The new, second generation of BMW’s
4-Series Convertible has been spied again by Carscoops man with the telephoto while
undergoing testing in Europe and this time, despite freezing temperatures, it
had its soft-top down.
The prototype pictured here wears
production lights at both ends, with LED tech, which were inspired by its
larger sibling mentioned above. The Russian doll design isn’t as obvious beyond
the head and taillights, but another feature that will set it apart from its
predecessor is the kidney grille. The heavy camo and plastic cladding up front
do a good job hiding its size, yet if there’s one thing that’s certain, is that
it will be a lot more prominent.
It’s difficult to tell the model, but the
front bumper is slightly different compared to another prototype we recently
spied resting on the back of a trailer. The rear bumper sports a different
design too, and so does the diffuser with larger tailpipes.
As with the coupe 4 Series, the
Convertible, which will drop the folding hard-top roof of the current model in
favor of a lighter and space-saving cloth solution, rides on a modified version of the latest 3 Series’
aluminum-intensive CLAR platform architecture. Both the coupe and cabrio will
feature wider tracks and lower, wider bodies than the 3 Series sedan, something
that will benefit both their stance and handling.
The engine range will largely mirror that
of the newest 3er offering a variety of 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 3.0-litre
six-cylinder turbo powerplant, including the 420i, 430i and M440i xDrive
gasoline models and the 420d and 430d diesels for markets outside North
America. In the States and Canada, we’ll likely get the four-cylinder 430i and
six-cylinder M440i xDrive only.
With the testing phase about to be
completed, we wouldn’t be surprised if BMW decides to present it in the first
half of the year and then display it for the public to see at a major auto
show. The regular models will be unveiled first, while the range-topping M4
will follow, likely just before the end of 2020 or early next year.
