• The most exclusive high performance M car in the premium midsize segment
• Fuses track-focused performance with the excitement of open-air driving
• High-revving 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine develops 510hp and 650Nm of torque
• Optimum traction afforded by M xDrive system enables 0-62mph acceleration in 3.7 seconds  
• BMW M4 Competition Convertible M xDrive priced from £81,915 OTR
• Production commencing in July 2021

BMW M GmbH has revealed its most exclusive M car in the premium midsize segment with the debut of the BMW M4 Competition Convertible M xDrive.

Blending convertible style with a 510hp six‑cylinder in‑line engine and the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the new arrival complements track-focused M performance with an exhilarating open-air driving experience.

With the M xDrive system delivering optimum traction, the BMW M4 Competition Convertible M xDrive can sprint from 0-62mph in only 3.7 seconds. The M xDrive system also enhances handling, but a rear-biased setup means the classic M-style driving experience is always available. 

Signature M design features and a new panel bow softtop roof create a standout appearance that is accentuated when the roof is open. The BMW M4 Competition Convertible M xDrive provides room for four people to experience the exciting drive, with front seat occupants benefitting from the standard-fit Air Collar system. This directs warm air to the back of the neck and head, ensuring the interior is always comfortable, even when the roof’s down.

^{** Electronically governed.
*** Preliminary on-the-road pricing, subject to confirmation of VED band.}

The new BMW M4 Competition Convertible M xDrive follows the recent UK launch of the BMW M3 Competition Saloon and BMW M4 Competition Coupé. M xDrive versions of both models will start production in the summer, completing the M high performance sports car offering in the premium midsize segment.

Production of the BMW M4 Competition Convertible M xDrive will begin in July 2021.

Elegant profile enhanced with innovative new panel bow softtop roof
The new BMW M4 Competition Convertible M xDrive instantly shows an uncompromising commitment to sheer driving pleasure and racing-inspired characteristics. Its new panel bow softtop roof complements crisp body lines to generate a distinctive, powerful profile. The roof delivers the best of both worlds, fusing the practical benefits of a retractable hardtop with the classic style of a fabric hood. It is also around 40 per cent lighter than its predecessor’s retractable hardtop.

The softtop’s electric drive mechanism allows it to be opened or closed, while on the move, at speeds up to 31 mph. The process takes just 18 seconds. When driving with the top down, the boot can hold 300 litres of luggage, an increase of 80 litres over its predecessor. When it’s closed, the variable softtop compartment increases load capacity to 385 litres.

With the roof either open or closed, the vehicle’s profile accentuates the M-specific design features. The front-end lines of the car converge on the vertical BMW kidney grille and, together with the large apertures to either side, the kidney grille ensures sufficient cooling air is always channelled through to the powertrain and braking. 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 unmistakeable design elements of the new BMW M4 Competition Convertible M xDrive include flared wheel arches, M Side Gills integrated into the front side panels and prominently extended side sills that 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. An M Carbon exterior package is available as an option, while the retrofit options from the BMW M Performance Parts range provide further scope for individualisation.

Six-cylinder in-line engine with a high-revving character
The 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine in the new BMW M4 Competition Convertible M xDrive combines the hallmark high-revving character of engines developed by BMW M GmbH with the latest version of M TwinPower Turbo technology. The engine delivers throughout the rev range, generating peak torque of 650Nm between 2,750 and 5,500rpm, while maximum output is reached at 5,510rpm and then maintained up to the 7,200rpm redline.

The engine channels its power via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and, combined with the enhanced traction offered by M xDrive, contributes to stunning acceleration times. The new BMW M4 Competition Convertible M xDrive takes just 3.7 seconds to power from 0 to 62mph and only 13.1 seconds to reach 124mph from standstill. Midrange acceleration from 50-75mph takes only 2.8 seconds (in 4th gear) or 3.7 seconds (in 5th gear). Specifying the optional M Driver’s Package increases the electronically limited top speed from 155mph to 174mph.

Like the cooling system, the oil supply system has been designed to handle track driving. The M-specific exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps delivers a distinctive engine note that enhances the overall performance experience, particularly when the car’s roof is open.

M xDrive: precise power distribution, supreme performance
The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system deployed in the new BMW M4 Competition Convertible 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 significantly enhancing both traction and agility. The multi-plate clutch’s oil supply has been optimised to enable sustained all-wheel-drive performance even in hard track driving. The M xDrive teams up with the Active M Differential at the rear axle to deliver optimum handling capabilities.

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. This allows skilled drivers to enjoy a highly engaging driving experience.

Model-specific body stiffening and chassis technology
The handling qualities of the new BMW M4 Competition Convertible M xDrive are characterised by its supreme steering precision. The high torsional stiffness of the body structure and chassis mountings creates the perfect basis for precisely controllable handling. Key features 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. The convertible also benefits from unique torsion struts at the rear of the body.

A bespoke version of the double-joint spring strut front axle also factors in the specific demands connected with all-wheel drive, featuring specially adapted axle geometry and an individually tuned steering ratio. The five-link rear axle on the new BMW M4 Competition Convertible M xDrive boasts meticulously refined kinematics and elastokinematics.

The convertible puts its power down via forged M light-alloy wheels measuring 19 inches in diameter at the front and 20 inches at the rear.

The M Servotronic steering enables accurate turn-in when powering through bends on the one hand and effortless parking and manoeuvring on the other. It does so by combining the benefits of speed‑sensitive power assistance and a variable steering ratio. The new BMW M4 Competition Convertible M xDrive also features adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers.

The range of functions of the DSC stability control system includes M Dynamic Mode that allows extra wheel slip at the push of a button to induce an exceptionally sporty driving experience. Drivers also benefit from the new M Traction Control function as standard, which allows them to set individual intervention thresholds for wheel slip limitation through ten stages.

M Carbon bucket seats and M-specific control/operation system
The interior of the new BMW M4 Competition Convertible M xDrive blends a contemporary feel with performance-focused M highlights, such as the M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, M-specific gearshift lever and red colour accents. Electrically adjustable and heated M Sport seats and Extended Merino leather trim come as standard, as does the innovative Air Collar system that enhances comfort for occupants when the roof is down by directing warm air around their necks.
A highlight of the options list are the new heated M Carbon bucket seats. Their structure-based design fuses racing functionality with a lightweight construction and excellent comfort over long distances.

The M-specific control/operation system of the BMW M4 Competition Convertible M xDrive 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 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.

Extensive standard equipment and enhanced driving assistance systems
Standard equipment including three-zone automatic climate control, LED interior lighting with ambient lighting and Harman Kardon HiFi system enhance comfort in everyday driving and over longer journeys. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a fully digital display grouping, the cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant also come as standard in the new BMW M4 Competition Convertible with M xDrive.

The technological progress made since the predecessor model is also reflected in the significantly expanded availability of driving assistance systems. New additions include the Steering and Lane Control Assistant complete with Active Navigation function – which are part of the optional Driving Assistant Professional – and the standard-fit Reversing Assistant.

Customers can choose from a variety of optional Packages – Comfort, M Carbon, Visibility, Technology Plus, M Pro and Ultimate. Each has been compiled to further elevate the M experience and tailor it to the customer’s preference, the individual components perfectly complementing each other.

Ends

<sup>* Fuel consumption, CO2 emission figures and power consumption were measured using the methods required according to Regulation VO (EC) 2007/715 as amended. The figures are calculated using a vehicle fitted with basic equipment in Germany, the ranges stated take into account differences in selected wheel and tyre sizes as well as the optional equipment. They may change during configuration.

The details marked * have already been calculated based on the new WLTP test cycle and adapted to NEDC for comparison purposes. In these vehicles, different figures than those published here may apply for the assessment of taxes and other vehicle-related duties which are (also) based on CO2 emissions.

For further details of the official fuel consumption figures and official specific CO2emissions of new cars, please refer to the "Manual on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and power consumption of new cars", available at sales outlets, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at https://www.dat.de/co2/.</sup>

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2020, the BMW Group sold over 2.3 million passenger vehicles and more than 169,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2020 was € 5.222 billion on revenues amounting to € 98.990 billion. As of 31 December 2020, the BMW Group had a workforce of 120,726 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.

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Helen Wilson
Senior Press Officer, BMW & MINI Communications
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BMW Media Relations Manager
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Emma Begley
General Manager, Communications
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Graham Biggs
Corporate Communications Director
Tel: 07815 376 867
Email: Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk

Hot on the heels of the latest BMW M3 Saloon and M4 Coupé, both of which were revealed at Detroit at the start of the year, details of the M4 Convertible are now released, the fifth-generation high-performance open-top car of its kind from the company’s M division.          

Powered by the same 431hp in-line six-cylinder engine as the M3 Saloon and M4 Coupé, the Convertible offers the option of a six-speed manual or seven-speed M Double Clutch transmission. The M4 Convertible exhibits all the hallmarks of a car created by BMW’s high-performance specialists – lightweight engineering, carefully honed aerodynamics, advanced race-derived chassis tuning and electronic driver assistance technologies and a sporty elegant profile, open or closed.

The heart of the M4 Convertible: a high-performance TwinPower Turbo engine
The BMW M4 Convertible derives its firepower from a high-revving six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine which benefits from technologies developed on the race track. This 2,979cc in-line six-cylinder powerhouse, developed by BMW M, features two mono-scroll turbochargers, high-precision direct injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft control. This technical prowess allows the M4 Convertible to switch seamlessly from an undemanding everyday road car to one which feels totally at home on the race track.    

Huge reserves of torque peaking at 550Nm are available from just 1,850rpm – exactly the point at which maximum power of 431hp is attained. This is then maintained until 7,300rpm. Maximum engine revolutions are 7,600rpm. All of this means the M4 Convertible delivers a seemingly never-ending surge from little more than engine tickover to the electronically restricted top speed of 155mph. The zero to 62mph sprint is achieved in 4.6 seconds with the six-speed manual gearbox, or 4.4 seconds with the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission.

Such impressive performance calls for advanced, race-derived technologies, including special cooling systems. An indirect intercooler maximises charge pressure and engine output, while the main radiator is supplemented by other coolers located in the sides of the engine bay for the high and low-temperature water circuits as well as for the engine and transmission oil (with the M DCT gearbox). An additional electric coolant pump helps to cool the turbocharger bearing mounts when the car comes to rest.    

The lightweight magnesium sump has a special cover to minimise the movement of oil during high-G cornering, and an additional pump and sophisticated oil return system maintain stable oil circulation under hard acceleration and braking.

The iconic quad exhaust system contains electronically controlled flaps which minimise back-pressure and ensure that the M4 Convertible has an unmistakable BMW M sound.

The £2,645 optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission effectively combines two gearboxes, each with its own clutch. Shifts are therefore completed with no interference to the power delivery, enhancing both performance and efficiency. Gear shifting can be fully automatic or via the selector lever or steering column-mounted paddles. Drivelogic allows the driver to choose more sporting or more comfort-oriented shifting programmes while in automatic mode, and the seven-speed M DCT transmission also incorporates Launch Control to ensure the fastest-possible acceleration from standstill.

Lightweight engineering aids performance, agility and efficiency
BMW’s M cars do not achieve their exceptional performance simply through brute power. Advanced weight-saving technologies and carefully honed aerodynamics also play a major part while assisting agility and efficiency.

The M4 Convertible is around 60kg lighter than the outgoing M3 Convertible, despite being more lavishly equipped. A low kerb weight of 1,750kg, has been achieved through extensive use of aluminium for the bonnet, front wings and many of the chassis components, while carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) is used for the propeller shaft and strut brace in the engine compartment. CFRP is light but extremely strong: the single-piece propeller shaft is 40 percent lighter than the steel one in the M3 Convertible, reducing rotating masses and improving powertrain response. The engine compartment strut brace weighs just 1.5kg, yet aids more superior body control than with an aluminium strut.

The M4 Convertible has a number of special aerodynamic measures to achieve the downforce required of a high-performance car while adding to the comfort of its four occupants and overall efficiency during everyday road use. The dynamically shaped front apron, a smooth underbody and special airflow channelling through the front end all help to counter lift at speed. Meanwhile, the Aero Curtains and M side gills with integral Air Breathers behind the front wheels are instrumental in reducing drag. Even the twin-stalk door mirrors help the M4 Convertible cut through the air better.

As a result, the M4 Convertible’s high performance is balanced by its low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. In manual form the new model is capable of 31mpg with CO2 emissions of 213g/km, while with the quick-shifting seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission these improve to 32.5mpg and 203g/km CO2.

Like all BMWs, the M4 Convertible is equipped with a suite of EfficientDynamics fuel-saving technologies, including Auto Start-Stop, Optimum Shift Indicator (in manual mode only with the M DCT transmission), Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand operation of ancillary units, a map-controlled oil pump and a final drive with optimised warm-up behaviour. 

Sports-tuned chassis and electronic driver assistance systems
The race-derived know-how of BMW’s M division also comes to the fore in the tuning of the chassis and its electronic driver assistance features. The result is a car which feels equally at home on road and track.

It begins with the M-specific set-up of the double-joint spring strut suspension at the front and the aluminium five-link axle at the rear. A variable electro-mechanical rack and pinion steering system delivers the seemingly impossible combination of maximum steering precision, response, assistance and fuel efficiency. The integrated M Servotronic system moderates the degree of assistance according to speed, and the driver is able to select COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes at the touch of a button for even greater personalisation. The M4 Convertible is fitted as standard with BMW M Compound brakes for maximum stopping power, fade resistance and low weight.

The mechanical elements of the chassis are supported by advanced driver assistance systems tuned specifically for the M4 Convertible. A standard feature is the Active M Differential to enhance traction and directional stability, particularly when accelerating hard out of corners. An electronically controlled multi-plate limited slip differential linked to the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system assesses accelerator position, wheel rotational speed and car yaw rate to decide how much rear axle lock, up to 100 percent, to introduce.

The DSC system includes anti-lock brakes (ABS) and M Dynamic Mode. Other standard stability support features include Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Brake drying and Hill-start Assistant. In the UK the M4 Convertible will also be fitted as standard with Adaptive M suspension with COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes.

An added sense of style with greater space and refinement
The dynamic lines of the M4 Convertible instantly mark it out as the high-performance flagship of the new BMW 4 Series Convertible range, while occupants are now treated to greater interior and luggage space and superior refinement.

The wheelbase and width have been increased compared with the M3 Convertible, without disturbing the balanced proportions of a long bonnet, short overhangs and set-back glasshouse – all BMW essentials. Stand-out M design touches include a powerdome in the bonnet, a sculpted front apron with three air intakes and a black double-slat kidney grille. Standard 19-inch M double-spoke light alloy wheels in the UK, flared front and rear wheel arches, M side gills and Air Breathers behind the front wheels and polished slanting quad exhaust tailpipes, make the BMW M4 Convertible a striking M car.

The three-part metal roof now provides significantly improved noise insulation – up to 2dB quieter – as a result of a new headlining which also contributes towards higher levels of winter warmth and comfort. The M4 Convertible switches from a stylish coupé, unencumbered by B-pillars, to an elegant convertible free of obstructive roll-over protection or aerials in 20 seconds. Making all-weather top-down driving a greater pleasure than ever, a wider wind deflector and new three-stage neck-warming Air Collar in the front seats are also available.

The roll-over hoops for the two rear seats are now neatly hidden behind the headrests. In the event of a sudden shower the roof can be raised at speeds of up to 8mph. An innovative new Loading-aid raises the folded roof when it is stowed in the boot to give owners access to their belongings in just 6 seconds. The luggage capacity has also increased to 370litres when the roof is closed and 220litres when it is stowed.

The interior features a number of M division highlights, led by electrically-adjustable, heated and contoured leather M seats with recessed head restraints and integrated seatbelt. The front head restraints incorporate an illuminated BMW M logo. Interior highlights also include an M steering wheel, chrome trim and three-colour M stitching. The individual rear seats offer a combination of comfort and lateral support befitting the car-for-all-conditions character of the M4 Convertible.

The BMW M4 Convertible in the UK
The BMW M4 Convertible will be offered with an extensive specification in the UK. Standard equipment, in addition to Adaptive M suspension and 19-inch M light alloy wheels, will include the BMW Professional media package, upgraded Bluetooth and USB, front and rear Park Distance Control, Folding exterior mirrors and heated front seats. The BMW M4 Convertible goes on sale in the UK on 6 September 2014, priced at £60,745 OTR.                                                                   

                                                        Ends

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI, Husqvarna Motorcycles and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 29 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2012, the BMW Group sold about 1.85 million cars and more than 117,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2011 was euro 7.38 billion on revenues amounting to euro 68.82 billion. At 31 December 2011, the BMW Group had a workforce of approximately 100,000 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last eight years.

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Krystyna Kozlowska            BMW Media Relations Executive

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Gavin Ward                           BMW Media Relations Manager
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Piers Scott                            General Manager, Product and Internal Communications

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