David S. Wallens said:
Does the world need a 503-horsepower BMW convertible that can hit 60 mph in 3.6 seconds? Sure, right?
Not with that grille.
Does the world need a 503-horsepower BMW convertible that can hit 60 mph in 3.6 seconds? Sure, right?
So, how many of these M4 Competition Convertibles will actually compete?
Okay, maybe we’re getting into semantics, but for the person who wants everything, it exists. It’s like ticking off all the options whether or not you need them. Maybe it’s a modern iteration of a Hemi ’Cuda Convertible.
So what we have here is a very fast, all-wheel-drive, open-topped car that has wireless phone charging, forged wheels, tire temperature display and carbon fiber trim. Perhaps think of it as an alternative to an AMG convertible.
But for those who have the desires and the scratch, the M4 Competition Convertible does tick so many boxes. It’s quiet with the top up or down–and, really, it’s closer to a folding hardtop than the piece of cloth on your NA Miata.
The S58 engine’s 503 horsepower and 479 lb.-ft. of torque delivers tremendous acceleration–although did we sense some lag upon stomping the gas?–while the chassis has all the brakes. You get a meaty, proper steering wheel plus very comfortable, supportive seats.
The shifter? Well, you’ll get used to it. You kinda gotta rock it the right way to change direction. I know we all want a traditional stick shift, but that eight-speed automatic is a technological wonder. You can shift it manually but, to be honest, it’s pretty darn crisp when left alone.
BMW has come a long way since its first iDrive, with the basic controls for radio and HVAC now rather intuitive–it’s like we’ve gone back to the days of the E46. Lots of menus provide ample customization.
[2004 E46 BMW M3 | Project Car]
You can spend plenty of time on just the head-up display, as it can be tilted and rotated to your heart’s content. (Spoiler alert: Minimizing it preserves a lot of windshield real estate yet still relays the important info.)
Then there are features that, honestly, will you ever use in a car like this? BMW provides 10 stages of traction control along with two options for brake pressure.
In a lightweight coupe, yes, can totally see the need for that. In a fully loaded convertible, I start to wonder. But, again, those bragging rights.
David S. Wallens said:
Does the world need a 503-horsepower BMW convertible that can hit 60 mph in 3.6 seconds? Sure, right?
Not with that grille.
They are making the grille work OKish on the SUV's, but on the sedans they are even worse than the Lexus predator maw. I really feel that BMW are doing a bit of a Big three in the 80's and 90's. They were so successful for so long, that they believe they can throw anything at the public and they'll keep buying it. That will for a short time, but just like the Japanese offering better alternatives that eventually cost the big three their market share. I feel they were so successful for so long at building the definitive sports sedan, they believe they've got the market cracked, ignoring that Audi, Merc, Lexus etc. are all not just playing to their own strengths, while managing to match BMW in sporting capability. Porsche are coming at them from the other side. I see nothing to recommend any BMW compared to their competition in any class right now. Maybe I've changed, but BMW, to me, feel have gone from THE sports sedan company to a bit of a joke. YMMV.
Unfortunately, "M4 Competition Convertible with xDrive" says it all. I'm sure they'll sell enough to call it a success, but there isn't much there that excites me.
Everyday we stray further from God's light.
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