2022 BMW M4 Competition Convertible Bows With Standard AWD, A Fabric Top And 503 HP

BMW introduced the redesigned M3 and M4 last fall, and now the company has dropped the top on the

new M4 Competition Convertible

Set to arrive in the United States this October, the high-performance convertible has a familiar twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 503 hp (375 kW / 510 PS) and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque.

It is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a rear-biased all-wheel drive system that only sends power to the front wheels when additional traction is needed. The system has 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD modes, and the latter offers a classic rear-wheel drive experience.

Thanks to the powerful engine and all-wheel drive system, the M4 Competition Convertible rockets from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.6 seconds. The model has a limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h), but that can be increased to 174 mph (280 km/h) by ordering the optional M Driver’s Package.

Sticking with the performance theme, the convertible has additional underfloor bracing and a “special rear axle subframe rigidly connected to the body.”  The car also sports an Active M differential, an Adaptive M suspension and M Compound brakes.

The standard braking system has six-piston calipers and 15 inch (380 mm) discs up front as well as single-piston rear calipers and 14.6 inch (370 mm) discs out back.  However, customers can upgrade to an optional M Carbon ceramic braking system which sports gold painted calipers as well as discs that measure 15.7 inches (400 mm) front and 15 inches (380 mm) rear.

On the styling front, the big news is a panel bow soft-top that promises to combine the “practical benefits of a retractable hardtop with the puristic aesthetic of a fabric roof.”  It’s approximately 40% lighter than the previous hardtop and the weight reduction helps to lower the car’s center of gravity.

The top can be opened or closed in 18 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph (50 km/h), and BMW noted the roof features a flush-fitting glass rear window as well as several layers of insulation that promise “levels of acoustic and thermal comfort far superior to those of a conventional soft top.”

The roof will be available in two colors – including a shimmering Moonlight Black – and it’s relatively compact when folded.  When the roof is down, the M4 has 9.0 cubic feet (255 liters) of cargo space and that’s 1.2 cubic feet (34 liters) more than its predecessor.

Putting the soft top aside, the M4 Convertible has a familiar appearance including a massive grille that will undoubtedly prove controversial.  Other highlights include LED headlights, aerodynamic mirror caps, aggressive bumpers and a rear diffuser.  The model also rides on lightweight alloy wheels that measure 19-inches front and 20-inches rear.

The interior largely carries over from the coupe and drivers will find a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as well as a 10.25-inch infotainment system.  They’re joined by a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, aluminum trim, an ambient lighting system and a Harman-Kardon audio system.

Heated leather sport seats come standard and they feature an illuminated badge on the backrest.  Customers can also order optional M Carbon bucket seats which weigh 21 lbs (9.5 kg) less than the standard ones.

Speaking of options, the M4 Competition Convertible can be equipped with adaptive cruise control, a head-up display and a heated steering wheel.  Other extras include ventilated front seats and carbon fiber trim.

While October is a ways away, U.S. pricing will start at $86,300 before a $995 destination charge.

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