BMW has just had the global reveal of the all-new M4 Competition convertible with xDrive and it will arrive in New Zealand showrooms by the end of this year. 

The new model further expands BMW M’s line-up and provides customers an exhilarating offering that brings together open top thrills and superior performance.

The new BMW M4 Competition Convertible with M xDrive features a new panel bow softtop roof that combines the practical benefits of a retractable hardtop with the classically elegant aesthetic of a fabric hood.

It also stands out in the area of weight, being some 40 per cent lighter than the predecessor car’s retractable hardtop.

The softtop’s electric drive mechanism allows it to be opened or closed while on the move at the touch of a button, with the process taking just 18 seconds to complete. 

When driving with the top down, the boot can hold 300 litres of luggage, an increase of 80 litres on the previous generation M4 Convertible model. 

Upon closure of the roof, the variable softtop compartment increases load capacity to 385 litres.

The body’s dynamic lines set a distinctive tone of sporting elegance with the roof open or closed. 

All lines at the front end of the car converge on the large, vertical BMW kidney grille. 

Together with the large apertures to either side, the kidney grille ensures sufficient cooling air is channelled through to the powertrain and braking system at all times, even when the driver is challenging the car dynamically. 

Other design elements include powerfully flared wheel arches, M Side Gills integrated into the front side panels and prominently extended side sills which combine with the attachment parts for the front and rear aprons to form a striking black band around the entire car.

The black rear diffuser frames the exhaust system’s two pairs of tailpipes, which is a renowned BMW M touch. 

An M Carbon exterior package – which includes a front bumper, mirror caps and rear diffuser all fashioned from lightweight carbon fibre – is available as an option. 

The 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine at the heart of the new BMW M4 Competition Convertible with M xDrive combines the hallmark high-revving character of engines developed by BMW M with the latest version of M TwinPower Turbo technology. 

 The engine stands out with its sustained linear power delivery into the upper echelons of the engine speed range. It generates peak torque of 650Nm between 2750 and 5500rpm, while its maximum output of 375kW is reached at 5510rpm and then maintained up to the 7200rpm red line.

The engine channels its power via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. This performance skillset, combined with the enhanced traction offered by M xDrive, translates into stunning acceleration times. 

The new BMW M4 Competition Convertible with M xDrive takes just 3.7 seconds to power from 0 to 100km/h and 13.1 seconds to reach 200km/h from rest. 

The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system deployed in the new BMW M4 Competition Convertible with M xDrive uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case to ensure fully variable and smooth distribution of the engine’s power between the front and rear wheels. 

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 richly involving driving experience.

The interior of the new M4 Competition Convertible with M xDrive blends a contemporary premium ambience with BMW M’s customary penchant for racing flair. 

The M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, M-specific gearshift lever and red colour accents keep the driver concentrating squarely on the intense driving experience at hand.

Electrically adjustable and heated M Sport seats, Merino leather trim and Air Collar come as standard, while seat ventilation is available for the first time as optional equipment. 

The optional M Carbon bucket seats feature a structure-based design that fuses racing functionality with a lightweight construction. 

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. 

The driver can choose from ROAD, SPORT and TRACK mode, the latter thanks to standard fitment of M Drive Professional.