2024 BMW M4 Competition Convertible | PH review

Strange car, the BMW M3 (and more recently M4) convertible. It’s the version that purists like us love to hate, and yet it’s the only one that lasted through all six generations of the M-Division 3 Series two-door coupe. Even the four-door sedan was removed for a while – not the convertible. So people must like them. And despite all of BMW’s endless motorsport posturing, there have been roofless M3s since the ’80s. Admittedly, not many back then, but they still existed. So they must like the idea pretty much internally too. Nothing is more hallowed today than the E30’s reputation as an M homologation hero, but back then an opportunity to make money was recognized – and the convertible has been with us ever since.

It’s easy to see why the convertible deserves its reputation. The last thing wonderfully free-revving, low-torque engines needed was a load of folding roofs (including a hardtop for the V8!) to lug around. At around 1,500 kg, the F82 was a commendably light M4 – the F83 added a quarter of a ton. The whole point of the M3/4 often seemed at odds with the raison d’être of a convertible, which rubbed enthusiasts the wrong way. But now that the M3/4 pair is fancier (and heavier) than ever – but also inherently stiffer – the intentions of an M car and a 2+2 suntrap are arguably more closely aligned than ever before.

The recent facelift certainly lends some credibility to this logic. The M4 Cabrio was always only equipped with xDrive, which now also applies to the coupe, but now the interior has been revised for “exclusive sports car flair”, the options list is apparently even longer and you can choose pink paint. It doesn’t exactly scream old-school appeal. But as part of the M4 CS launch program, it’s a chance to drive the M4 Competition in its revitalized 530 hp version. No matter the body style, it would be rude not to.

The new look inside and out definitely adds to the Super GT atmosphere of this generation. The CSL style laser lights are very stylish and the front lights are also more modern. The grille is still the grille, yes. But beyond the space requirement, it’s hard to see how the move to an M8 could be justified from here – the M4 looks and feels very expensive indeed. Some buttons have been eliminated on the inside, and there may be a few initial touches that weren’t necessary before, but the benefit is a much less cluttered and slimmer appearance – helped by the combined screens. It has to be one of the more successful transitions away from buttons. The material and display quality are all very good. Maybe it’s not very M, but it gives just the right amount of charisma for a £100,000 convertible.

On the road (admittedly extremely gentle German ones) this M4 does a very good job and is almost as good as any. While the power gain is modest and the torque advantage doesn’t matter (same amount, slightly greater availability), the convertible feels really punchy in every gear and at every speed. With xDrive and automatic standard, it fits very well with the idea of ​​this being a convertible for all seasons and all occasions. It rewards every effort and eagerly accelerates, but is also very quick and without fuss. Just by snooping around with the roof down, it takes the utmost attention to notice a big difference between this car and a coupe.

Roof down and the charm offensive continues (sorry), the structure free from almost all vibrations, the sound system strong and wind intrusion limited, even without a deflector fitted. With the suspension in Comfort mode (or perhaps Sport mode; even Germany can’t handle Sport Plus), the M4 Cabrio can be docile and pleasant. You don’t get the impression that a modern M car on the one hand and a convertible on the other are at odds with each other, which makes the connection much more harmonious than it might have been when they were previously forced together.

Even if you drive a little faster, the impression remains, with the same characteristics – tenacious turn-in, impeccable composure, incredibly good xDrive – all clearly visible. Whether this will all lead to a tighter, bumpier Britain remains to be seen, but the signs are good. There hasn’t been a bad version of this M3 and M4 yet, and while the convertible may still no longer find fans with the power increase and interior refresh, there’s little reason to believe this will change that view.

At least not on the Autobahn. The majority of our test route was confined to the Autobahn, where the quality of the interior, overall refinement and unflinching demeanor confirmed that this is an open-top car built to cover great distances at speed. Sure, above 100mph it gets a little boisterous, although not nearly as much as you’d expect; when you open the roof, everyone just assumes it’s another M3 and deftly swerves out of the way (the grille must be good for something). Up to an indicated speed of 171mph (it makes sense to state the top speed increase in Germany), the M4 was a rock. And undeniably awesome. That’s not a word usually associated with this body style, but it’s just so, so capable. Any M4 customer considering a railstorming excursion abroad this summer will be very impressed.

Perhaps due to slightly lower expectations (however undeserved), that’s the overarching verdict on the car as a whole. The M4 Convertible is very impressive. It doesn’t quite drive with the directness and dynamism of a standard coupe, but it’s not far off, and it can offer the enormous satisfaction of top-down commercial driving. If that’s your thing, the M4 seems to offer fewer compromises than ever when it comes to top-down thrills. With so few options on the market – the F-Type is gone, as is the V8-powered Lexus LC – it doesn’t seem like a bad time for the M4 to be more appealing than ever. Even if you’re still not really meant to like it.

Engine: 2,993 cc, twin-turbo inline six-cylinder
Transmission: 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Horsepower): 530 at 6,250 rpm
Torque (lb ft): 479 at 2,750-5,730 rpm
0-100km/h: 3.7 sec
Maximum speed: 155 miles per hour
Weight: 1,920 kg DIN, 1,995 kg EU
MPG: 27.4
CO2: 232g/km
Price: £91,500