BMW M4 Convertible

High-performance drop-top promises an even more vivid driving experience than the coupé on which it's based On sale Now Price from £83,460

- Neil Winn

IF YOU PREFER your performance car to be served with a dose of fresh air, the new BMW M4 Convertible will be a sight for sore eyes, because your choice of super-quick four-seat drop-tops is severely limited. Earlier this year Mercedes-AMG killed off its V8-powered C63 Cabriolet, and it’s been more than five years since Audi last offered an RS5 Cabriolet. And while we’d be remiss not to mention the Porsche 911 Cabriolet, its six-figure price makes it a very different financial proposition.

Perhaps the shortage of models in this class is down to the fact that, for many drivers, a high-performance drop-top is an oxymoron. Convertibles tend to have less structural rigidity than coupés, so if you’re after a rewarding driving experience, why would you pick the version that’s compromised by a heavy folding roof and a floppier body?