BMW M4 convertible cruises in at $178,430

BMW’S M4 convertible has landed in Australia in time for summer, with a price tag of $178,430 plus on-road costs.

On the surface, that appears to be a price hike of more than $5000 on the superseded $173,350 M3 convertible, but the automatic dual-clutch transmission that was an extra-cost option is now standard fitment, along with a range of other goodies that BMW Australia says add about $10,800 of extra value.

The new flagship of the 4 Series range commands a $11,530 premium over the $166,900 M4 coupe that was launched along with the $156,900 M3 sedan in Australia in July.

With its three-section folding metal roof that automatically tucks itself away in 20 seconds at up to 18km/h, the convertible has 4 Series family coupe styling, with signature M car attributes such as the bonnet power dome, twin-stalk wing mirrors and flared wheel arches.

The convertible is powered by same the 317kW/550Nm twin-turbo petrol in-line six-cylinder engine with seven-speed dual-clutch or six-speed manual transmission – the latter being a no-cost option now – as the M3 sedan and M4 coupe. It is just 0.3 seconds slower in the 0-100km/h dash at 4.4 seconds.

It is equipped with Adaptive M Suspension that stiffen dampers to suit driving style, as well as M Servotronic to enhance steering, an electronic differential and M Dynamic Mode.

Inside, there are M-emblazoned tread plates, M instrument cluster and an M leather-clad steering wheel and shifter. The power front seats are also embossed with illuminated M logos.

As with the M3 sedan and M4 coupe, the convertible benefits from lightweight construction, with the bonnet, front side panels and chassis components made from aluminium, while carbon-fibre reinforced plastic has been used in areas such as the driveshaft and engine strut.

BMW says M4 convertible buyers get $10,800 worth of extra value in the form of 19-inch light alloy wheels, neck warmers in the front headrests, rear-view and surround-view cameras, wind deflector, iDrive Touch Controller, DAB+ digital radio and Active Protection driver fatigue detection.

The new car also has a wider opening hatch and an increased cargo capacity of 220 litres with the roof down and 370 litres when up.

Other standard equipment includes an 8.8-inch colour screen with an infotainment system which includes navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, 20GB hard drive and 16-speaker sound. There’s dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and bi-Xenon headlights.

BMW Group Australia general manager marketing and sales Tom Noble said the M4 convertible would be well received.

“The new M3 sedan and M4 coupe have received a hero’s welcome in Australia,” he said.

“And we expect a similar response for the BMW M4 convertible – the king of open-top performance motoring.” BMW M4 pricing*

Coupe	$166,900
Convertible	$178,430

*Excludes on-road costs.