BMW 3-Series Convertible news - BMW 3-Series Convertible - 2007

Anyone who wanted to know what the new BMW 3-Series Convertible would look only had to screw their eyes up a little and place a finger over the roof of the Coupe in a picture. Et voila, your own instant spy picture.

What we have here is the finished article, a proper shot of the 3-SeriesConvertible that will make its debut at the Detroit motorshow early next month.

Centrepiece of the new 3-Series Convertible is the retractable three-piece metal roof, which is BMW's first try at the coupe-convertible market.

As well as the roof letting the sunshine in, BMW has also developed a special coating for its leather seats which reflects infra-red radiation to ensure the seats stay up to 20 degrees Celsius cooler in direct sunlight compared to untreated seats.

We'll be there to give you the full details of the car in the metal and leather, but we can tell you ahead of the show that it will initially go on sale in the UK with 2.5- and 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engines, the latter in twin turbo 335i specification.

Prices will start at £33,030 for the 325i and £37,895 for the 335i.

The 325i will see of 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds and reaches 152mph, while the 335i is limited to 155mph and does 0-62mph in just 5.8 seconds.

Expect to see 3-Series Convertibles parked outside an estate agent's near you by the summer of 2007.