Some people have a sense of timeliness, as we say in English. Others do not. Count me in this last category. Because how else would I describe my habit of driving vehicles like the BMW M4, convertible of course, when the region receives its worst snowstorms of the year? However, that is totally what I experienced a few days ago when I went through all of the two snowfalls of more than 70 centimetres at the wheel of the mighty little German coupe.
And you know what? Besides the fact that I had to revise my controlled skid techniques a few times, I had a lot of fun. No, I have never been able to get the most out of this 425 horsepower twin-turbo machine, and no, I have not paid for ultra-dynamic driving on winding roads. But I was able to take advantage of the best the M4 has to offer: pleasure and precision of driving!
The current M4 is indeed at the end of its life. For 2021, a new platform will serve as the basis for the successor to the little sportswoman. This does not, however, prevent it from offering, already in its current mode, inspired and direct driving. But a type of driving that requires the driver’s full attention when the roadway deteriorates.
Storm story
I have a modest house, bordered by an entrance to the courtyard, which directly joins my neighbours’ residence. In other words, it is almost a long corridor where wind and snow are easily swallowed. When, as has been the case in recent weeks, the snowfall is more abundant, the flakes pile up vigorously, which makes access sometimes tricky.
Imagine when, beneath this pile of snow, hides a small German performance coupe. Fortunately, and to my surprise, the Continental ContiWinterContact tires have shown grip beyond my expectations despite their very sporty profile. The downside is that the ground clearance of the small vehicle is, let’s say, quite low.
So imagine a few tens of centimetres of snow gathered in a pile in front of a car with the width and height to act as a snowplow. I had to shovel a few minutes to clear a passage. With the foot on the accelerator, the small car got out of trouble in just a few seconds.
On the road
Once on the road, however, the challenge was greater. The tires, cold, struggled to maintain all the necessary grip on the ground. And as the M4 convertible sends all the power of its 425 horsepower to the rear wheels, passing through an ultra-fast dual-clutch automatic transmission, some extra precautions had to be taken. Despite everything, my winter hike went off without a hitch and even, I must say, with some pleasure.
Pleasure renewed once the pavement has been completely cleared, however. I was able to see the precision of the steering, the extraordinary quality of the adaptive suspensions, which were able to absorb the worst shocks. All these settings can be modified according to the M mode to add some connotations of performance.
In other words, the suspensions become more rigid (and less comfortable), the steering more precise, and the M4 more lively. A choice to keep, especially in summer.
Life on board
The M4 in my test was a hardtop convertible. What makes it totally, or almost identical to a very simple coupe version. It retains the soundproofing, rigidity and comfort of the fixed roof versions. In short, apart from the few seconds of opening for demonstration purposes, the roof of the M4 has never been removed.
That didn’t stop me from enjoying the well-finished and comfortable cabin. Seats offering flawless support are in order, and even if the multimedia system seems a bit complex at first, it is easy to navigate.
What’s missing from this M4 is a bit of modernism. We feel that the car will be renewed soon, and it needs it. Not really in driving, since the M4 continues to be a beast in this area, but rather in terms of technology and sophistication.
Despite everything, I tell you, winter is a great fight at the wheel of a BMW M4, as convertible as it is!
Photo: BMW Canada (and no, I did not take any picture, too busy driving!)