Photo: SB-Medien
BMW has just begun track testing for its all-new 4 Series at the legendary Nurburgring. The model looks nothing like its 3 Series cousin as it boasts the boldest front end design this side of a Lexus.
The next-gen 4er has been called ugly after its concept debut. While the jokes are going to continue even after the car comes out, we believe BMW knows its customers best. Nobody buys one of their models to fly under the radar, especially not a 4 Series.
This particular prototype could be the M440i, but it could also have the M Sport body kit on top of a basic 420d. The red brakes are what's throwing us off, though the sporty body kit is there for all to see.
The super-tall double-kidney grille has a kind of mesh pattern instead of the usual vertical bars, something we've already seen on the Z4 M40i. The side intakes are also quite boldly styled and boast three horizontal blades each. Around the back, this Nurburgring test unit has the large, rectangular exhaust tips of a softcore M model.
On the other hand, the spy shooters also caught a more basic 4 Series Cabriolet testing in Arctic conditions, ironically with the top down. It's got smaller intakes and regular 4-inch round exhaust tips, plus smaller wheels.
So would you spend about $50,000 on a car like this? That's what BMW is dying to know. We've been downers on these premium German convertibles, and declining sales support our view. But at least we know there's a new M4 Cabrio coming out with about 500 hp and AWD.
The folding roof can moderate the luxury car experience, as you may experience comfort, reliability or resale value issues. We have no doubt that BMW's multi-layer fabric roof is well insulated, but a targa top or simply a sunroof can offer part of that open-air experience on the rare days when you want to mess up your hair.
This particular prototype could be the M440i, but it could also have the M Sport body kit on top of a basic 420d. The red brakes are what's throwing us off, though the sporty body kit is there for all to see.
The super-tall double-kidney grille has a kind of mesh pattern instead of the usual vertical bars, something we've already seen on the Z4 M40i. The side intakes are also quite boldly styled and boast three horizontal blades each. Around the back, this Nurburgring test unit has the large, rectangular exhaust tips of a softcore M model.
On the other hand, the spy shooters also caught a more basic 4 Series Cabriolet testing in Arctic conditions, ironically with the top down. It's got smaller intakes and regular 4-inch round exhaust tips, plus smaller wheels.
So would you spend about $50,000 on a car like this? That's what BMW is dying to know. We've been downers on these premium German convertibles, and declining sales support our view. But at least we know there's a new M4 Cabrio coming out with about 500 hp and AWD.
The folding roof can moderate the luxury car experience, as you may experience comfort, reliability or resale value issues. We have no doubt that BMW's multi-layer fabric roof is well insulated, but a targa top or simply a sunroof can offer part of that open-air experience on the rare days when you want to mess up your hair.
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