2014 BMW M4 Convertible 3.0L 7AT RWD (450 HP)

Vehicle Overview

BMW introduced the M-version of the 4 Series at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, continuing the saga of M-powered convertibles initiated by the E30 M3 during the ‘80s.

When the German automaker shuffled the nameplates and introduced the 4 Series on the market in 2014, many of the brand’s aficionados had to understand that their beloved 3 Series was no longer available with a two-door bodywork. As a result, they either changed their minds and took the 4 Series or had to take the 3 Series as a sedan or a station wagon. But they adapted, and soon they started to understand the change and, disregarding the nameplate, they went for the 4. Moreover, the M3 Coupe was also deleted and replaced by the M4 in both variants: coupe and convertible.

Weighing about 250 kilograms (551 lbs.) more than its coupe sibling, the M4 Convertible wasn’t light on its feet. Still, the design was similar, and the option of having a retractable hard top was appealing. Thus, BMW customers were ensured that the car could keep them warm during winter and still enjoy the open-sky driving experience when the weather allowed it. The car’s front featured the same headlights pinched on their inner side at the front that flanked the kidney grille. Below, on the bumper, BMW installed a wide center air intake that helped the engine stay cool and a set of side scoops that fed the front rotors with fresh air. From its profile, the thicker A-pillar was raked and also served as a safety system, and there was no other pillar on the rest of the vehicle. Just like its coupe sibling, the M4 Convertible featured extracting vents on the front fenders and specific side sills. At the back, unlike other open-top 4 Series vehicles, the M4 boasted a four-exhaust system that flanked a diffuser underneath the bumper.

Inside, the automaker installed high-bolstered front seats that could keep their occupants in place during high-speed cornering maneuvers. At the same time, in the back, the automaker had to push the bench seat forward to maker room for the retractable roof. As a result, the legroom was not that big despite the car’s long wheelbase. But it was adequate for two people on short jaunts. The driver enjoyed an analog instrument cluster fitted with large dials for the speedometer and tachometer. The onboard computer could display additional information on a separate LCD installed underneath the dials. Atop the center stack, BMW installed the infotainment’s system screen, which the front occupants could control via a rotary knob housed by the center console. Since this was the sportiest version of the 4 Convertible, the automaker offered carbon fiber trims and standard leather upholstery.

Under the hood was the known turbocharged inline-six powerplant that provided 431 PS (425 HP) to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed M Double Clutch gearbox. BMW installed an electronically controlled multi-plate limited-slip differential.