BMW M3 Cabrio

German firm BMW has finally topped-off its high performance 3-Series range. Following on from the coupe and saloon, it has now revealed its new M3 Convertible. And with the same 414bhp 4.0-litre V8 as the tin-top version, it promises to offer exhilrating open-air motoring.

Like all 3-Series cabrios, the M3 features a powered folding hard-top. Added to this standard bodyshell are the flared wheelarches, bulging bonnet and subtle bodykit of the other M cars. Aluminium panels save weight and help to reduce the centre-of-gravity. Despite this the car still tips the scales at 1,860kg, which is 204kg more than the two-door.

Inside, the BMW will comfortably seat four, and with similar levels of trim and equipment it is set to be as luxurious as the two and four-door models. It will be almost as refined too, even with the steel roof stowed. Behind the rear seat is a wind deflector that keeps the cabin calm at high speeds.

And with the top down you’ll be in the perfect position to enjoy the vocal V8. Connected to a six-speed manual gearbox it allows the M3 to sprint from standstill to 60mph in 5.3 seconds. However, despite the firm’s Efficient Dynamics technology, fuel consumption is a lowly 21mpg.

The driving experience should more than make up for this though, as engineers at the firm have revised all the suspension settings.
Reinforcements to all the components mean the newcomer should be as fun in the corners as its fixed head counterparts.

No prices have yet been been announced, but when it goes on sale later this year expect to pay a £6,000 premium over the Coupe version.