The BMW M4 isn't exactly subtle. Aside from the polarizing radiator grille, the sportscar is festooned with myriad air vents and aggressive bodywork, ensuring no one mistakes it for a regular 4 Series. Even though it leaves the factory looking mean, it hasn't stopped various tuners from trying to make the Bavarian brute all the more menacing.

While some have been successful and improved the looks, other attempts have missed the mark, with even BMW M Performance failing to create something appealing. When it comes to performance BMWs, legendary tuner AC Schnitzer rarely misses the mark. Last year, the company applied its expertise to the M4 Coupe; the final result was pleasantly subtle and appealing.

With the M4 Convertible now available, the tuner has wasted no time cooking up a kit for the drop-top variant. In front, a black-painted splitter and canards lend the M4 a racing feel. The hood receives design elements that accentuate the M4's bulges. AC Schnitzer says the splitter adds an extra 88 pounds of downforce.

Sited just behind the front wheels are a pair of black-painted deflectors. Speaking of the wheels, the M4 gains a rather tasty-looking set of 20-inch AC3 lightweight forged items finished in Anthracite. A unique set of side skirts have also been fitted, replete with AC Schnitzer logos. The most notable changes have been made round back, where the racy-looking carbon-fiber diffuser is to be found.

Quad exhausts fit neatly within the rear bumper, also gaining a sporty carbon-fiber trim. Lastly, the M4 badging has been swopped out for the company's own emblems. It's not only the exterior that enjoys upgrades, with the tuner offering some performance bite to match the new styling's bark.

With 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, it's already a quick car, but opting for AC Schnitzer's Stage 1 performance pack boosts power to a healthy 582 hp/533 lb-ft. Still not enough for you? Well, Stage 2 should keep any power-hungry M4 owner happy, increasing the total outputs of the 3.0-liter straight-six to 601 hp and 553 lb-ft.

Lowered suspension is also available and affords the M4 Convertible more attitude, with the German tuner reducing the ride height by 1.2 inches at the front and 1.6 inches at the rear. Several interior enhancements are also available, with AC Schnitzer offering paddle shifters, aluminum pedal sets, and even a key holder. While we're rather fond of the styling add ons, many people (including die-hard BMW fans) simply won't be able to look past the divisive radiator grille.

While AC Schnitzer seems content with the controversial front end, a number of aftermarket companies have promised to deliver a more toned-down front end. Whatever your thoughts on the grille may be, there's no denying this particular M4 looks rather fetching. The power hike is welcome too, and may tide BMW aficionados over until the brand officially reveals the upcoming M4 CSL, which recently made a sneaky appearance in BMW M's 50th Anniversary video. If the regular M4 is anything to go by, the CSL should be a truly special motorcar.