Hard Hat

The 328i convertible: a cool, quiet ride, even with the top down

It's quiet inside. That's one reason the new 328i convertible is BMW's hottest U.S. model (base price: $44,000). Quiet and convertible don't normally travel together, but BMW tamped the noise with a hard-shell top and what it calls tortional stiffness--this car is a rock. That's important when you're cruising on the highway at 120 m.p.h. (We tested the car in Europe.) On the winding back roads in the beautiful Argonne area of France, the ride was tight and sporty yet still luxe, at least in the front seats. The interior also features heat-deflecting leather so the seat won't scorch you when...

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