503bhp, 4WD, Open-top joy
BMW has followed up the M4 Competition with the Soft-top Convertible just in time for the summer, but does it take your gaze away from the gapping grill? That’s your decision.
Based on the recently revealed M4, the new entry to the ‘M’ line-up is lighter and more powerful than its Drop-top predecessor and now has 4WD, the lightness mainly comes from what BMW calls a ‘panel bow’ soft top, which is 40% lighter than the metal roof from the last M4 Cabrio.
As with the standard 4 Series Convertible, the roof can be opened or closed in just 18 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph, and is able to minimise heat loss and cabin noise with the use of a glass rear window and panel bow structural elements.
The new cabrio shares its 503bhp, 479lb ft 3.0-litre turbo straight-six engine with the M3 saloon and M4 coupe, fitted to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and four-wheel-drive setup, which means a rear-wheel bias, an active M diff, and the option of switching off the front axle to make it RWD.
All this combine for a 0-62mph sprint, at 3.7sec, only two tenths slower than its siblings, The top speed is limited to 155mph unless you tick the ‘M Driver’s Pack’ box which increases the top speed to 174mph. The convertible seats four, with a standard-fit Air Collar system directing warm air to passengers’ necks and heads to maximise comfort when the roof is down.
BMW says the fabric roof frees 80 litres more boot space when stowed compared with its metal predecessor, giving the car a roof-down luggage capacity of 300 litres.
Electrically adjustable, heated sports seats come as standard, although optional M carbon bucket seats are available, too. The convertible also gets three-zone automatic climate control, LED interior lighting and a Harman Kardon sound system as standard.
The M4 Convertible builds will begin in July this year, priced from £81,915, a £3600 premium over the four-wheel-drive coupé.
