2014 brought us rumors of BMW->ke178 working on a performance-oriented 3 Series that would slot between the 340i and the 2016 BMW M3 in terms of output. This spawned yet another rumor that Munich might do the same with the 4 Series->ke3834 to give the nameplate a proper competitor for the 2016 Audi S5 and the upcoming 2016 Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG Coupe. However, BMW->ke178 has yet to confirm it and word has it the Germans->ke2091 might have cancelled the project, despite the big gap between the range-topping, non-M model and the M-badged trim. Meanwhile, if a sexier and more powerful version of the 435i is what you need, but you can't afford the M4->ke4183, BMW has you covered with the M Performance Power kit.
The first 4 Series to sport this upgrade is actually a convertible->ke144 model. The drop-top seen here was showcased at the brand's dealership in Abu Dhabi before the lucky customer who commissioned it came in to take it home and enjoy those sunny weekends in the Arabian Peninsula.
Unlike the wide array of Individual-badged Bimmers that usually receive a special paint job, a set of custom wheels, and a full leather interior, the M Performance Parts kit brings a lot more to the table. As the name suggests, it also adds a body kit to the car, and, more importantly, adds more power under the hood. Check out the full details below.
Click past the jump to read more about the BMW 4 Series Convertible With M Performance Power Kit.
2015 BMW 4 Series Convertible With M Performance Power Kit
- Make: Array
- Model: 2015 BMW 4 Series Convertible With M Performance Power Kit
Exterior
Styling-wise, the M Performance Parts kit changes the 435i's appearance quite dramatically. Though it's not quite as menacing as an M4, this particular 4 Series sports a new front bumper with larger intakes, a large splitter, and a black twin-kidney grille with the traditional blue-purple-red stripes painted on three of its vertical slats. The same goes for the rear, which features an M4-like bumper with side vents and a diffuser-like piece in the middle. But while the M4 has a quad-exhaust configuration, the 435i retains its standard dual-pipe layout with carbon-fiber tips and an Akrapovic exhaust system.
The profile of the car also suggests we're dealing with a beefed-up version of the 435i. There are new side skirts, M alloy wheels you can't get on a standard model, and carbon-fiber mirror caps. Also, the cabriolet sits lower than the regular 4 Series for a sportier stance. In all, the M Performance Parts kit makes the 435i nearly as aggressive as an M4.
Interior
The interior add-ons are not as captivating as the exterior, but the red Merino leather upholstery provides a strong contrast with the dark-grey paint. The same shade of red is present on the lower dashboard and door panels, making the entire cabin an attractive black-over-red combo complemented by aluminum inserts. An Alcantara-wrapped M Performance steering wheel with white stitching and a red 12 o'clock stripe replaces the standard unit. The bundle also adds carbon-fiber inserts, which are usually only available with the more expensive M4.
Drivetrain
Note: Engine from 2016 BMW 435i ZHP Edition shown here.
Motivating this convertible is the same 3.0-liter inline-six found in the standard 435i, but output has been increased to 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. That's a 35-horsepower and 32-pound-foot update over the standard model, which should translate into a 0-to-60 mph sprint of 4.8 seconds if the drop-top is equipped with the eight-speed automatic or 5.1 seconds with the six-speed manual. The stock 435i needs 4.9 and 5.2 seconds, respectively. The Akrapovic exhaust system delivers a more aggressive exhaust note.
All told, the 435i with the M Performance Parts kit is as powerful as the limited-edition 2016 BMW 435i ZHP Edition, but lacks many of the high-performance upgrades available with the latter, including a limited-slip differential.
Prices
This vehicle was commissioned by a customer in Abu Dhabi and like most one-off cars, it doesn't come with a detailed sticker. That's not to say you can't have one just like it, but pricing may vary depending on where you are. In the U.S., you may have to pay in excess of $60,000 to get all those options with your standard 435i Convertible. The stock car retails from $54,900 with rear-wheel-drive and from $56,900 with xDrive.
Competition
Audi S5->ke2297 Cabriolet
Note: 2013 Audi RS5 Cabriolet shown here.
With 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque coming from a supercharged, 3.0-liter V-6, the S5->ke2297 Cabriolet is right up this Bimmer's alley, though it is a bit slower from 0 to 60 mph, needing 4.8 seconds to hit the benchmark. That may change when the redesigned 2016 Audi S5 arrives with a more powerful engine, but until then, that's as much as you'll get from this Audi->ke14-badged coupe. Pricing for the current S5 starts from $61,100. If you're looking to spice things up with a bit of exclusivity inside and out, Audi Exclusive will be happy to provide for an extra premium.
Read our review of the 2013 Audi RS5 Cabriolet here.
Mercedes-Benz C450 Cabriolet
Note: 2016 Mercedes C-Class Convertible shown here.
The C450 AMG->ke8 Cabriolet will likely arrive sometime in 2017 as a more aggressive looking and powerful version of the C-Class Cabriolet, which has yet to be unveiled. Likely to receive the same powerplant as the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4matic Sedan and Coupe->ke141, the Cabriolet will be quicker and a lot more powerful than the both its German rivals at 367 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The Merc will also benefits from a fresh exterior design inspired by the larger 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, as well as a luxurious interior that's arguably the most appealing in this segment. Pricing should start from around $58,000 when it arrives in dealerships.
Check out our review of the 2016 Mercedes C-class here.
Conclusion
At more than $60,000, the 435i Convertible with M Performance Parts kit isn't the most affordable option out there, but it's a good proposition if your budged can't handle an M4 Convertible (priced from $72,500). Granted, this 435i is not as powerful and quick as the M4, but it's the kind of compromise that gets you more oomph than the standard car, with a body kit that's aggressive enough to stand out from the pack.