BMW M4 Convertible arrives

BMW Australia has landed the new M4 Convertible just in time for summer, priced at $178,430 plus on-road costs.

That makes it about $5000 than the M3 Convertible it replaces, as well as $12,000 pricier than the fixed-roof M4 Coupe ($166,430), which itself is $10,000 more expensive than the mechanically similar M3 sedan ($156,430).

However, BMW says the newest M4 offers at least $10,800 worth of extra standard features than the E93M, including 19-inch M light alloy wheels, Active Protection, Air Collar, M DCT with Drivelogic, rear-view camera, surround view camera, wind deflector, iDrive Touch controller, DAB+ digital radio and speed limit device.

A range of interior and exterior colour options are available, along with BMW Individual features, BMW ConnectedDrive technologies and BMW Service Inclusive (BSI) capped-price servicing package, which combines all scheduled servicing costs for five years or 80,000km from $990.

Naturally, BMW's fifth-generation mid-size M convertible shares its drivetrain with the M3 sedan and M4 coupe launched with sell-out success in Australia in July, including its ballistic 317kW/550Nm twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight six, which replaces its forebear's 4.0-litre V8.

However, with an extra 250kg to carry at a hefty 1750kg, the M4 Convertible is three tenths of second slower to 100km/h than the M4 Coupe, at 4.4 seconds in both standard dual-clutch automatic form and no-cost optional six-speed manual guise.

New technologies shared with the coupe include an Active M Differential, Adaptive M Suspension, DSC with M Dynamic Mode and M Servotronic steering.

Of course, apart from its three-piece folding hard-top roof, which opens/closes in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 18km/h, the convertible also shares the coupe's design.

They include its signature bonnet power dome, twin-stalk wing mirrors, flared front and rear wheel-arches and staggered-width alloys.

Inside, there are also the same M hallmarks, including M circular dials with white numerals, M leather steering wheel, M gearshift lever and M entry sills, plus power-adjustable M seats with integrated seatbelt guide and head restraint with illuminated BMW M emblems.

All M4 models offer more front and rear head room, while the drop-top comes with a wider through-loading hatch for the boot, which increases to 220 litres (370 with the roof in place).

Like its two-door coupe sibling, the M4 Convertible's bonnet and front side panels are made from aluminium, and its single-piece driveshaft is crafted carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).

“The new M3 sedan and M4 coupe have received a hero’s welcome in Australia,” said Tom Noble, BMW Group Australia General Manager of Marketing and Sales.

“And we expect a similar response for the BMW M4 convertible – the king of open-top performance motoring."