BMW introduced the redesigned M3 and M4 last fall, and now the company has dropped the top on the new M4 Competition Convertible. Set to arrive in the United States this October, the high-performance convertible has a familiar twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 503 hp and 650 Nm of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a rear-biased all-wheel drive system that only sends power to the front wheels when additional traction is needed. The system has 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD modes, and the latter offers a classic rear-wheel drive experience.
Thanks to the powerful engine and
all-wheel drive system, the M4 Competition Convertible rockets from 0-96 km/h in 3.6 seconds. The model has a limited top speed of 250
km/h, but that can be increased to 280 km/h by ordering the optional
M Driver’s Package. Sticking with the performance theme, the convertible has
additional underfloor bracing and a “special rear axle subframe rigidly
connected to the body.” The car also
sports an Active M differential, an Adaptive M suspension and M Compound brakes.
The standard braking system has six-piston
calipers and 15 inch (380 mm) discs up front as well as single-piston rear
calipers and 14.6 inch (370 mm) discs out back.
However, customers can upgrade to an optional M Carbon ceramic braking
system which sports gold painted calipers as well as discs that measure 15.7
inches (400 mm) front and 15 inches (380 mm) rear. On the styling front, the
big news is a panel bow soft-top that promises to combine the “practical
benefits of a retractable hardtop with the puristic aesthetic of a fabric
roof.” It’s approximately 40% lighter
than the previous hardtop and the weight reduction helps to lower the car’s
center of gravity.
The top can be opened or closed in 18
seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h, and BMW noted the roof features a
flush-fitting glass rear window as well as several layers of insulation that
promise “levels of acoustic and thermal comfort far superior to those of a
conventional soft top.” The roof will be available in two colors – including a
shimmering Moonlight Black – and it’s relatively compact when folded. When the roof is down, the M4 has 255 liters of cargo space and that’s 34 liters more
than its predecessor.
Putting the soft top aside, the M4 Convertible
has a familiar appearance including a massive grille that will undoubtedly
prove controversial. Other highlights
include LED headlights, aerodynamic mirror caps, aggressive bumpers and a rear
diffuser. The model also rides on
lightweight alloy wheels that measure 19-inches front and 20-inches rear. The
interior largely carries over from the coupe and drivers will find a 12.3-inch
digital instrument cluster as well as a 10.25-inch infotainment system. They’re joined by a leather-wrapped sport
steering wheel, aluminum trim, an ambient lighting system and a Harman-Kardon
audio system.
Heated leather sport seats come standard
and they feature an illuminated badge on the backrest. Customers can also order optional M Carbon
bucket seats which weigh 9.5 kg less than the standard ones. Speaking
of options, the M4 Competition Convertible can be equipped with adaptive cruise
control, a head-up display and a heated steering wheel. Other extras include ventilated front seats
and carbon fiber trim.
While October is a ways away, U.S. pricing
will start at US$ 86,300 before a US$ 995 destination charge.
