For weeks we've been hearing that the F33 4 Series convertible (or 3-series convertible, as BMW has not yet officially confirmed a badge change) had recently begun public testing. And now we can now share with you the spy photos from its first ever sighting!
[UPDATED WITH NEW PICS].
As clearly seen, the F33 4 series will retain its folding hardtop. The car is still heavily masked and it appears that it may feature a bit of a false trunk or heavy camouflage on the trunk lid, making it look more extended or larger than the actual design underneath. This is the reason for the odd-looking gap and space in the transition area to the rear lights.
Aside from the roofline, the trunk, and the roof-to-trunk transition, the F33 appears to share similar lines and size with the
F32 coupe (prototype pics pictured below for comparison). As always, with prototypes at this early stage of camouflage featuring such bulky camouflage, it's hard to gauge styling aside from size, proportion, stance, and general lines. The round rear lights are of course just temporary lights affixed for testing purposes.
Expected to Grow
Like the F30 sedan and F32 coupe, the F33 convertible is expected to grow a bit in size from their E9x predecessors. To give you an idea, compared to the E90 sedan, the F30 sedan is 3.66 inches longer, has a wider track (1.46 inches more at the front, 1.85 inches more at the rear) and a 1.96 inches longer wheelbase. We wouldn't be surprised to see similar increases for the F32 and F33 over the current generation coupe and convertible.
Judging by the very positive
F30 reviews so far however, the increased size will not negatively affect handling or weight. The F30 is lighter than the E90 and we expect the F33 will also tip the scales at a lighter weight than the E93. As for handling, the F30 has been said by reviewers to both handle and ride better than the outgoing E90 sedan.
F33 Schedule
If the timing between the E92 coupe and E93 convertible (early prototype pictured below for comparison) hold true with this next generation F32 coupe and F33 convertible, we would see the F33 convertible hit the market approximately 6 months following the F32 coupe (which is expected in the second half of 2013). This would mean a release of the F33 convertible sometime in the
first half of 2014.
Updated photos 12/20/11:
Photos from 11/20/11:
F32 4 series coupe for comparison:
Early stage E93 3 series convertible prototype for comparison (from late 2005):
