The BMW M4 family has continued to grow, with a new convertible variant joining the range.
The 2022 BMW M4 Competition Convertible is set to launch in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2021, though pricing has yet to be announced.
Unlike its predecessor, it has a soft-top in place of a folding metal hard-top and is now available exclusively with all-wheel drive.
As it’s only available in Competition guise, it therefore uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine producing 375kW of power and 650Nm of torque.
It does the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds, or 0.2 seconds slower than an M4 Competition xDrive convertible.
As with the Competition xDrive coupe, the sole transmission is an eight-speed torque-converter automatic.
BMW claims the new M4 Convertible’s roof is 40 per cent lighter than that of the old car, while there’s now an additional 80L of boot space for a total of 300L or 385L with the roof up.
The roof is available in either black or Anthracite Silver and can be operated at speeds of up to 50km/h. With Comfort Access keyless entry optioned, it can also be controlled via the key fob.
The company says that, on the M4’s exterior, only the doors, soft-top, boot lid, window surfaces, headlights and rear lights are shared with the 4 Series Convertible, which is also 40mm narrower.
The M4 Convertible is up 122mm in overall length, 45mm in the wheelbase and 17mm in width over the old M4 Convertible.
Wheels are 19-inch up front and 20-inch at the rear, with adaptive LED headlights with BMW Laserlight standard.
While options for the Australian market have yet to be confirmed, in Europe you’ll be able to specify an exterior carbon package, neck warmers and ventilation for the front seats, and heated and power-adjustable M Carbon bucket seats.
The M xDrive system is mated with BMW’s Active M Differential, which ensures fully variable distribution of torque between the rear wheels.
Compared to rear-wheel drive models, there’s a redesigned, double-joint spring strut front axle, revised front axle geometry, and a retuned steering ratio.
There are three M xDrive modes to choose from in the Setup menu.
The default setting maintains a rear-biased torque split but has an emphasis on traction and ‘precisely controllable handling’.
Flick it over to 4WD Sport and there’s a greater proportion of engine torque sent to the rear wheels, and you can also switch off the DSC entirely and engage 2WD-only mode.
As on rear-wheel drive models, you can adjust traction through 10 stages via the M Traction Control.
You can set and store your preferred M xDrive mode along with your preferred settings for the suspension, steering and throttle, which can then be activated via the two M buttons on the steering wheel.
The convertible is the latest in a staggered rollout of M3 and M4 models.
The convertible will arrive alongside all-wheel drive xDrive variants of the M3 sedan and M4 coupe in the fourth quarter of 2021, while the M3 will finally gain a wagon option.
The M3 Touring has been locked in for Australia, though it isn’t expected to launch until 2022 at the earliest.
MORE: BMW M4 news and reviews
