/h
0-100 km/h
4.9 sec
5.6 sec
Quarter Mile
12.2 sec
16.2 sec
Drive Modes
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
7000 rpm
Not Applicable
Power-to-Weight Ratio
100 kW/tonne
100 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
220 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
1 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
64.8 kWh
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Lithium-ion
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
400 V
Electric Range
Not Applicable
490 km (BMW stated)
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
11 kW
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
130 kW
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
6 h 30 min
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
30 min
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Yes
Spec
4 Series Convertible
iX1
Gearbox
8-Speed Automatic
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Drivetrain Layout
All-wheel drive
All-wheel drive
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Yes
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Yes
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Yes
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Yes
Yes
Number of Gears
8
1
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic selector
Automatic selector
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Electronically controlled AWD
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Yes
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Yes
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Yes
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
Yes
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Yes
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Single-speed reduction gear
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Yes
Low Range
Not Applicable
Yes
Axle Layout
Yes
Yes
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Yes
Transmission Speeds
8
1
Spec
4 Series Convertible
iX1
Claimed Mileage
12.5 km/l
Not Applicable
City Mileage
10.5 km/l
Not Applicable
Highway Mileage
15.0 km/l
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
0 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
12.5 km/l
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
CCS Combo
Charging Type
Not Applicable
AC and DC
Fuel Tank Litres
59
0
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
490 km (BMW stated)
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
14.8
Range Real World Highway
360 km
360 km
Range Real World Mixed
420 km
420 km
Spec
4 Series Convertible
iX1
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
4 Series Convertible
iX1
Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
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
Standard
Yes
Auto Wipers
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Parking Assist Plus
Standard
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Yes
Spec
4 Series Convertible
iX1
Seat Material
Leather 'Vernasca' Black with decorative stitching
Leather/Sensatec
Heated Seats
Front
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Yes
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Yes
Steering wheel M Leather
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
Yes
Sport seats for driver and front passenger
Spec
4 Series Convertible
iX1
Climate Control
Standard
Automatic climate control
Power Windows
Standard
Standard
Keyless Entry
Comfort Access
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
Yes
Sunroof
Panoramic
Panoramic
Electric Tailgate
No
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Yes
AC Type
Standard
Automatic climate control
Spec
4 Series Convertible
iX1
Infotainment System
Widescreen Display
Yes
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
BMW Live Cockpit Professional (includes head-up display)
12.3
USB Ports
2
2
Infotainment Screen
14.9
14.9
Touchscreen
14.9
14.9
Spec
4 Series Convertible
iX1
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
4 Series Convertible
iX1
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
25 deg
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
23 deg
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
500 mm
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Auto; Sport; Eco
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Yes
4WD System Type
All-wheel drive
All-wheel drive
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
20 deg
Spec
4 Series Convertible
iX1
Tyre Size
Runflat tyres
225/50 R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
Tyre repair kit
Wheel Rim Size
19" M Lt/Aly wheels double spoke 792 M Bicolour Jet Black / MT and runflat tyres
18" M Lt/Aly wheels Double-spoke style 838 M Bicolour
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electronic
Spec
4 Series Convertible
iX1
Front Suspension
M Sports Suspension
Adaptive M Suspension
Rear Suspension
M Sports Suspension
Adaptive M Suspension
Spec
4 Series Convertible
iX1
CO2 Emissions
192 g/km
0 g/km
Spec
4 Series Convertible
iX1
Service Plan
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
Spec
4 Series Convertible
iX1
Ownership Role
Private and enthusiast
Private, business and fleet
Price Zar
1642500 ZAR
1255000 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current recommended retail price
Current recommended retail price
Starting Price
1642500
1255000
Starting Price Zar
1642500
1255000
Spec
4 Series Convertible
iX1
Warranty
Yes
Yes
In depth: how these cars differ
This 4 Series Convertible and iX1 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 iX1 95.
Efficiency index: 4 Series Convertible 49 vs iX1 90.
Safety-equipment index: 4 Series Convertible 92 vs iX1 92.
Practicality index: 4 Series Convertible 55 vs iX1 64.
Ownership-cover index: 4 Series Convertible not separately scored vs iX1 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 iX1 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
iX1 leads by 10 points
iX1 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while 4 Series Convertible remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
iX1
Performance
95/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
64/100
4 Series Convertible
Performance
97/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
55/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBMW iX1
leads the specification evidence index with 85 pts
vs 75 pts for 4 Series Convertible
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, iX1 leads. However, 4 Series Convertible 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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