2015 BMW M4 convertible: First look

Meet the 2015 BMW M4 convertible, the final entry in BMW's revamped M3 and M4 high-performance lineup. The new drop-top will join the M3 sedan and M4 coupe later this month at the New York auto show and is expected to go on sale this summer.

The new M4 convertible takes the place of last generation's M3 convertible, and will use the same powerplant as both the new M3 and M4: BMW's TwinPower 3.0-liter inline six will deliver 425 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, redlining at 7,600 rpm. Just as the M4 coupe gained power over the M3 coupe, the M4 convertible gets 11 additional hp and a whopping 111 lb-ft more torque than the previous open-air M3.

BMW's excellent seven-speed M dual-clutch transmission is optional; a six-speed manual is standard. The 0-60 mph sprint takes 4.4 seconds with the manual trans, while the double clutch makes it two-tenths faster with help from the M's Launch Control function. BMW's Active M limited slip differential is standard and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

BMW
The 2015 BMW M4 convertible gets 425 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.

Three drive modes adjust the steering weight from comfort to sport to sport plus. The same goes for the suspension modes, if the Adaptive M suspension option is specified.

The 2015 BMW M4 convertible weighs 90 pounds less than the outgoing model, tipping the scales at 4,055 pounds. Weight-saving measures include aluminum front fenders, hood and chassis parts, along with carbon fiber reinforced plastic in the driveshaft, strut tower brace and elsewhere. The I6 engine is also about 20 pounds lighter than the old 4.0-liter V8 it replaces.

The three-piece retractable hardtop has a sound-absorbing headliner that BMW claims reduces noise, and folds up in 20 seconds at speeds up to 11 mph. The trunk has 13 cubic feet of cargo space with the top up, 7.8 with it stowed.

BMW
The 2015 BMW M4 convertible gets a load of M accessories.

Most of the M4 coupe's styling is transferred to the M4 convertible. The character line down the side, squared off intakes and hood bump all move over, as do the quad exhaust and twin five-spoke wheels hiding painted calipers. The silhouette loses some of its sleekness with the addition of the folding hard top.

Inside, the new convertible looks like a typical BMW, with carbon fiber accents, a high central screen, thick M steering wheel and the current generation of iDrive. Accessories include M door sill finishers, an M driver's footrest, M gearshift lever, M-design circular instruments with white graphics and electroplated-look shift paddles (if the M-DCT gearbox is specified).

BMW is withholding pricing on the new M4 convertible until the New York auto show, but we have it on good authority the car will start somewhere between $73,420 and $73,430, including destination and handling, when it arrives at dealerships this summer.

Look for more shots of the new M4 drop-top and all the other reveals live from the New York auto show later this month.

BMW
The 2015 BMW M4 convertible costs $73,425, including destination and handling,

The 2014 New York auto show runs April 16-27 and is expected to attract a range of production and concept cars, including the 2015 Mustang convertible, BMW M4 convertible and next Hyundai Sonata. Check out Autoweek's complete coverage at autoweek.com/new-york-auto-show

By Jake Lingeman