BMW shows topless version of swanky 4 Series

Chris Woodyard | USA TODAY

BMW only showed the world its new 4 Series Coupe in January. Now comes the next step, the convertible.

As BMWs go, it will be wider and roomy than the 3 Series. On this one, though, there will be a three-piece retractable roof. The roof lowers in 20 seconds and can be operated while the car is creeping along at speeds up to 11 miles per hour, BMW says.

You'll see it on the road as the 428i, with a turbocharged 2-liter, four-cylinder engine; and the 435i, with a TwinPower Turbo 3-liter inline six-cylinder engine.

Both will come with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and either rear or four-wheel drive.

The 428i Convertible will priced to start at $49,675 including $925 in destination charges. The 435i Convertible, available at launch in only rear-wheel drive, will be $55,825.

It will get its official debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.