BMW has unveiled its new M4 Competition Convertible, which will be sold exclusively with all-wheel-drive and also moves back to a more traditional canvas roof.
Following on from the arrival of the M4 Coupe earlier this year, buyers now have the option of a drop-top, with the model featuring the same 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine that produces a monstrous 503bhp and 650Nm of torque. That’s capable of making the M4 reach 0-60mph in just 3.5 seconds and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph or 174mph with the optional M Driver’s Package. An eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic gearbox is also used.
Unlike the Coupe, though, the Convertible will be exclusively offered with the firm’s new xDrive all-wheel-drive system – rather than sending power to the rear wheels alone – which is said to enhance handling, though BMW says its “rear-biased setup means the classic M-style driving experience is always available”.
Drivers can choose between various 4WD settings, while a 2WD mode can still be engaged to solely send power to the rear. It’s worth noting that all-wheel-drive versions of the regular M3 and M4 are also on the way later this year.
Elsewhere, the body has also been stiffened over the Coupe to make up for some of the ‘wobble’ that convertibles sometimes suffer from due to a lack of structure.
Like the regular 4 Series Convertible, this M4 moves away from the folding metal roof to a new fabric ‘softbow’ design. It helps to give the model a sleeker look, while is said to be about 40 per cent lighter than the roof of its predecessor. It can also be opened or closed in just 18 seconds at speeds up to 31mph, and takes up less space when folded, meaning the boot now offers 300 litres of rear seats when it’s folded, an increase of 80 litres.
The regular M4’s bold styling remains, though, with the large kidney grille being the most prominent part of its design. Inside, it’s broadly similar to the hard-top, but gets a new Air Collar system as standard that blows warm air onto front passengers’ necks, so that the roof can still be lowered even in colder temperatures.
Standard equipment is also generous, with highlights including a Harman Kardon sound system, adaptive LED headlights and a large touchscreen and digital dial setup included on all versions.
Production of the new M4 Competition Convertible is set to start in July, with the model priced from £81,915 – around £5,000 more than the Coupe.
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