Yesterday we brought you the first spy shots of a BMW 4 Series Coupe->ke3834 equipped with the M-Sport package. As no surprise, where BMW is testing the coupe version, a convertible version isn’t too far away. Our spy photographers caught this 4-Series Convertible testing somewhere in Germany and, just like its coupe brother, it has also started to strip.

The 2014 4 Series Convertible will be offered as a cheaper alternative to the 6 Series Convertible and hopes to attract younger buyers. It will combine design elements from the latest generation 3 Series, with the aggressive look of a 6 Series, but with more squared-off headlights and larger eyebrows.

Under the hood, BMW->ke178 will use the same engine lineup as in the coupe. This means U.S. customers will have to choose between a 428i with a 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter; or a 435i, which should come with a 306-horsepower, 3.0-liter six-cylinder.

Production is said to start at the Regensburg plant in November.

Spy shots

As you can see the BMW 4 Series Convertible keeps its camouflage only on those parts that are going to offer the biggest surprises. Even so, we can see from the spy shots that it will get the same headlamps as the 3 Series, a slightly forward-slanting BMW kidney grille and quite large air intakes in the front bumper.

For the rear, BMW will offer new taillights in customary BMW L-shaped design, a new bumper and an exhaust system with two oval end pipes placed on each side of the bumper.

Competition

2013 Audi A5 Convertible

The A5 Convertible arrived on the market in 2009 and the only update it received was offered for the 2012 model year when it received an updated exterior look with the most obvious change being the new headlights. The interior also received an updated instruments and center console, plus better quality materials.

Under the hood, the A5 Convertible offers a choice of three turbocharged gasoline engines, ranging from 211 horsepower to 354 horsepower, and two diesel engines for the European market. In 2012, Audi also added a new 1.8 TFSI four-cylinder engine with an output of 170 horsepower.

2013 Lexus IS Convertible

Now that Lexus unveiled the new generation IS, a convertible version should be just around the corner. However, until it happens, the upcoming BMW 4 Series Convertible will have to face the current IS convertible.

The IS is offered in two trim levels -- 250C and 350C -- and comes with two engine options, including: a 204-horsepower, 2.5-liter V-6 for the 250C and a 306-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 for the top 350C.