The 2022 edition of BMW’s M4 convertible will be available in only one form, but it’s a glorious one. The German automaker took the wraps off the ragtop this morning. It will come only in M4 Competition form, with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
BMW begins production of the convertible in September. It will cost $86,300, plus a $995 destination fee.
BMW Drops the Hardtop
The 2021 edition of the M4 Convertible used a retractable hardtop, but this one goes back to its soft-top roots. BMW characterizes this as a performance decision: “The panel bow soft-top is some 40 percent lighter than the predecessor car’s retractable hardtop, effectively lowering the center of gravity, thus improving its agility.” But it should also satisfy fans of classic convertible looks. The roof retracts in 18 seconds and can be raised or lowered safely at up to 31 mph.
However, the look is still dominated by the huge two-kidney grille that all new cars from BMW’s high-performance M division carry. The design has been divisive amongst BMW die-hards. If you hate it elsewhere, the open-top look is little consolation.
More Power Than M4 Coupe
Under the hood sits a turbo inline-6 producing 503 horsepower. That’s 30 more than even the M4 coupe and 59 more than last year’s model. It’s not offered with a manual transmission, though. An 8-speed automatic is your only option. BMW’s xDrive AWD system makes its first appearance on the M4 convertible, though. The combination, BMW says, is good for a blistering 3.6-second 0-to-60 mph time. An adaptive suspension varies damping independently at each wheel.
Inside, you’ll find M Sport seats wrapped in luxurious Merino leather. M Carbon bucket seats are among the few options. Drivers get a digital instrument cluster with an optional head-up display. A 10.25-inch central touchscreen uses the seventh generation of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system. The eighth generation has begun to appear on some other BMWs, so we’re unsure why it isn’t offered here.
Not Much Competition
Since Audi hasn’t released a cabriolet edition of its RS 5 in recent years, the M4’s only pure competition is the Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 S Cabriolet. The two cars carry nearly identical price tags, and now the exact same power rating. The BMW’s new AWD capability, though, sets them apart.
