The compromised M car? | BMW M4 Convertible review

The BMW M4 Convertible weighs as much as an M5 - can it still cut it?
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Performance cabriolets are a dying breed. Book-ended by cars such as the Mazda MX-5 at the lower end and many carbon fibre-chassis roadsters beyond the £100,000 mark, the BMW M4 Competition Convertible doesn’t have much in the way of competition at this level of the market. That might be why BMW has chosen to continue with its open-top two-door sports car when rivals from Mercedes-AMG, and Audi’s RS department’s mid-size soft-top models are off sale for the time being.
In fact, the closest rival for this BMW when it comes to performance is Porsche’s 911 GTS Cabriolet, but at £121,180, it’s significantly more expensive. So, is the M4 Competition Convertible good value? At £85,870, not exactly, but it does offer genuine sports car performance.
The 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo engine is carried across from the Coupé, with the same 503bhp and 650Nm of torque. It’s linked to an identical eight-speed automatic gearbox, but the M4 Competition Convertible is only available with BMW’s M xDrive all-wheel-drive set-up; there’s no rear-drive version. It's certainly not lacking firepower, but the M4 Convertible weighs nearly two-tonnes - can it still shine out on the road? Nicola Hume finds out in this review.
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[@colinhardy7203]

Your conclusion is absolutely bang on. As a GT the M440i convertible is a great car for a long Euro trip. It’s fast, comfortable, managed 40mpg+ economy on a long run to Portugal and isn’t too flash to worry about attracting unwanted attention. The M4 convertible is fabulous of course but I’m sure it would be worse as a GT.

[@artgreen6915]

In my opinion the M treatment of the deeper grill makes it work. The M4's dark spaced out slats give the focus to the bold edged outline of shape. The M440i's fussier fill that is not totally dark doesn't do it quite the same favour.

[@DouglasCrabb]

Had mine a few weeks. I am blown away by it after owning 3 AMGs. The bumps? Depends on tires. If you get lucky and get the Michelins the ride is amazing.

[@colinhardy7203]

I find the ride on mine to be amazing. Better than a 340i saloon, and better even than my A4 Allroad.

[@execatty]

is the m4 as loud as it sounds? can it be quiet when needed

[@jonmichaels362]

@@execatty I own one here in the US. The decibels depend on which mode you choose. If you put the car in M Mode - which slams all the performance settings in track mode, the car is deliberately loud with all the pops, bangs and burbles. If you dial the car back to efficiency and comfort mode, and you close the exhaust valves with the center console switch, the car quiets down to Honda Accord levels.

[@nigelmitchell5726]

Another great review Nicola 💗

[@bp19870]

I saw my first one of these the other day and it was ploughed into the central reservation of the A13. They must of had it in 2 wheel drive mode. 😂

[@irubuview]

What's the best convertable with 4 seats with hard top?

[@herlegz6969]

Nice review, good contrast with 440i, but bo mention of the lack of self driving or lane correction features?

[@AngelInTheDesert]

How’d they manage to make it heavier with a soft stop vs the F83’s hardtop 😅

[@minigiant8998]

and get it to go so much faster

[@samrosen9823]

The awd system

[@AngryBritain]

So pleased BMW have ditched their awkward looking metal roofs. This looks a million times better.

[@MRVSKIN]

I just love the honesty as well as the humour. Lots more of this please

[@RPM-yd9it]

What’s the name of the color

[@georgimihalkov4781]

Very good review, it's nice to see one that isn't primarily based on the styling, but on the actual car. For most journalists it's very difficult to get their head around the fact that looks are subjective and not everyone should like what you like.

[@mrmawson2438]

Great review 👌

[@Durgam.Bhargav]

Looks gorgeous in this colour

[@rg6982]

I agree, seen it with white leather interior Looks even better

[@Basket95Dani]

It's aventurine red, isn't it? Can anybody confirm?

[@richardkennett4086]

Hi Nicola, somehow in 8 minutes you get to the hub of a good car / bad car with a smart summary! Just keep up the great work. You make the old boys just sound a little dated! Mind if there is some track work Sutters does do a cracking review! By the way, it is possible to have a sports car which is heavy and comfortable. it is called a Porsche Taycan 4S. Just doesn't have a V8 🤷‍♂

[@jamesdixon3972]

She's loving that vehicle u can drive my M4 comp gal

[@grayone321]

Good review and agree with the conclusion, however if you've got a spare 25k then why not we've only got a few years left to enjoy the silliness. I've still got an old 4 series (not an M) but my pocket says to my heart live with the old for a bit longer. Like you I think the new M looks good, especially the cloth roof unless you live in vandal city.

[@rg6982]

Another fantastic review Nicola, got to say im in love with this M4!

[@tractioncontroldelete]

Nice! The styling fits the convertible really well

[@aidaaliten8817]

ironic?

[@tractioncontroldelete]

@@aidaaliten8817 yeah I suppose it is because I’m not a fan of the sedan at all

[@jonathantaylor1998]

Trypophobia, eh...? How unusual, Nicola - I can't say I've ever heard or read about that reaction to clusters of holes before. Actually, you must find that really quite difficult, then, as a car reviewer - I mean, there are clusters of holes in car door speaker-covers... patterns of holes in seat fabrics... the dashboard air-vents in the new Honda Civic must be a nightmare for you...! I'm so sorry to hear of your affliction...😔 But, as the professional you clearly are, you hide this fear well 😎

[@grumgrum2174]

It's a BMW, something will go wrong...

[@anthonystevens8683]

A great review, warts n all. I have to agree in the UK there is little legal chance to really stretch the legs on this car. I do like it a lot apart from my usual complaints about the new 'family' face. A big shout out to BMW for keeping the twiddly doos for the climate. The cheaper one would be my choice as the change gets you a city car for the trip to Waitrose.

[@Lordvader330]

Hence why I just bought the M4401 my dear.

[@liamsavage9]

thats because you couldnt afford the m4

[@nathanstevful]

the 4 series is the first of the new face that actually looks decent

[@anton3682]

Lovely

[@andyneocleous]

those lovely buttons will be gone when iDrive 8 is released to the LCi...

[@johnlm340]

Actually it may even appear before the LCI version is out. Idrive 8 is rolled out in the G80 M3 MY23 (and it's not considered an LCI)...

[@samrosen9823]

My May production car is coming with idrive 8 this year

[@TheAillingworth1975]

Just love Nicola and her reviews

[@tristanmayor6302]

What kind of car reviewer is too scared to use features they are supposed to be reviewing?

[@mewopoly1414]

women.

[@rw1592]

I enjoyed your review of the currently best high performance 4-seater convertible. I own this "poser car" since one week and think it's outstanding and in a class of its own.

[@tonyd223]

wait, you didn't have to stop to put the roof up?

[@jafooli]

The weight and the lack of manual is a deal breaker

[@shakedlevi5686]

i like that YOU like the front end! i think the M3/4 look amazing & characterful from every angle. superbly designed

[@jgalea2886]

You definitely should just stick to Uber.

[@invictarussuzerain]

When did Nicola get so cool? 5:27, apparently

[@nicolahume]

😂

[@PratabAli]

I love that shade of red. And they've done really well with the styling. So, holes in bee hives, holes in crumpets give you icky feels. What about your producer's or camera person's ear holes or nostrils, do they scare you too 🤣🤣🤣 Ahh, ahh, ahhh, and cup holders, they're holes too, albeit large ones. OK they're big enough to see what's going on in them...🤔🤣

[@storck08]

Still lighter than hybrid C63 :D

[@philnleblanc6664]

If anything the interior is where BMW has always LACKED. They’re better than Audi, but Mercedes will have to take the prize for that one.

[@Derekzparty]

Apparently I drive like a moron 😛

[@lucaferrari1999]

1700 kilograms for a sports car is too much

[@Gustavo-ly4qv]

Why trying to be funny all the time? Just do a simple review

[@stephenlaw9827]

Better roof, but still not a beautiful car.

[@AIBETTSYIA75]

Old one had a hardtop too Look how wide it is on that road too jeees Point about do you need the M is good but people want the M to say "I have an M" yeah posing

[@mrmawson2438]

Evening 🙂

[@pdg1877]

Somehow Porshe 718 Boxster manages to weight 1451kg/3205lbs.

[@brianbarriger8553]

Come to the States and film!!!!! Welcome!!!!

[@petercavellini3232]

Sorry, nice Car, but I’d sooner have the coupe.😎

[@mrmawson2438]

PTSD😆

[@athollmcnicoll1028]

Good job Nicola you were not wearing a tight skirt when you dropped into that seat. As for the cars, if I won a lottery I'd pick the M4-40 in preference, not because it is cheaper but I just always fancied driving one.

[@brianiswrong]

Nice to see an M car that isn't blue or grey👍

[@BHBeckenbauer]

Wow she’s trying a bit too hard IMO

[@MergyX]

I got given a 21 plate 4 Series M Sport Convertable from my Dealer as a courtesy car 1 week ago. Its the worst driving car i've ever been in. It feels worse to drive than a 2003 ford focus (I am not joking). A lot of people will be offended but im just writing the truth. It feels like a heavy boat. Numb, heavy, sluggish, unresponsive. Not even remotely comparable to my other BMW which feel like tuned machines for driving enjoyment. I own a BMW X3 M sport and a modified BMW M6, so my opinion is actually valid. And that 21 plate 4 series is not even comparable, even though its so much newer. Rubbish car. Or should i say Boat.

[@362chop]

It's gotten too long/wide/fat. BMW's way or the highway.

[@user-bx8en4ru2k]

VERY NICE CAR BUT WHY ALL BMW CONVERTIBLE CARS USE SOFT TOP NOT HARD TOP? BMW HAVE NOT ENOUGH MONEY TO MAKE IT BE MORE WELL LIKE OTHER CARS IN THIS WORLD?

[@Ajd83.]

horrible car but great review..... 😊

[@toneskill]

Lucky seatbelt

[@Kevin-si1es]

Probably break down unreliable bmw m cars my friend is a bmw mechanic says they have too many electronics on them totally unreliable

[@lightningknuckles.]

It’s one of the worst reviews I’ve seen in a long time 🤣🤣

[@ctk4949]

DISGUSTING!!!! 🤮🤢🤮🤢🤮🤢

[@rg6982]

Is that what your parents said when they saw you first the 1st time?

[@HoofHearted2DAY]

Poo holes are a bit icky though