375kW drop top: BMW reveals M4 Competition convertible

As Kiwis cop their first sightings of BMW’s new M3 and M4 performance monsters, the brand has decided to reveal the latter’s convertible equivalent.

The M4 Competition Convertible xDrive may not win the prize for catchiest name, but it could well be a contender for fastest convertible under $200,000.

Unlike the last drop-top M4, this one comes with all-wheel drive. Predictably it gets the same S58 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six as the standard model, meaning it produces 375kW of power and 650Nm of torque.

This is exclusively paired to an eight-speed automatic. No manuals here, but that’s to be expected these days on convertible variants. The self-shifter helps the drop-top-comp get to 96km/h in 3.6 seconds, and to a top speed of either 249km/h or 280km/h, depending on whether one options the M Driver’s Package, which lifts the electronic speed limiter.

Say what you want about the grille (we’re still not sold on it here), the convertible is at least a more svelte looker than its coupe sibling. The side-profile looks clean and handsome with the roof down. It even looks halfway decent with the top up.

In this case, said top is of the soft variety. This is a change of sorts relative to the last M4 convertible, which came with a folding metal roof. BMW says the new roof is 40 per cent lighter than the last one. It’s electronically operated, and capable of folding in 18 seconds.

It’s a familiar story inside. Occupants get a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen to play with, featuring BMW’s iDrive 7.0 interface. Should you be so inclined, you can even option the M4 convertible with the option M Carbon seats.

The model is yet to be confirmed as a starter for the New Zealand market, but we expect it will make its way to our showrooms. In the meantime, you’ll be able to check out our full verdict on both the M3 and the M4 (in hard-top form) in the next edition of NZ Autocar magazine.