BMW Debuts the Celebutante’s Ride of Choice at LA Auto Show

In addition to the i8’s North American debut, BMW also appropriately used the LA Auto Show to formally introduce the 4 series convertible to the masses of independently-wealthy celebutantes that jam up LA’s freeways. The big news here is that for the first time ever, the 3/4 series convertible will be available with AWD. What it won’t be available with, however, is a manual gearbox. That’s right, the only ‘box BMW will be installing is their 8 speed automatic. But we can’t imagine that this news will diminish the 4-series convertible’s luster as who wants to shift gears when you’re sipping a chai latte from Urth Caffe while chatting with your assistant on your gold iPhone?

BMW also had the X4 concept on display, which debuted in Shanghai. Previewing the next all-new vehicle to be built in their Spartanburg, SC plant. It’s obviously smaller than the mammoth X6 and give that it’s based on the 3/4 series’ underpinnings it should be more fun to drive as well. Which do you guys prefer?