I think the key selling advantage of this car is the hard top (huge requirement for most of the US esp NE/NW). Plus the hardtop looks so much better (top up) than the soft top merc or audi (my opinion). Once again, great review by Alexi....
Hey Alex, could you please review the 2015 Honda CR-V when it is released? I noticed that it had gone through a refresh for the 2015 model year. Another note, have you heard any information about the Honda HR-V?
Good news if you are under 65 you're probably better with the coupe. Convertibles will toast your scalp and are mostly only for show off. I haven't found something special riding inside a cenvertible, unless perhaps if it was a 20ft long convertible DeVille.
Great review again - thank you. But wait, at the end the Beemer is a $70,000 convertible but the better Jaguar is in a different consumer category? [scratches head confused] It sounds like the best driving fun -the luxury version of a Miata - is the Q60 or the Jaguar, did I get that right?
The Jaguar is the better driver's car but it is an expensive 2-seat convertible. The BMW was nearly $70K when almost fully loaded. The Jag *starts* at $70K. The Q60 had a better road feel but is far less practical with cramped seats, an older interior and practically no trunk.
Hi Alex! Awesome review on an awesome car! What's your take on a 435xi gran coupe vs 5 series vs Lexus GS 350 f sport? Any favorites? Is the 435xi a lot better than a 328xi?
Edmarc Barbin The 5-Series has the best interior of the group, the GS 350 is slower than the 435xi but probably a good long term value. The 328xi us a good buy and gets excellent fuel economy.
S80 polestar sounds intriguing..that's if I can find one. Still hoping that the GS AWd f sport gets the ZF eight speed for the 2016 model. If not, The 5 series should have good deals by the end of the year. Hyundai Genesis also looks intriguing! Thanks!
Edmarc Barbin Lexus doesn't use ZF transmissions since they own about 60% of the world's largest transmission manufacturer: Aisin. So if the GS were to get an 8-speed, it would be the Aisin that is used in the RC-F, IS, RC, LS, Cadillac ATS-V, Chevy Corvette and VW Touareg (among others). Although a nice transmission, it's not as responsive as the ZF 8-speed. Unfortunately Lexus seems uninclined to modify their AWD system to work with their 8-speed auto for some reason. Lexus likes to keep things simple and have change happen very slowly so we may not see it until the next major redesign.
Will you do a review of Ford Focus 2015? Off-topic, I know, but no one else on RUclips has yet made a review about it. And I like your reviews the most, so I was curious.
Call me crazy, but in the broad stokes, would a car coasting in gear actually use LESS fuel than one that was coasting in neutral? The car in neutral is idling, using fuel to keep the engine spinning. The car in gear is engine braking, or using the gravity well to spin the engine, thus needing no fuel or less fuel than at idle. Must be something I'm missing.
It should switch to neutral for enhanced coast distance, however, modern cars use fuel shut off when coasting, so it uses the same amount of fuel either in gear or coasting.
You're right, it is a tricky thing. While modern engines with aggressive fuel cutoffs will use essentially no gas while in gear and the throttle is off, the coasting mode allows you to coast farther while the engine idles with no load. Supposedly this is slightly more efficient than the aggressive fuel cut off alone but the difference is minor. Over a full tank of gas the coasting mode (on all the time) supposedly saved me 7 miles which is about 1/3 of a gallon.
How about winter practicality? those are summer tires? what if I want to drop the top while there is some water on it? would the water go in the trunk?
The model we had for testing had all season tires on it but many versions do have summer tires that you would need to swap out. The AWD versions of the 4-series with winter tires should be fine in the snow and the hard top is far more insulating than a soft top. As far as dropping the car with water on it, you will get some in the car, some in the trunk and some will slide off the car onto the ground. It's best to dry it off first.
The 435i gives you more power, more comfortable back seats, the convenience, security and quiet ride of a hard top without much of a toll since the trunk space is nearly identical. On top of that the BMW is also less expensive making it an easy win in my book.
@alexonautos I disagree. I test drove both cars and found the e350 to be much more spacious, luxurious and attractive than the 435i. Not to mention how rare naturally aspirated engines are these days (that sound is the most amazing thing)
Alex where do u get the fact that the Audi S5 is not faster than the 435? Are u kidding me? I own a 2013 cabrio and I am actually just ordered a 435i xDrive convertible... The S5 is a full second faster than the 435 and even if u don't look at the numbers, the feel of the drive is completely different. The S5 is so much more powerful from the start. No delay, huge torque and instant Dual Clutch shifting. There is torque at all speeds. Even at highway speeds. The 435 is lagging, slow and heavier and there no torque AT ALL, even at high RPM's. I have seen other reviews of the 435 and even with launch control, it doesn't do better than 5.5s and u can feel how slow it is, just by driving it... I have to change the car because of bad timing on my current lease for the 2016 S5 so the 435 is a transitional car for me. I love the look and the technology but the amount of power BMW got out of it, is a disgrace. It feels slower than my 2008 335i Convertible... Cheers Patrick
The Infiniti Q whatever convertible was a big drop off from the coupe version. Tons more weight and you could really feel it. It felt great however and normally would be competitive but for some reason Infiniti wants $60,000 for them. Even with $10K discounts they felt overpriced given the age of the design and having almost no trunk.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
You are the most detailed and fair reviewer on the net. Thanks for your service.
among all the other reviews i read/viewed, your is the most detail and informative review. Great Work!!!
I think the key selling advantage of this car is the hard top (huge requirement for most of the US esp NE/NW). Plus the hardtop looks so much better (top up) than the soft top merc or audi (my opinion). Once again, great review by Alexi....
Even with this longer format, you have my attention. great review and very comprehensive.
This guy is the 🐐 of reviewers....
Great review! could you review the 228i xdrive or 235i xdrive. Thanks!
Hey Alex, could you please review the 2015 Honda CR-V when it is released? I noticed that it had gone through a refresh for the 2015 model year. Another note, have you heard any information about the Honda HR-V?
Alex on Autos How about doing 2015 Subaru Legacy or Outback? Whadya think let me know
Is it a reliable buy, if used??
great review on part 1 and 2
Alex on Autos Alex do the 2015 camaro or mustang next, you give the best reviews, but im not subscribed untill review one of these cars.
I hope to have one before the end of the year.
Is this model assembled in US or 100% from Germany?
Excellent review!
The F type looks amazing in person. Terribly impractical, of course, list most Jags.
Would u rather have this or m235i
Good news if you are under 65 you're probably better with the coupe. Convertibles will toast your scalp and are mostly only for show off. I haven't found something special riding inside a cenvertible, unless perhaps if it was a 20ft long convertible DeVille.
Great review again - thank you. But wait, at the end the Beemer is a $70,000 convertible but the better Jaguar is in a different consumer category? [scratches head confused] It sounds like the best driving fun -the luxury version of a Miata - is the Q60 or the Jaguar, did I get that right?
The Jaguar is the better driver's car but it is an expensive 2-seat convertible. The BMW was nearly $70K when almost fully loaded. The Jag *starts* at $70K. The Q60 had a better road feel but is far less practical with cramped seats, an older interior and practically no trunk.
Alex on Autos
Thanks for the quick reply and the clarifications!
Hi Alex! Awesome review on an awesome car! What's your take on a 435xi gran coupe vs 5 series vs Lexus GS 350 f sport? Any favorites? Is the 435xi a lot better than a 328xi?
Edmarc Barbin The 5-Series has the best interior of the group, the GS 350 is slower than the 435xi but probably a good long term value. The 328xi us a good buy and gets excellent fuel economy.
Hi Alex! What would you choose between the 3 if you were to lease it? Is the 535xi series worth the price premium?
Edmarc Barbin I suspect I would get the 535xi or split the difference with a Volvo S80 T6 AWD and add the Polestar pack.
S80 polestar sounds intriguing..that's if I can find one. Still hoping that the GS AWd f sport gets the ZF eight speed for the 2016 model. If not, The 5 series should have good deals by the end of the year. Hyundai Genesis also looks intriguing! Thanks!
Edmarc Barbin Lexus doesn't use ZF transmissions since they own about 60% of the world's largest transmission manufacturer: Aisin. So if the GS were to get an 8-speed, it would be the Aisin that is used in the RC-F, IS, RC, LS, Cadillac ATS-V, Chevy Corvette and VW Touareg (among others). Although a nice transmission, it's not as responsive as the ZF 8-speed. Unfortunately Lexus seems uninclined to modify their AWD system to work with their 8-speed auto for some reason. Lexus likes to keep things simple and have change happen very slowly so we may not see it until the next major redesign.
Will you do a review of Ford Focus 2015? Off-topic, I know, but no one else on RUclips has yet made a review about it. And I like your reviews the most, so I was curious.
I hope so but I don't know when that will be.
which is faster , this or audi s5?
Call me crazy, but in the broad stokes, would a car coasting in gear actually use LESS fuel than one that was coasting in neutral? The car in neutral is idling, using fuel to keep the engine spinning. The car in gear is engine braking, or using the gravity well to spin the engine, thus needing no fuel or less fuel than at idle. Must be something I'm missing.
It should switch to neutral for enhanced coast distance, however, modern cars use fuel shut off when coasting, so it uses the same amount of fuel either in gear or coasting.
You're right, it is a tricky thing. While modern engines with aggressive fuel cutoffs will use essentially no gas while in gear and the throttle is off, the coasting mode allows you to coast farther while the engine idles with no load. Supposedly this is slightly more efficient than the aggressive fuel cut off alone but the difference is minor. Over a full tank of gas the coasting mode (on all the time) supposedly saved me 7 miles which is about 1/3 of a gallon.
Great review, thanks
How about winter practicality? those are summer tires? what if I want to drop the top while there is some water on it? would the water go in the trunk?
The model we had for testing had all season tires on it but many versions do have summer tires that you would need to swap out. The AWD versions of the 4-series with winter tires should be fine in the snow and the hard top is far more insulating than a soft top. As far as dropping the car with water on it, you will get some in the car, some in the trunk and some will slide off the car onto the ground. It's best to dry it off first.
Thx for the reply, very informative.
Stuck between this 435i or the E350 convertible... Any suggestions??
The 435i gives you more power, more comfortable back seats, the convenience, security and quiet ride of a hard top without much of a toll since the trunk space is nearly identical. On top of that the BMW is also less expensive making it an easy win in my book.
Alex on Autos Thanks!!!
@alexonautos I disagree. I test drove both cars and found the e350 to be much more spacious, luxurious and attractive than the 435i. Not to mention how rare naturally aspirated engines are these days (that sound is the most amazing thing)
When to See a review of the Acura tlx I always like your show.
I hope to have one soon, it is high on my list.
nice review
nice ad, ill give you a shot
Alex where do u get the fact that the Audi S5 is not faster than the 435? Are u kidding me? I own a 2013 cabrio and I am actually just ordered a 435i xDrive convertible... The S5 is a full second faster than the 435 and even if u don't look at the numbers, the feel of the drive is completely different. The S5 is so much more powerful from the start. No delay, huge torque and instant Dual Clutch shifting. There is torque at all speeds. Even at highway speeds. The 435 is lagging, slow and heavier and there no torque AT ALL, even at high RPM's.
I have seen other reviews of the 435 and even with launch control, it doesn't do better than 5.5s and u can feel how slow it is, just by driving it...
I have to change the car because of bad timing on my current lease for the 2016 S5 so the 435 is a transitional car for me. I love the look and the technology but the amount of power BMW got out of it, is a disgrace. It feels slower than my 2008 335i Convertible...
Cheers
Patrick
think he said the A5 was slower, not the s5
The Infiniti Q whatever convertible was a big drop off from the coupe version. Tons more weight and you could really feel it. It felt great however and normally would be competitive but for some reason Infiniti wants $60,000 for them. Even with $10K discounts they felt overpriced given the age of the design and having almost no trunk.
9/10 only for acceleration
This car is dirt cheap now
Price on this is ridiculous. Mustang convertible is a 80-90% the car at half the price.
mustang is a good value but it has no where near the luxury tech or folding hardtop