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Best Hybrid and Mild-Hybrid Convertibles of 2022
Considering the over-the-top luxury of the style, you may think a hybrid convertible is somewhat paradoxical. However, what people oftentimes forget is that hybridization is not always about improving fuel economy. Strapping some electric components onto an already eminently capable powertrain can actually improve its performance. This is a pretty unique application, though, and the list of hybrid convertible cars is a very short one.
Nevertheless, we have not let that stop us from reviewing each model extensively. You will want to know exactly what is under the hood, how luxurious the interior is, and what features come standard. We also tell you how these pricey beauts drive, and if you save on the gas bill - not that most buyers in this price bracket are particularly worried about this.
BuzzScore
Design
Performance
MPG
Interior
Infotainment
Reliability
Safety
Value
Mild Hybrid Systems
While there are only a few fully electrified cabrios in the market, the use of mild hybrid technology is becoming more popular, too. This setup is much less complicated than fully hybridized powertrains, and not quite as pricey. Using a 48-volt motor in place of an alternator, the standard combustion engine gets a leg-up from take-off, and a bit of extra oomph when you floor the fast pedal. Engine stop-start is also utilized to conserve power in these cars. So, while these aren’t true hybrids, the likes of the Mercedes-AMG E53 and the highly-anticipated BMW M440i convertibles will fall into this bracket, retailing for around $82k and $65k respectively - a substantial amount less than the expected 3.7 million dollars required to own the mild-hybrid-powered Lamborghini Sian Roadster. With only 19 examples being produced, this beauty has a combined 819 hp to get you to 62 mph in less than three seconds.
What to Consider Before Buying
This exclusive niche segment gets some very specific advantages, and they might not be what you think:
Pros
Even more power
Which leads to more fun, too
The illusion of owning a green car
Status and bragging rights
Cons
It does not actually improve mileage all that much
Ups an already exorbitant price tag
Top Hybrid Convertible Cars
With a limited listing of these types of vehicles available in the USA, the following are worth a mention in the hybrid convertible car segment:
- Porsche 918 Spyder: An older contributor to the list, the 918 Spyder is the marque’s plug-in hybrid successor to the Carrera GT, last produced in 2015. With electric motors augmenting the stock V8, this powerhouse makes a combined 887 horses and 944 lb-ft of torque. This is good enough for a 2.8-second sprint to 62 mph, and a 211 mile per hour top speed. Built in limited numbers, you’ll need to pray for a miracle if you want to get your hands on one nowadays.
- Koenigsegg Regera: Fitted with three electric motors to supplement the 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8, the Regera offers mind-blowing outputs of 1,489 hp and 1,475 lb-ft. This allows it to accelerate at lightning speeds, and with the rear wheels doing the work, it’s known for superior cornering abilities, too. You could also take a 22-mile drive on electrical assistance only. But, with only 80 units made, and a price tag over the $2-million mark, this astonishing hypercar is something most of us can only dream of.
- Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta: A truly exclusive speed machine, the Aperta initially sold for around $2-million, but only 210 models were made and rapidly snatched up. What you get for your money, though, is the pinnacle of Italian performance engineering. The absurdly gorgeous sports car comes outfitted with an enormous V8 engine that develops 950 hp and 664 lb-ft when working in concert with the electric motor. Most of the body is comprised of carbon fiber, and this includes the hardtop roof, assuming you do not opt for the fabric version. There is only room for two passengers, though, and the trunk is laughably small with almost no cargo space. Fuel economy is just as ridiculous, despite the MHEV powertrain. The EPA has rated the LaFerrari at 12/15/13 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles.
- BMW i8 Roadster: A true plug-in hybrid, this two-door Bimmer has a total of 369 horses and 420 lb-ft under the hood, and will still dispatch the sprint to sixty in 4.4 ticks. It can be used in pure EV mode too, with 18 miles of range available. It manages to achieve 69 MPGe, and takes around three hours to charge the battery to full.
FAQs about hybrid convertibles
What is the best hybridized convertible for sale?
While we have not given it an official rating, the Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta would undoubtedly nab the top spot. It is stupidly powerful, drives like a true race car, and is drop-dead gorgeous. But you may also drop dead when you see the seven-figured price tag and the fact that you’d likely have to outbid someone to own one, as well as the pitiful mileage figures.
Are there any affordable hybrid convertibles?
The simple answer, currently, is no. If you are looking to purchase new, the cheapest you will find is a stock AMG E53 with a cost of around $82k. However, not much has actually been changed for the latest 2020 iteration, so buying used from 2019 or 2018 would not really hurt your street cred, and it definitely would not hurt your wallet.