BMW 3 Series Convertible makes world debut at Detroit

BMW’s new 3 Series Convertible makes its world debut at the 100th North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit on 7 January 2007. Offering innovations, unique technologies and powerful yet low emission engines, the new 3 Series Convertible is set to offer unparalleled levels of performance and refinement to remain the clear class leader.

Clearly a 3 Series, the Convertible is differentiated in design at the front, back and side from the Saloon and Touring variants with its visually elongated lines and wide stance. The new Convertible also features the first electronically-operated folding hard-top roof offered by BMW and is the world’s first car to be offered with SunReflective seat cooling leather. Under the skin, it will be powered by two efficient yet powerful engines at launch.

The new 3 Series Convertible features a three-piece electronically-operated retractable hard-top – a first for BMW. Not only does the new roof deliver the highest levels of refinement and insulation but it also offers added security, better visibility and a greater feeling of space and light for occupants. Because the roof features a larger rear glass windscreen and side windows, visibility has improved by 38 per cent compared to the outgoing 3 Series Convertible.

And, unlike any other convertible, owners of BMW’s latest open-top can enjoy the warm weather and leave the roof down for prolonged periods without singeing themselves on the seats or armrests, thanks to BMW’s unique SunReflective Technology leather upholstery. Special pigments embedded into the leather help reflect infra-red radiation ensuring treated areas that are exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period can remain up to 20 degrees cooler compared to untreated leather.

But, in common with every other BMW and unlike many competitors, the 3 Series Convertible offers ‘show’ and ‘go’ in equal measures. A choice of two petrol engines at launch, the 325i and 335i, both featuring High-Precision Direct Injection technology, offer the perfect blend of performance and economy with further four-and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines to follow during the model’s life cycle.