BMW M4 Convertible revealed

The first-ever BMW M4 Convertible has been revealed, beginning a new era for the Bavarian brand’s flagship open-top sports car.

Sitting at the top of the new 4 Series Convertible range, the M4 Convertible becomes the third member of BMW’s new-generation high-performance mid-size family, joining the M3 sedan and the M4 Coupe.

Like that duo, the new BMW M4 Convertible will be lighter, more powerful and faster than its predecessor, the fourth-generation M3 Convertible.

It tips the scales at 1750kg with the standard six-speed manual transmission and 1825kg with the optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, making it 60kg lighter than the old model, and 95kg lighter than its rival, the Audi RS5 Cabriolet.

Powered by the brand’s new-generation twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, the M4 Convertible produces 317kW between 5500-7300rpm and 550Nm between 1850-5500rpm â€" up 8kW and a whopping 150Nm.

BMW claims the sprint from 0-100km/h takes 4.4 seconds with the dual-clutch gearbox, making it 0.7sec quicker than the equivalent M3 Convertible and half a second faster than the RS5 Cabriolet, while the manual takes an extra two-tenths at 4.6sec, stopping the clock 0.6sec sooner than before.

Combined cycle fuel consumption also drops substantially, down a 24 per cent to a claimed 8.7 litres per 100km for the auto and 28 per cent to 9.1L/100km for the manual.

Measuring 4671mm long, 1870mm wide, 1386mm tall and riding on a 2812mm wheelbase, the BMW M4 is 56mm longer, 66mm wider and 6mm shorter in height than the car it replaces, as well as 51mm shorter between the wheels.

Boot capacity measures 370 litres with the roof up and 220L with it folded away, representing increases of 20L and 10L over the M3 Convertible respectively. The three-piece metal roof takes 20 seconds to either open or close, and operates at the touch of a button at vehicle speeds up to 18km/h.

Mechanical and styling enhancements debuted on the M3 sedan and M4 Coupe siblings are mirrored by the M4 Convertible.

Aluminium features in the double-joint spring strut front and five-link rear set-ups, teaming with BMW M compound brakes featuring ventilated and cross-drilled discs  and four-piston front calipers and two-piston rears, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Drivers can select between Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes to vary the responsiveness of the car’s Adaptive M suspension and operation of its Active M differential.

The BMW M4 Convertible will make its public debut at the New York auto show on April 16 before arriving in local showrooms early in 2015.