I know what you're all thinking...Man these guys are living large flying all over the world testing cars, staying at the finest places, seeing amazing sites and enjoying the finest food and drink .
That IS all true.
But always first and foremost, it's all about the ride and giving you the best access to these amazing vehicles first.
Case in point, the new BMW 1-Series convertible.
The Spies were some of the lucky few to be selected to drive the new car first, in beautiful Valencia, Spain last week.
And the new 1-Series did not disappoint us.
As we said many months ago when we first broke the news of the 128i and 135i Coupes, this baby is a game breaker, a paradigm shifter, a change agent...insert your favorite witty line here.
We got to drive the European 125i (With my bud from KBB, Micah) that BMW PR tells us is the virtual equivalent of the 128i that will be sold here.
Ours was Tahiti Green and it looked really sharp.
And it's everything you'd expect in a BMW.
Fast, taught and best of breed handling characteristics.
The 125 although not the explosive power of the 135i is definitely NOT underpowered, so we can highly recommend the 128i when it hits the shores here.
So don't think if you can't afford the 135i, you will be disappointed.
You won't.
Plus, this thing got GREAT gas mileage...we'll guess low 30's highway in the USA manual version of the 128i.
What about interior space you ask?
Even though it's a little smaller inside (mostly in the back seat area) than a 3-Series, the 1-Series still has plenty of front seat room (see pic of how much headroom I had) and is comfortable for even guys of my stature (6'5").
The ergonomics are typical BMW. Absolutely perfect for my taste.
And the more I drive the manual transmission BMW's, the more I like them.
I love the shifter handle feel and the way it glides through the gate when pushed hard.
A wonderful piece of machinery to say the least.
The new 128i and 135i's might end up being the perfect convertible on the market when they land at USA dealers right after Memorial Day.
An ideal combination of performance with great bang for the buck.
Anything we didn't like about it?
1. The exterior design is polarizing. I liked it and so did many of the others who drove it but just as many did not think it was an attractive car. So, this is definitely a personal preference issue which we can't decide for you.
2. We wish they could have priced it a little lower...say $5k lower.
But that said, no one can argue if BMW knows its market and what things will sell for, so we'll trust them that it will sell well at the price.
BMW will be in the unique position of position of advantage for the next couple years, as the competitors try to answer back to a question they didn't know they needed to be answered.
But now that it's here, watch them all scramble to be the first out of the blocks with something in this segment.
What segment you ask?
The entry level luxury/sport premium car with all the power of its expensive brethren segment.
Brought to you for the first time in the USA by BMW.
Check out the amazing photo gallery below of the new Convertible and the sights in Valencia, Spain.