With
most businesses being closed these days, BMW put a lock on the testing phase of
its upcoming models. The new generation 4-Series Convertible was spied not
chewing through its tires at the track or driving on public roads this time,
but resting on the back of a trailer, wearing less camo than last time we saw
it.
The
prototype reveals more of what seem to be the production taillights, as well as
its rear bumper that features an integrated diffuser and cuts for the exhaust
pipes which, luckily, are real.
Things
are not as revealing at the front, where the plastic cladding and additional
stickers do a good job at hiding the new larger grille. The headlights have a
different pattern compared to its predecessor and are still partially covered
in camouflage.
We’ve
already seen the interior of the car, which is, as expected, identical to the
new generation 3-Series. The dashboard layout, infotainment system, digital
dials, HVAC controls, steering wheel, buttons, knobs, gear selector, air vents
and even storage spaces are the same in both models. Nonetheless, the 4-Series
Convertible will bring an extra feature: the lowering soft-top, which can be
operated at the push of a button, stowing behind the rear seats whenever occupants
want to feel the breeze.
We
don’t expect any surprises in the powertrain family either, as they will be
shared across the new 3- and 4-Series ranges. Four- and six-cylinder
turbocharged petrol and diesel units will still be offered, alongside a plug-in
hybrid option, while the range-topping M4 will use the new 3.0-liter twin-turbo
inline-six from the latest X3 M and X4 M.
The
new M engine produces up to 503 hp and 598 Nm of
torque in the top Competition spec under the bonnet of the X3 M and X4 M but
the latest rumors suggest that the M division will squeeze a few more ponies
for the new M3 and M4 models.
