BMW M4 Competition Comvertible review finds losing the lid only enhances the appeal

There has been a lot of talk about changes to the quintessential BMW grille design, but look beyond the skin and the BMW M4 Competition Convertible offers pure beauty.

BMW's M4 Competition Convertible (overseas model).

WHEN do convertibles start and stop being cool?

The teenager riding shotgun in the BMW M4 Convertible had an opinion on the age of when they are appealing: “below six and above 60”.

Brutal.

There is no hiding when in a drop-top. They’re typically attention grabbers and this raucous Bavarian Motor Works offering is a beacon.

Most supercars are head-turners, and while the M4 may not be in the same aisle as a Ferrari, McLaren or Lamborghini, the performance credentials are not poles apart.

While prices for the equivalent coupe version start from about $170,000, the M4 Competition Convertible pushes beyond $200k.

BMW's M4 Competition Convertible (overseas model).

VALUE

If you could put a price on fast, then this delivers in spades. It’s outstandingly quick and the dexterity will be worth every cent for the purists.

Basic equipment is comprehensive as you’d expect. Highlights include a 10.25-inch hi-res touchscreen for the infotainment, 12.3-inch digital instruments with various configuration options, digital key via your iPhone, carbon fibre interior finishes, leather trim and a Harmon Kardon surround sound system.

Among the optional extras are an M pack which bolsters the top speed from 250km/h to 280, which also comes with a racetrack training course, as well as carbon packs which can add extras to the exterior and figure-hugging bucket seats.

Despite the investment there is only a three-year warranty. Most prestige manufacturers have moved to five years.

Servicing can be paid upfront as part of a plan, which works out to be about $780 annually if the basic option is selected. A more comprehensive “plus” service pack for the same period is $10,822.

The cabin of BMW's 2022 model M4 Competition.

SAFETY

While the protection features aren’t typically front of mind for those chasing a sports car, the M4 has some solid kit.

The head-up display that displays speedo and various driving information onto the windscreen is crisp and clear. It’s armed with all the tech wizardry you’d expect like autonomous braking if the driver gets into trouble and doesn’t react quick enough and active cruise control which looks after braking and acceleration – even to a complete stop when in traffic. ­

Rear cross traffic alert in the M4 only warns the driver of approaching traffic when reversing. Some systems have the autonomous braking operational in reverse to avoid any bingles.

Carparking is aided by a panoramic camera view along with front and rear sensors.

Console buttons enhance or dial down the performance of the BMW M4 Competition Convertible.

COMFORT

Our test car had the $7500 carbon bucket seats which won’t appeal to the everyday driver. They’re firm, and those wearing skirts will find the centre notch a constant challenge – especially when sliding behind the wheel.

With the roof up the M4 maintains impressive levels of serenity, yet with the top down you can really enjoy the soundtrack generated by the hairy-chested turbocharged six-cylinder engine.

The coupe and sedan versions boast outstanding rigidity and the drop-top loses none of the appeal. Fold the fabric roof in less than 20 seconds electronically and the structural integrity remains unflappable. Scuttle is non-existent.

For those in the front there is limited wind intrusion. Anyone in the back will feel like they’re under the dryer in a public toilet.

Getting into the rear is simple yet slow as you wait for the chair to shift forward electronically, when there occupants will find the leg and footwell space is compromised.

Grocery shopping and weekends away are possible courtesy of a 380L boot (better than some compact hatches) – that is reduced to 300 when the roof is down.

BMW's M4 Competition Convertible boasts a sub five-second sprint time to 100km/h (overseas model).

DRIVING

The former model had a metal roof, but this new variant boasts a fabric lid to help reduce weight. Yet on the scales it’s just under two tonnes.

That’s quite husky for a sports model although it never feels the bulk.

Press the red start button and the excitement is immediate. A console button dials up the exhaust soundtrack and various drive modes enable the driver to test its abilities – track time would be a must to really see what it can achieve.

According to BMW stats, from standstill it can rip to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds. Punch the throttle at 80km/h and you’ll surge past 120 in 2.8 seconds – in real life it feels every bit as quick, if not understated.

Quintessential BMW steering is accurate and precise. Dropping the top and listening to the aural exhaust delights on winding roads is pure exhilaration.

All-wheel drive cornering is rail-like and any reverberations felt on imperfect roads are quickly ­forgotten.

The roof of BMW's M4 Competition Convertible raises and lowers in about 18 seconds (overseas model).

HEAD SAYS

It’s time to get places fast. Why not enjoy the great outdoors in the process?

HEART SAYS

Forget what the Beemer fanatics are saying about the grille, it’s the collective driving experience which matters most.

Tuned for performance, the BMW M4 Competition models boast power outputs of 375kW/650Nm.

ALTERNATIVES

Jaguar F-Type Convertible $188,794 D/A

Breathtakingly beautiful, the F-Type R-Dynamic boasts a modern classic design with a fabric folding roof. The 331kW/580Nm V8 has the ability to feel subdued or brutishly raw.

Mercedes-AMG C63 S Cabriolet $226,210 D/A

Another fire-breather, under the bonnet is a twin turbo 4.0-litre V8 good for 375kW/700Nm.

VERDICT

Highly regarded as a performance star, the Convertible version of the M4 enhances everything about the shining attributes on offer.