SET to arrive in Australian showrooms before year’s end, the BMW M4 Competition Convertible, complete with xDrive, has starred in its own world premiere, with the new model to further expand BMW M’s line up.
Offering open top thrills and superior performance, the new model features a new panel bow soft top roof that combines the practical benefits of a retractable hardtop with the classically elegant aesthetic of a fabric hood.
With a roof that’s now 40 per cent lighter than its predecessor, the soft top’s electric drive mechanism allows it to be opened or closed while on the move at the touch of a button, with the process taking just 18 seconds to complete.
When driving with the top down, the boot can hold 300-litres of luggage, an increase of 80 litres on the previous generation M4 Convertible model. Upon closure of the roof, the variable soft top compartment increases load capacity to 385-litres.
The body’s dynamic lines set a distinctive tone of sporting elegance with the roof open or closed, with the focus on the large, vertical BMW kidney grille.
Together with the large apertures to either side, the grille ensures sufficient cooling air is channelled through to the powertrain and braking system at all times, even when the driver is challenging the car dynamically.
Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Laserlight, which are standard on Australian-delivered cars, provide an aggressive appearance while delivering outstanding levels of illumination.
Other unmistakeable design elements include powerfully flared wheel arches, M side gills integrated into the front side panels, and prominently extended side sills which combine with the attachment parts for the front and rear aprons.
It forms a striking black band around the entire car. An M Carbon exterior package, which includes a front bumper, mirror caps and rear diffuser, all fashioned from lightweight carbon fibre, is available as an option.
The 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine at the heart of the new BMW M4 Competition Convertible combines the hallmark high-revving character of engines developed by BMW M, with the latest version of M TwinPower Turbo technology.
The engine channels its power via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. This performance skillset, combined with the enhanced traction offered by M xDrive, translates into stunning acceleration times.
The new BMW M4 Competition Convertible takes just 3.7 seconds to power from to 100km/h. The M-specific exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps delivers an emotionally rich soundtrack that adds a key element to the overall experience.
This is particularly so when the car’s roof is open. An electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case ensures fully variable and smooth distribution of the engine’s power between the front and rear wheels via the M xDrive system.
Its rear-wheel bias adds to the signature M feeling while enhancing both traction and agility. Drivers can also switch off the DSC system altogether and engage 2WD mode.
In this setting, drive power is relayed solely to the rear wheels and there is no intervention from the chassis control systems to stabilise the vehicle. Skilled drivers can thus enjoy a richly involving driving experience.
The new BMW M4 Competition Convertible is also fitted as standard with adaptive M suspension that integrates electronically controlled dampers.
Both the standard M Compound brakes and the optional M Carbon ceramic brakes link up with an electronic actuator based braking system. The M-specific version of this technology also presents the driver with two pedal feel settings.
The range of functions of the DSC stability control system includes M Dynamic Mode, which allows extra wheel slip at the push of a button. Drivers also benefit from the new M Traction Control function, which is standard on Australian models.
This innovative form of traction control allows the driver to set individual intervention thresholds for wheel slip limitation through 10 stages.
Inside, the M4 Competition Convertible features an M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles. An M-specific gearshift lever and red colour accents keep the driver concentrating squarely on the intense driving experience at hand.
Electrically adjustable and heated M Sport seats, Merino leather trim and air collar come as standard, while seat ventilation is available for the first time as optional equipment.
The optional M Carbon bucket seats feature a structure-based design that fuses racing functionality with a lightweight construction.
The M-specific control/operation system of the BMW M4 Competition Convertible includes the setup button on the centre console. This provides direct access to the settings options for the engine, chassis, steering, braking system and M xDrive.
Alongside M Traction Control, it also comprises the M Drift Analyser and M Lap Timer, which records particularly sporty driving manoeuvres. The control panel on the centre console also houses the M Mode button as standard.
This can be used to adjust the responses and characteristics of the driver assistance systems and the displays in the instrument cluster and head-up display to deliver a driving experience suited to the situation at hand.
The driver can choose from ROAD, SPORT and TRACK mode, the latter thanks to standard fitment of M Drive Professional.
Standard equipment includes three-zone automatic climate control, LED interior lighting with ambient lighting and a powerful Harman Kardon surround sound speaker system to enhance comfort in everyday driving and over longer journeys.
BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a fully digital display grouping and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant also come as standard.
The technological progress made since the predecessor model is also reflected in the significantly expanded availability of driving assistance systems, including steering and lane control assistant, and reversing assistant, all part of Driving Assistant Professional.
Further information, availability and pricing will be announced closer to the BMW M4 Competition Convertible’s local launch. Stay tuned for further updates.
