New BMW 3 Series Convertibles Unveiled

BMW has been launching variants of its all-new 3 Series for the past year, and today the latest 3 to debut is the all-new convertible. For the first time, a BMW will feature a retractable hardtop — to keep up with Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Mazda — that can open or close in 22 seconds.

Updated: There will be two convertible models — the 328i and the 335i. The 328i is made for the buyer who just wants the convertible, as the base engine has a conservative 230 hp. The 335i features BMW’s superb 300-hp inline turbo six-cylinder, which we recently tested in a 335i coupe. It can hit 62 mph in 5.8 seconds. There are more power plants planned for the future, but it’s unclear if all the models will make it to the United States.

The styling — like most recent BMWs — will take some getting usedto. When the top is up, the convertible looks much more sedate than thenew coupe’s design. When down, the convertible shows off considerablymore sex appeal.

There’s also some cool technology packed into the new 3convertibles, like new leather upholstery that can sit in the sun for along period of time without burning occupants’ buns when they enter thecar. Supposedly the special, treated leather stays 20 degrees coolerthan the old-fashioned cowhide. The rear seats of the 3 Seriesconvertible also fold flat for more storage space into the trunk. And,from the press photos, it looks like the top can be lowered and raisedvia the key fob, although the press release doesn’t mention thatinteresting feature.

U.S. prices haven’t been announced yet, but expect them to besimilar to the price difference between the previous 3 Series sedan andconvertible.

We’re a bit surprised BMW is holding off on an American debut untilthe Detroit auto show in January, since the Los Angeles Auto Show iscoming up next month and takes place in a sunnier locale. Expect theconvertible to go on sale in the spring of 2007.

More Photos