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BMW is poised to join the growing trend of combined coupe-cabriolets with retractable metal roofs when it unveils its next-generation 3 Series convertible in fall 2006.
Source: edmunds.com

The new 3 Series coupé-cabrio will replace the 3 Series coupe and the 3 Series convertible.Ford, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot and Renault all have launched four-seater coupe-cabrios, but prestigious manufacturers have shied away from the concept, preferring separate traditional convertibles and coupes of their sedan-derived models.
So BMW's decision could give the Bavarian carmaker an advantage over rivals such as Audi and Mercedes, which have said they are sticking with traditional soft-top and coupe versions of their next A4 and CLK models, respectively. Paradoxically, Mercedes' two-seater sports cars, the SLK and the SL, have retractable metal roofs, while BMW's Z4 is a traditional ragtop.
What this means to you: Folding-roof technology is so good now that coupé-cabrio models are indistinguishable from fixed-roof coupes in winter conditions. Despite reduced trunk space, the extra practicality of the concept has proven to be a winner.