BMW Reportedly Developing 2028 All-Electric i4 Convertible on Neue Klasse Platform

BMW is reportedly in the advanced stages of developing an all-electric i4 Convertible, internally designated with the codename NA3, with a projected market debut for the 2028 model year. This forthcoming two-door convertible will be built upon the automaker's innovative 800-volt Neue Klasse architecture, a foundational platform engineered to underpin a new generation of BMW electric vehicles. The design philosophy for the i4 Convertible is expected to adhere to classic automotive proportions, featuring a traditional fabric soft top rather than a more complex folding hardtop mechanism. It will retain a four-seat configuration, aligning with BMW's established Gran Coupé and convertible lineage. Concurrently, an i4 Coupe variant, codenamed NA2, is also under development and is slated to launch on the same 2028 timeline, leveraging the identical underlying architecture. The development of electric convertibles presents unique engineering hurdles, primarily concerning the significant weight penalties and compromises to structural rigidity that can adversely affect overall driving range and performance. BMW's Neue Klasse platform is specifically designed to overcome these challenges. Its advanced 800-volt electrical system enables exceptionally rapid charging capabilities, reaching up to 400 kW. This architecture has already demonstrated its potential, with preliminary estimates suggesting the upcoming i3 sedan, built on the same platform, could achieve an impressive 440 miles of range. Even accounting for the aerodynamic inefficiencies and the necessary structural reinforcements inherent in an open-top design, the i4 Convertible is anticipated to deliver a substantial driving range comfortably exceeding 350 miles. The interior is expected to feature BMW's latest technological advancements, including the Panoramic iDrive X system, which integrates a comprehensive display interface projected directly onto the windshield, enhancing the driver's experience and providing a futuristic cabin ambiance. The global market for fully electric convertibles remains remarkably underdeveloped. Beyond a few niche offerings, such as the European Fiat 500e cabrio and the more performance-oriented MG Cyberster, the options for consumers, particularly in major markets like the United States, are exceedingly scarce. The Maserati GranCabrio Folgore stands as one of the few available electric convertibles, commanding a premium price point exceeding $200,000 USD. Prominent electric vehicle manufacturers like Tesla and Polestar have repeatedly postponed or indefinitely delayed their own ambitious roadster projects, highlighting the perceived market risks and technical complexities. By integrating convertible variants onto its scalable and universal Neue Klasse platform, BMW aims to mitigate the substantial financial investment and development risks associated with creating a standalone halo car, instead opting for a more integrated and efficient approach to electrifying its diverse model portfolio.