BMW unveils M4 Competition xDrive Convertible

Following the overnight unveiling of the new-generation G83 M4 Competition xDrive Convertible, BMW Australia has revealed it will launch its new open-top sportscar here in the final quarter of this year, alongside the xDrive versions of the M3 Competition sedan and M4 Competition coupe.

Headlining the G83 Convertible’s technical highlights is a completely new ‘panel bow’ soft-top roof design that is claimed to combine the structural strength of the previous model’s retractable hardtop with the aesthetics of a traditional fabric roof.

Taking 18 seconds to open or close, the G83 M4 Convertible’s fully electric roof weighs 40 per cent less than the previous folding-metal version and has less of an impact on boot volume.

With the roof down, the new M4 Convertible offers 300 litres of luggage space – 80 litres more than the previous F83 model – and when the roof is raised that expands to 385 litres. 

In comparison, the M4 Competition xDrive coupe has 440 litres of boot space. 

Like its hardtop siblings, the M4 Competition xDrive Convertible combines BMW’s high-output twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six – producing 375kW from 5510-7200rpm and 650Nm from 2750-5500rpm – with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Like other M3/M4 models, the convertible features an M-specific exhaust system with electronically controlled flaps to enhance the soundtrack it produces, particularly when the convertible’s roof is open.

Due to model-specific body strengthening to compensate for its removable roof, the M4 Competition xDrive Convertible weighs 1920kg – 145kg more than its coupe equivalent. 

To enhance rigidity, the convertible uniquely features torsion struts at the rear of the body. 

Other strengthening measures include an aluminium shear panel in the front-end structure, underfloor bracing and a rear-axle sub-frame with a rigid connection to the body.

The M4 Competition xDrive Convertible’s weight penalty means it takes marginally longer to reach the acceleration benchmarks. According to BMW, the drop top can hit 100km/h from a standing start in 3.7 seconds (vs 3.5s) and 0-200km/h in 13.1 seconds.

For mid-range rolling acceleration, the M4 Competiton xDrive Convertible can go from 80-120km/h in 2.8 seconds in fourth gear (versus 2.6s in the coupe) and 3.7 seconds in fifth gear (versus 3.4sec).

As previously detailed by GoAutofor M3/M4 Competition xDrive models, the convertible’s complex all-wheel-drive system is capable of being switched between ‘4WD’, ‘4WD Sport’ and ‘2WD’ modes. It also offers an Active M Differential on the rear axle.

In terms of equipment, the Australian M4 Competition xDrive Convertible will come standard with adaptive M suspension, forged M alloy wheels (19-inch front, 20-inch rear), adaptive LED headlights with ‘Laserlight’ high-beam, electric heated M sports seats with ‘air collar’ ventilation, Merino leather upholstery, three-zone climate control, LED interior lighting with ambient lighting, Harman/Kardon surround-sound audio, BMW Live Cockpit Professional with fully digital display and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, as well as steering- and lane-control assistant, and reversing assistant.

Options will include M carbon-ceramic brakes, front seat ventilation, lightweight M Carbon bucket seats, and an M Carbon exterior package (with carbon-fibre front bumper, mirror caps and rear diffuser).

A full M Carbon package will also be available – combining carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon exterior package, and carbon bucket seats – for an overall weight reduction of 25kg.

Despite the new-generation convertible only recently going on sale, BMW’s 4 Series has managed to shift 312 units across the first four months of 2021.

This compares with just 121 units for the same period last year, and 446 examples of the equivalent Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe and convertible in 2021.