Introduction
The M4 is what BMW now calls its M3 coupe and convertible. The M4 coupe is one of the better cars to drive in its class, and taking the roof off it allows you to feel far more open, while also bringing you closer to the sound of BMW’s straight-six engine.
BMW convertibles in the past have succeeded when it comes to glamour and luxury, and the M4 is no exception! We out the BMW M4 through its paces to see if it ticks all the boxes and is a worthy contender in its class.
Performance
The M4 uses a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six petrol engine, which delivers 425bhp. It’s a great engine, but it is worth noting that you do get a lot more character from the previous-generation V8-powered BMW M3.
The performance delivery overall is superb, hitting 60mph in 4.4 seconds and reach an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.
Ride and handling
BMW has done an excellent job of firming up the chassis and keep it just as stiff as the coupe’s. 179kg has been added to the kerbweight over the coupe, so as it may not be quite as agile as its hard-top stablemate, the M4 convertible still performs excellently.
It’s one of the most refined performance convertibles there is, though. Even with the roof lowered, providing you’ve got the windows up and the wind deflector in place, it’s remarkably hushed and settled, even at speed.
The M4 Convertible is not an M car as we know it – as it is an excellent cruiser and would be fantastic on long-distance road trips, but is just not quite as well-adjusted to the twisty stuff as other BMW M cars.
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Interior and equipment
The M4’s interior is one of its stand-out features. With the metal folding roof in place, it’s just as refined as the coupe, yet in just 20 seconds it transforms into a convertible. It can be lowered in slow moving traffic if needed, too, at speeds of up to 8mph.
The sports seats are also very comfortable and supportive, while everything feels like it was assembled to last and reassuringly luxurious – as you would hope for on a car of this price.
It is known as one of the more usable convertibles on sale, with 370 litres of boot space on offer with the roof up and 220 litres once it’s lowered. Rear space is at a premium for adults in the rear, too, although no worse than any other performance convertibles.
Standard equipment is good, too, with 19-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, LED front and rear lights as well as wireless charging all coming as standard, to name but a few.
Cost
The BMW M4 Convertible is quite an expensive car, with prices starting from £62,620 – around £4,000 more than the coupe. That said, it’s affordable when you consider the excellent standard equipment levels on offer as well as the performance.
There is also a Competition Package available for a few thousand extra, which adds lightweight sports seats and a small power hike, which costs £2,200 more. It has claimed fuel economy figures of 29.7mpg, with CO2 emissions of 218g/km.
Verdict
While the M4 Convertible is not as good to drive as the coupe it’s based on, it’s still a superb drop-top.
It has a superb interior and is an excellent cruiser, while it’s quite impressively practical for a convertible, too. If dynamic capability is what you’re after, the coupe would be a better option, but if a convertible is your thing, the M4 makes a great choice.
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