Maisach, Germany – Like its E93 predecessor, the F83 M4 Convertible is characterised by its retractable three-piece hard-top, as opposed to say, the E30/E36/E46’s soft-tops. This iteration of the M3/M4 also marks a return to an in-line six-cylinder (the most recent outgoing generation featured a naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre V8), albeit in turbocharged guise for that extra punch, which we feel is perfect to cope with the additional 200+kg of the M4 Convertible’s hard-top and mechanism.

M3, M4 huh? What gives?
If you haven’t been following BMW’s recent renaming shenanigans, the 3s now refer to the ostensibly more sensible body shapes (e.g. Touring, Sedans etc.), while the 4s refer to the more sporting versions (e.g. Coupe, Convertible, Gran Coupe etc.). The normal 4 Series Convertible looked all elegant and classy, but the M elements on the M4 endow it with a far more aggressive stance and demeanour that brooks no nonsense.

Our test-cars were also equipped with the brand’s carbon-ceramic brake system, which in our opinions, is among the best in the business. The previous day was spent tooling around in the stick-shift M3 and M4 Coupe, so the M-DCT capably demonstrated the other facet of the M4 Convertible’s personality, especially when worked in either one of the two M1 and M2 performance pre-customised modes.

‘Individual’ for individuals’
M GmbH is starting to take its ‘Individual’ personalisation programme even more seriously these days, since that’s what luxury is about, as opposed to the brands that attempt to compete in the segment with only off-the-shelf offerings typically specified by the product folks. It’s all about the options these days and this means extended colour choices for the body and leather, as well as more exclusive interior trim elements.

For even more bespoke work, the BMW Individual Manufactory gives life to the customers’ special (even outrageous) requests that go beyond anything the Individual programme can offer. The Manufactory also develops and completes special editions, show cars and market-specific special models.

The cabin of our Moonstone Metaliic demo car is clad in Merino Leather complete with contrast stitching. The trim elements help elevate the cabin of the stock 4 Series into something altogether more special, since the combination of colours, texture and touch gives the cabin a new depth of character.

NEED TO KNOW – BMW M4 Convertible (F83)
Engine 2,979cc, 24V, inline6
Power 431bhp at 5,500 – 7,300rpm
Torque 550Nm at 1,850-5,500rpm
Gearbox 7-speed M-DCT
Top Speed 250km/h (limited)
0-100km/h 4.4 seconds
Fuel efficiency 8.7L/100km
CO2 203g/km
Price TBA, Q4 2014