Friday 4th April 2014

BMW M4 Convertible confirmed

BMW welcomes in the summer with the third M3/M4 variant. Aviators at the ready...

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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

The 4 Series cabrioseems 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.

[GTEYE]

Phew! At least we have made it through the 1st April madness.

Not sure the dark wheels go with that colour. Or any colour actually.

[SonicHedgeHog]

It's alright. £60k plus options. Shrug.

[g7jhp]

It's got a lot of square edges. Sure it will look stunning in the flesh!

[The Curn]

I think its a nice looking car, especially with the roof up. Funny as I don't like the 4 series.

[Ozzie Osmond]

IMO the only open BMW worth buying is the 1 series with a soft top.

Folding hardtops are too bulky and too heavy. (See also, Mercedes SL and SLK)

[Richard-G]

you could have someone drive into a fair few parts of this car and dent the doors/bumpers/wings, if they didn't leave any paint you'd never know.



also they cant expect anyone to take it seriously at that weight.

"intelligent lightweight construction principle’ with aluminium body panels and apparently extensive use of CFRP"

what a load of marketing bullst....

[gjf764]

Looks amazing, want want want

[jdw1234]

That is a seriously nice car.

[Schermerhorn]

Looks naff with the roof up, like the old E93 did in my opinion.

Top down they look awesome.

[hornetrider]

It is what it is, ie no point to point scalpel, but an autobahn bruiser with a bit of panache. I like it.

[Vladimir]

Spend zillions shedding weight then...put it all back on again.

[AyBee]

Looks terrific!

[1Addicted]

I'm kind of disappointed, not in its looks as it looks great, but in its weight; I was hoping they may have learnt E93 lessons and tried to get it down to at least 1600kg.

I am still holding out for this car though as a probable replacement for mine (or the M2...if it happens, and hopefully not limited production), most likely the coupe after I assess the first 48mths of depreciation/recalls/issues.

[renaultgeek]

I just don't like 4 seat drop tops, unless you're in a parade and have a lot of waving to do.

[renaultgeek]

or if it's a lowrider.

[Richard-G]

1Addicted said:

I'm kind of disappointed, not in its looks as it looks great, but in its weight; I was hoping they may have learnt E93 lessons and tried to get it down to at least 1600kg.

I am still holding out for this car though as a probable replacement for mine (or the M2...if it happens, and hopefully not limited production), most likely the coupe after I assess the first 48mths of depreciation/recalls/issues.

the fact that they can spout:

"intelligent lightweight construction principle’

on a car weighing nigh on 1800 kg just goes to show how much respect BMW has for our intelligence, a lot of people will drink THAT brand of kool aid though...

[Overhaul]

Yawn !

That means you can hear all that sound it dosen't make !!

Oh wait, you can turn the volume of the stereo up to hear that lovely synthesized engine sound that dosen't actually sound like any engine/exhaust at all.

No, that won't work either with the roof down !

Edited by Overhaul on Friday 4th April 11:23

[TommyBuoy]

Weighs less than a Grandtourismo....

I think it looks great and the weight isn't that different to other GT cars - which is what I see this as, more than a sports coupe thing.

[Output Flange]

• cough* Aviators, not Avaitors *cough*

[g3org3y]

Looks good to me.

Shame they are persisting with the grill badge which looks like such an afterthought.