2023 BMW M4 Convertible Performance

The M4 Convertible is only available with the Competition Package, which means you get the full 503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. BMW's M xDrive is also standard, as is an eight-speed automatic. No manual option is available, though it suits the nature of the car. Track enthusiasts will likely go for the entry-level M4 Coupe with a manual transmission or the M4 Competition Coupe with rear-wheel-drive. Basically, there's an M4 for every kind of customer.

Because of the added weight, the M4 Competition Convertible is slightly slower to 60 mph, but not by much. BMW claims 3.6 seconds, which is just 0.2 seconds slower than the coupe. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, but you can raise it to 174 mph by going for the M Driver's Package, which increases top speed and includes a one-day class to teach you how to handle the car.

There aren't many competitors left in this segment. The Mercedes-AMG C63 is dead (Mercedes-AMG only produced the twin-turbo 4.0-liter in limited numbers), and Audi doesn't do a drop-top RS5. You could make a case for the E-Class Convertible, but it's more of a boulevard cruiser, and its AWD system is there purely for safety. The closest rivals these days are from the USA. The Mustang GT and Camaro Convertible are both RWD, but they lack the scalpel-like sharpness of the M4. The Camaro ZL1 is more powerful and track-ready, with 650 hp and 650 lb-ft on tap.

As with other AWD BMWs of late, you can disengage the front axle and play the drift analyzer game. Like any other drift mode, it's a great way to end up on YouTube, however.

The latest version of BMW's M TwinPower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six is a masterpiece of an engine. It uses two mono-scroll turbochargers with variable valve control and high-precision injection.

The result is 503 hp at 6,250 rpm and 479 lb-ft at 2,750 rpm. You do feel the slightest hint of turbo lag, but once the M4 is on the move, you have around 3,000 rpm and eight gears to play with. It will happily rev to 7,200 rpm, and though you're way outside of the powerband at that point, it does make a grin-inducing sound that is worth chasing. On top of that, throttle response is sharp as hell when in one of the M modes. That gives you two ways to drive the M4 Convertible for fun - you can wring its neck and enjoy the fury, or you can focus and make sure you're getting every last bit of usable power out of the engine. Neither way is wrong.

While the BMW won't be winning any frugality awards, the EPA estimates that it should do 16/23/18 mpg city/highway/combined. These figures are disappointing compared to the Mustang GT and the Camaro ZL1 convertibles. Both still use large-capacity V8 engines (supercharged in the Chevy) but deliver similar fuel consumption figures. The EPA claims the Ford Mustang GT is capable of 15/23/18 mpg, while the Camaro ZL1 drop-top will average 14/20/16 mpg with a manual and 13/21/16 mpg with an automatic gearbox.

The M4 Convertible has a 15.6-gallon tank, which means you can drive around 280 miles before needing a refill.