Despite the proliferation of new models it has introduced lately, BMW seems unlikely to ever build a four-door convertible, so
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it would appear that the legendary M3 Convertible is history. After all, 3 Series cars are now all four-door models.
But that’s okay, because two-door versions of 3 Series cars still exist as 4 Series cars, and that means an all-new M convertible: the 2015 M4 Convertible, which is scheduled to debut at the upcoming New York International Auto Show.
Like its M3 forebears, the M4 Convertible delivers all the performance features of the M4 Coupe, but with unlimited headroom. That means it gets the same 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged straight six engine cranking out 425-horsepower and 406-lb-ft of torque, and the same choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed M dual-clutch
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automated transmission delivering power to the wide rear wheels. According to BMW, it can run from 0-100 km/h in about 4.4 seconds with the automated manual, or a couple tenths slower with the manual transmission.
As with the outgoing M3 Convertible, the roof is a three-piece retractable hardtop, which can be lowered in 20 seconds while moving at speeds of up to 18 km/h. A new sound-absorbing headliner in the roof reduces wind noise by a couple of decibels compared to the M3 with the top up. The trunk has also been enlarged by just over five percent, increasing from 350 litres to 370 litres. With the top lowered, the trunk offers 220 litres of space.
Through the expanded use of materials such as carbon fibre and aluminum, BMW has been able to shave the weight of the M4 versus the outgoing M3 by about 40 kilograms,
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but it remains a hefty car compared to the coupe: Where the M4 Coupe weighs in at 1,601 kg (3,530 lbs), the M4 Convertible weighs in at 1,839 kg (4,055 lbs).
The added weight does buy you an exceptionally rigid chassis for a convertible, and plenty of creature comforts besides. BMW calls the M4 Convertible’s interior "exclusive and functional in equal measure" with "exquisite materials and motor sport ambience." Standard equipment includes an M Sport leather multifunction steering wheel and bucket-style M sports seats. Appearing for the first time in the 2015 M4 Convertible are available three-temperature neck warmers that allow for comfortable open-air driving at high speeds and low temperatures.
The 2015 BMW M4 Convertible will arrive in North American showrooms this coming summer.
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