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Hot on the heels of the BMW M4 Coupe, Munich’s new M4 drop top has arrived. Now in its fifth generation, the BMW M4 Convertible makes another alluring addition to the company’s legendary high-performance M3/M4 sports car line-up.
Like its predecessor, the new convertible continues the use of a folding hard top, boasting finely balanced proportions when the roof is open, and a dynamic coupe line, shorn off B-pillars, with the hardtop closed.
The three-section folding metal roof of the M4 Convertible with full interior lining opens at the touch of a button in under 20 seconds – operable while travelling at up to 18 km/h, if required.
M styling cues – including the signature power dome on the bonnet, striking exterior mirrors in twinstalk style and flared front and rear wheel arches bulging over forged light alloy wheels with staggered tyres in 18-inch (optional 19-inch available) format – all identify it clearly as a member of the brand’s highly regarded performance range.
Powering the M4 Convertible is the newly developed high-revving 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine with BMW’s M TwinPower Turbo technology already familiar from the M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe. The unit serves up 317 kW/431 hp of power available between 5,500 rpm and 7,300 rpm, and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of peak torque from 1,850 to 5,500 rpm to the rear wheels.
Fitted with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, it needs just 4.6 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h, dropping to 4.4 seconds with the optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission. Top speed is an electronically governed 250 km/h. Average fuel consumption is claimed to be 9.1L/100km.
An engine sound in keeping with the car’s motor sport genes is provided by an innovative flap arrangement in the twin-pipe exhaust system. The electrically controlled flaps just before the rear silencer minimise exhaust back-pressure and help create the distinctive BMW M sound.
The focus on intelligent lightweight design means the new convertible is around 60 kg lighter than its predecessor, tipping the scale at 1,750 kg.
Among the key contributors to the weight saving are the aluminium front side panels and bonnet, with lightweight aluminium construction also a feature of the chassis. There is also extensive is of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the drivetrain and engine compartment.
The BMW M4 Convertible is expected to arrive in showrooms across Australia later this year. Full pricing and specifications will be announced closer to local launch.
