M4 Convertible. The two words we knew would inevitably come together but couldn’t help and try to ignore for a little longer. However, with the New York show looming the time has come for the drop-top
M4
to be released on to the world.
Coming to a high street near you soon
There are very few surprises actually, with everything good and bad that comes with that. So the M3’s 431hp, 406lb ft straight-six turbo is carried over with the same choice of manual or DCT transmissions. But opening up the M4 to the elements does of course bring a hefty weight penalty. Despite BMW’s claims of an ‘intelligent lightweight construction principle’ with aluminium body panels and apparently extensive use of CFRP, the M4 Convertible is still a 1,750kg car. That’s 60kg less than the corpulent E93, yes, but still rather a lot given how the M4 sneaks in under 1,500kg. It’s exactly 230kg more than the equivalent saloon also. Blimey.
The same styling cues that mark out the saloon and coupe are also used on the open M4. See the trademark M mirrors, the bonnet power dome, larger intakes at the front and the diffuser/four exhaust combo behind.
Your calipers clash with the leather darling
4 Series cabrio
seems to lend itself well to the M accoutrements, albeit still a little awkward with the roof raised. But there’s a muscularity to it that makes it look far more cohesive than some previous M3 convertibles. Maybe.
The roof can be raised or lowered in ‘a shade over 20 seconds’ at up to 11mph. BMW claims a ‘noise-absorbing headliner’ makes the interior quieter. The 370-litre boot drops by 150 litres with the roof down but a ‘loading assistance system’ raises the folded roof to make access to the boot easier. Wonder how much that weighs? The optional wind deflector is now larger and neck warmers have made it to the extras list also so that all in the M4 convertible ‘can enjoy a relaxing open-top drive at low temperatures at higher speeds’.
BMW doesn’t yet have a release date or price for the M4 Convertible; expect both to be announced at the New York show. With the coupe and saloon at £56K, the convertible will likely be in the region of £60K.