The next model to be unveiled in the rapidly expanding BMW M3/M4 family is the M4 Convertible. The new open-topped variant will be fitted with M xDrive as standard (all-wheel drive to you and me), while its predecessor's folding hardtop has been replaced by the new fabric roof of the current BMW 4 Series Convertible. The M4 Convertible is due to go into production in July this year.
M4 Competition spec
BMW has detailed a single version of the M4 Convertible, in the same Competition specification as the existing BMW M3 Saloon and M4 Coupe. That means a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six under the bonnet, producing maximums of 510hp and 650Nm of torque.
The same eight-speed M Steptronic automatic gearbox is used, too, with various modes of operation, and, as mentioned above, the M4 Convertible gets M xDrive all-wheel drive as standard. This features 4WD, 4WD Sport and even 2WD driving modes, the latter allowing the driver to opt for rear-wheel drive only.
Thanks to the extra traction (when you leave the car in a 4WD setting, presumably), and despite the extra weight of the Convertible body, the M4 Convertible can cover the benchmark 0-100km/h sprint 0.2 seconds quicker than the rear-wheel-drive M4 and M3 can, at 3.7 seconds.
The Convertible gets all the same driving settings as its tin-topped siblings, including adjustable brake feel and the M Drift Analyser. Though it's probably best to leave the roof up for such on-track shenanigans, as the smell of tyre smoke is very difficult to get out of your hair. Allegedly.
Direct access to your ears
To hear that straight-six howling, the roof can be opened or closed at speeds of up to 50km/h, and the process takes 18 seconds. Boot space is unchanged from that of the regular 4 Series Convertible models, carrying 300 litres with the roof stowed, or up to 385 litres at a maximum. Those represent gains of 80- and 15 litres, respectively, over the old M4 Convertible.
The new soft top is 40 per cent lighter than the hardtop, too, though BMW neglects to mention that the new M4 Convertible is still heavier overall than the car it replaces.
M4 styling carried over
If you like the widened BMW M take on the controversial kidney grilles already seen on the M3 and M4 Coupe, then you'll approve of the Convertible's design language, as it's carried over wholesale. If not, well, you can't see it from behind the exquisite steering wheel...