MUNICH: The BMW M4 Competition Convertible with M xDrive was unveiled today.
Production of the new model variant will begin in July at BMW Plant Dingolfing, where models including all the variants of the new M4 Coupé, M5, M8 and 4 Series Convertible also roll off the assembly line.
Exterior design is highlighted by a new panel bow softtop roof, which is said to combine the practical benefits of a retractable hardtop with the classically elegant aesthetic of a fabric hood. The new softtop is also 40 per cent lighter than the predecessor car’s retractable hardtop.
The softtop’s electric drive mechanism allows it to be opened or closed in 18s while on the move at the touch of a button. When driving with the top down, the boot can hold 300 litres, and 386 litres with the top up.
Exterior
All of the lines at the front end of the car converge on the polarising BMW kidney grille.
BMW says the grille and large air intakes on either side ensures sufficient cooling of the powertrain and
braking system.
The slim headlights use LED units as standard to generate both low and high beam. Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Laserlight can be ordered as an option.
Other design elements include flared wheel arches, M Side Gills integrated into the front side panels and extended side sills which combine with the attachment parts for the front and rear aprons to form a black band around the whole of the car.
The black rear diffusor frames the exhaust system’s two pairs of tailpipes – a familiar M touch. An M Carbon exterior package is available as an option.
Cabin
The interior of the M4 Competition Convertible blends a contemporary premium ambience with the M’s customary penchant for racing flair. Note the M leather steering wheel with gearshift
paddles, M-specific gearshift lever and red colour accents.
The M-specific control/operation system 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.
Two overall vehicle setups can be stored and called up by pressing one of the M buttons on the steering wheel. The M Drive Professional option, meanwhile, has been designed for track use. Alongside M Traction Control, it also comprises the M Drift Analyser and M Laptimer, 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 and in keeping with the car’s M identity.
The driver can choose from ROAD and SPORT settings, with TRACK mode added to the armoury when M Drive Professional is specified.
Engine
The high-revving turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine produces 510hp at 5,510 rpm
and maintained up to the 7,200 rpm red line. Peak torque is 650 Nm between
2,750 and 5,500 rpm.
The engine channels its power via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic.
The car takes 3.7 seconds to power from 0 to 100kph and 13.1 seconds to reach 200kph from rest.
Specifying the optional M Driver’s BMW Package increases the electronically limited top speed from 250kph to 280kph.
Like the cooling system, the system of oil supply has been designed to handle extremely dynamic driving situations on the track.
The M-specific exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps delivers an emotionally rich soundtrack that adds a key element to the overall performance experience, particularly when the car’s roof is open.
The M xDrive uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case to ensure fully variable and super-smooth distribution of the engine’s power between the front and rear wheels. Its rear-wheel bias adds to the signature M feeling while enhancing both traction and agility.
The multi-plate clutch’s oil supply has been optimised to enable sustained all-wheeldrive performance even in hard track driving. M xDrive teams up with the Active M Differential at the rear axle.
The Setup menu allows the driver to change the default 4WD setting to 4WD Sport mode, which directs a greater proportion of the engine’s drive to the rear wheels.
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 more involving driving experience.
BMW says the handling qualities of the new M4 Competition Convertible are headlined by supreme steering precision, steering behaviour that remains neutral even at the limit and a linear build-up of lateral forces throughout the full range of lateral acceleration.
The high torsional stiffness of the body structure and chassis mountings creates the basis for sharp handling. Key features here include bracing elements focused on enhancing driving dynamics and an aluminium shear panel in the front-end structure, underfloor bracing elements and a rear axle subframe with a rigid connection to the body. And a model-specific feature for the convertible has also been included – in the shape of the package of torsion struts at the rear of the body.
Options
On the standard equipment roster are forged 19-inch M light-alloy wheels at the front axle and 20 inches at the rear; adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers; M Compound brakes; and electrically adjustable and heated M Sport seats and Extended Merino leather trim.
Neck warmers and – for the first time – seat ventilation are available as options. A highlight
of the options list are the new, heated M Carbon bucket seats.
If the M Race Track Package is picked, the car is lightened by around 25kg compared with cars in standard specification. This package includes M Carbon ceramic brakes, weightminimised M light-alloy wheels (available as an option with semi-slick tyres) and the M Carbon bucket seats.
The M-specific braking system offers two brake pedal feel settings and 10 traction control stages.
The technological progress made since the predecessor model is also reflected in the significantly expanded availability of driving assistance systems.
Among the most important new additions are the Steering and Lane Control Assistant complete with Active Navigation function and Emergency Lane Assistant – which are part of the optional Driving Assistant Professional – and the Reversing Assistant (one of the optional Parking Assistant’s functions).
Keyword: BMW releases M4 Competition Convertible with M xDrive