BMW Rips the Top off the M4 Competition
All-new M4 Competition Convertible is lighter, stronger, quicker and clever(er).
BMW has ripped the top off the controversial M4. Meet the all-new M4 Competition Convertible xDrive. And despite now offering de-selectable all-wheel drive for the first time, the ragtop is still lighter and more powerful than its predecessor.
M4 Competition Convertible Packs Familiar 503 hp Six
Packing the same 503 hp, 479 lb ft biturbo 3-litre straight-six as both its Coupe and M3 Sedan siblings, M4 Competition Convertible is just 0.2sec slower to 60 mph at 3.6 seconds, while top speed is limited to a spoilsport 155 mph.
Based on the recently released M4 Competition M xDrive coupe, the new M model also ditches the previous two generations’ folding hard top. Responsible for the bulk of that weight saving, the fabric top weighs about 40% less than the cumbersome outgoing hood as M3 returns to a ragtop for the first time since this car was still known as the E46 M3 back in 2006. The new fabric top uses a glass rear window and panel bow structural elements.
Ragtop Drops in Just Eighteen Seconds
As quick as it is on the road, this 4 Series Convertible’s top can drop or rise in just 18 seconds and will do so at speeds of up to 30 mph. The fabric top believe it or not, also minimises cabin heat loss and noise. Never mind that it liberates a quarter more hood-down trunk space versus its cumbersome metal predecessor
The convertible seats four, the two up front in power adjustable heated sports seats featuring an Air Collar to warm passengers’ necks and heads when moptoring on fresh days with the top down. That over and above three-zone automatic climate control. Carbonfibre bucket seats are available as an option, but LED interior lighting and a Harman Kardon sound comes as part of the deal.
Hits US Showrooms in October
Production commences in July, with the BMW M4 Competition Convertible set to hit US showrooms in October priced from $87,295. Unlike the Coupe, there are no plans to introduce a cheaper rear-driven M4 Convertible.
Photos: BMW