Today I stopped by a local BMW dealership in Connecticut to take a look at the new 2016 M4 convertible. Just outside the showroom were several M4 convertibles on display, which actually appear very similar to the coupe model thanks to their sleek hardtop shells. Only a true enthusiast would be able to distinguish the convertible from the coupe on their exterior design cues alone. 

The Specs

The M4 comes equipped with a 3.0 liter BMW M TwinPower turbo inline 6 cylinder engine with variable valve control (Double-vanos and Valvetronic) with direct injection. Not only is that a mouthful to describe to your track buds, but it’s also a huge departure from M cars built in recent years with naturally aspirated V8 engines. The base model M4 is rated at 425 horsepower, while the competition package option bumps power output to 444 horsepower.

This particular black convertible is loaded with a slick group of suspension and drivetrain options, including the M double-clutch transmission, adaptive M suspension and style 437 19” wheels. That M DCT is a hefty $2900 option that will get you from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds (in the coupe). The adaptive suspension allows you to select from comfort and sport modes to assist in your transition from street cruiser to track monster.

Electronics have come a long way since the days of the E30 3 series on board computer technology. This car is optioned with the executive package which includes a head-up display, park distance control, heated steering wheel, headlight washers, rear view camera and the one thing no convertible owner should live without: neck warmers.

Yes, that’s right, warm air is circulated through the seat and out below the headrest to warm your neck. With every leather surface M-stitched and heated, there’s no excuse not to drive your M4 with the top down all-year-round.

Ratings

Mainstream review sites such as Edmunds and Car and Driver have rated the M4 5 stars out of a possible 5 with their rating system. The Car Connection rates the M4 9/10 with points deducted for it’s expensive price with options and relatively poor gas mileage. The 2016 convertible has an EPA rating of 19 MPG combined.

Overall, the M4 looks like pure joy to drive, combining years of BMW’s top engineering and design into one beautiful package. My only disappointment with this model is it’s artificially generated exhaust note, something that should remain a feature on hybrid or electric cars, not M sports cars near six figures.

Pricing

The base model M4 coupe starts at $65,700 and the convertible starts at $74,200. The well optioned convertible pictured above came in at $89,645 MSRP on the window sticker.

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