Unbeknownst to pretty much everyone 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 very 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 were a little too 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 it's sharknose angle from the Concept which i think also hurt the aesthetic.
Interior was fantastic and felt great, 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.
Rear design was fantastic as well with a very pronounced ducktail rear lip spoiler and very nicely done rear lights.
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