Earlier this year we revealed that the next generation of mid-size BMW convertibles and coupés would be called 4-Series, creating an all-new range from the omnipresent 3-Series models.
Now we've spied this new model out testing, confirming our suspicions that it will be more conservative than the radically styled 5 and 7-Series.
However, it's now very unlikely the car (and its coupé brother model) will be called the 4-series, as former partner Rover still holds the rights to the term "400-series", including model names such as 418 or 420. The new coupé and cabrio will probably be called 3-Series again.
As our illustration shows, the new version's relatively long overhangs front and back give it a more substantial profile. The 6-Series-style tapering and rounded nose is toned down slightly, but the headlamps are unmistakably cat-like.
Some sources believe that the 3-Series convertible will have a solid folding roof, as the test car we spotted appears to suggest. Earlier conjecture held that the roof is likely to be a sophisticated but traditional canvas fold-down item. It would be difficult to imagine finding space in the boot for the large roof structure, so we suspect that the test cars now featuring in spy shots may feature a removable hardtop strictly for winter use. A similar roof covering is optional on current 3-Series convertibles.
A steel folding roof would be quite a departure for BMW, which believes that the weight penalties of such an approach are too onerous.
Possible powerplants include the 2-litre and 3-litre petrols, and - if the 320Cd convertible is any indication - diesel options as well. These will almost certainly appear in the coupé version of the 3-Series.