BMW M4 Convertible arrives just in time for summer

The BMW M4’s sexier sibling, the M4 Convertible, has arrived in Australia just in time for summer, priced from $178,430 excluding on-road costs.

Sharing its elegant lines and its three-piece hardtop with the 4 Series Convertible siblings, and beefed up by BMW M GmbH with a distinctive body kit, the M4 Convertible sees the return of the signature power dome for the bonnet, match with eye-catching exterior mirrors in twin stalk style and flared front and rear wheel arches bulging over forged light alloy wheels with staggered 19-inch wheels.

Inside, the low seating position emphasises the driving experience and also provides additional headroom in both the front and rear.

The interior is characterised by numerous hallmark M details, including M circular dials with white numerals, M leather steering wheel, M gearshift lever and M entry sills. The electrically adjustable M seats feature integrated belt guide and headrests with illuminated BMW M emblems.

Powering the BMW M4 Convertible is the newly developed six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and high-revving character already familiar from the M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe. The power unit generates maximum output of 317 kW from its 3.0-litre displacement and serves up peak torque of 550 Newton metres across a wide rev band. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 4.4 seconds (with the standard seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission). The increasingly unique six-speed manual transmission is also available at no cost on the BMW M4 Convertible and propels it from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds.

Like the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe, the new BMW M4 Convertible adheres to the lightweight construction principle. The bonnet and front side panels are made from aluminium, as are many components of the high-performance chassis. In addition, ultra-lightweight and – thanks to its hugely impressive rigidity – also extremely durable carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) is employed in many areas of the new M4 Convertible.

For example, the M4 Convertible’s drive shaft uses CFRP which allows it to be constructed as a single-piece unit. This makes a significant weight saving and a reduction in rotating masses. The CFRP precision strut in the engine compartment weighs only 1.5 kg, yet offers rigidity superior to that of a comparable aluminium component and plays a key part in the car’s excellent steering response and precision.

The three-section folding metal roof of the BMW M4 Convertible has full interior lining and offers excellent soundproofing and winter-proof construction. The roof opens at the touch of a button in under 20 seconds – while travelling at up to 18 km/h if required.

Other new developments and modifications for the M4 Convertible include:

• A neck warmer integrated into the front seat backrests
• Easy-loading function (lifting of the entire roof package) included as standard for convenient access to the luggage compartment when the top is down
• Luggage compartment volume increased to 220-370 litres
• Wider through-loading hatch in the luggage compartment

Echoing the intent of its M3 and M4 siblings, the BMW M4 Convertible sports a wealth of standard equipment

The standard specifications of the all new BMW M4 Convertible has been significantly enhanced in comparison to the model it replaces (E93M). BMW said the additional equipment and the inclusion of some of the latest BMW innovations represent an increase in customer value of more than $10,800.

Some of these specifications include 19 inch M light alloy wheels, Active Protection, Air Collar, M DCT with Drivelogic, rear-view camera, surround view camera, wind deflector, iDrive Touch controller, DAB+ digital radio and speed limit device.

The M4 Convertible is eligible for the BMW Service Inclusive Package (BSI) that combines all scheduled servicing costs for five years or 80,000km from just $990.