Just as the world is getting over the arrival of the new M3/M4 twins, BMW completes the line up by announcing the obligatory M4 Convertible. Basically it’s an M4 minus the roof, resulting in added aural pleasure and infinite headroom. Here are the details.
BMW M4 Convertible
As it’s a convertible I think I should start with the roof. It is a folding hard top, much like the last generation M3, that, at the press of a button, folds up and stows flat in the boot in 20 seconds, at speeds up to 8mph. Not the quickest folding roof in the world but that shouldn’t matter, because the M4 will easily be able to recoup any time wasted lowering the top.
Impressive Figures
0-62mph is dealt with in 4.6secs in the standard 6 speed manual (4.4 with the optional DCT gearbox) with the all too familiar limiter capping the top speed at 155mph. Delivering those numbers is exactly the same engine as the hard topped cars. Namely a 3 litre twin turbo charged straight six with 431hp and 550Nm of tyre shredding torque which revs to 7600rpm. The engine features a raft of tech which allows the M4 to behave as calmly as a 320d in normal driving, while turning into a track weapon the more the throttle’s pushed. In numbers this equates to 31mpg (32.5 with the DCT) and 213g/km of carbon dioxide. Impressive figures from one of the world’s most iconic fast cabriolets.
Quad Pipes
Another important piece of electronic trickery is the active exhaust flaps. These sit in those trademark quad pipes and allow for the optimum flow of gases, but more importantly fully amplify that straight 6 soundtrack. A special treat since the roof is now missing. Front seat passengers can also enjoy open air driving more often if they want to, thanks to heated, contoured leather seats, and an optional 3 stage air collar to keep you cosy.
Technical Details
The M4 comes standard with a multitude of acronyms and race derived mechanicals to help deliver that ultimate driving experience. Things like Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC). UK cars will also get Adaptive M suspension as standard with a choice of modes; Comfort, Sport or Sport+ meaning the driver can pick the ride depending on their mood. Underneath there’s a magnesium sump with a special coating to stop the oil sloshing around during high G cornering, and carbon-reinforced plastic has been used for the prop shaft and front strut brace. That prop shaft goes into a standard active M differential, good for fans of massive skids! Total weight is 1750kg, 60kg down on the previous M3 cab, this doesn’t mean the M4’s a super lightweight though but it isn’t bad for a folding hard top that’s actually bigger than its predecessor.
Outside, the M4 convertible is typical of what we’ve come to expect from an M car. Bigger air intakes, flared arches, M side gills, those twin stalk door mirrors, and aforementioned quad exhausts all give the car real presence. They also do their bit to aid air flow over the car, reducing drag and ultimately increasing speed. 19 inch light weight wheels come as standard too and are suitably wide at the back to help create that squat stance. Personally, I think the grey on black with red interior colour scheme in the pictures really suits the M4 convertible, it looks tough, a car you’d happily get out of the way for.
Yours For £60,730
So to conclude, the M4 convertible was an inevitable addition to the 4 series line up. But this doesn’t detract from what an awesome addition it is. The sporting convertible benchmark for other manufacturers to beat has been set and it is likely to take some beating giving the amount of go faster tech that has been thrown at the M4. If you want one the M4 convertible goes on sale on the 6th September with prices starting at £60,730.
