Unbeknownst to pretty much everyone (myself included) other than the upper upper management folk of BMW Asia, a 2nd prototype of the new Z4 was quietly flown over to Singapore for a BMW event, BMW World, and was driven in under heavy body cladding just hours after it’s unveiling at Pebble Beach for a surprise showcase at our local event. (Other showcase cars include the new 8 series and the X7 concept)
Being somewhat close to the BMW folk here, I managed to get into the show an hour before the doors opened to the public to take as many pictures as I could.
Here’s another look at the new Z4. Under probably worse lighting than pebble beach. Also, shots of the car with the top up.
Overall, I really like the design. But there are some areas which I think we’re a little much. For instance the mesh black grill. I was okay with the lights going for a different layout but I think if they were to break with convention on legacy design features, just do it with one part of the design, not the entire face.
The downturned black grills sadly had many commented it looked like a Kia Stinger. It also lost its shark nose rake from the Concept which I think also hurt the aesthetic.
Interior was fantastic and felt great, the car felt compact and more sporty than the current car, it felt more like an evolution from the 1st Z4 than a continuation of the 2nd gen. I could easily reach back and touch the rear wheels from the driver’s seat.
The rear design was fantastic as well with a very pronounced ducktail rear lip spoiler and very nicely done rear lights.
Then, I wondered what a Coupe version would have looked like, so I grafted on a roof from the Z4 Zagato
Ta-Dah!
Gonna post a proper event write-up on my blog later.