The premium vehicle market is ever-growing, but the luxury convertible has been a staple style for decades now. Considered as one of the best looking and most luxurious configurations, these machines are available as either a soft- or removable hardtop with up to 4 seats, although 2-seaters are the norm. Our reviews cover these aspects and more to help you find the perfect roadster for cruising down the road while the wind blows through your hair.
These luxurious convertible cars are seldom lacking in the powertrain department, boasting impressive performance figures to support their gorgeous exteriors. With each machine coming lined with plush upholstery and equipped with the finest tech features, competition is tough. Luckily, we’ve done the work for you, assigning points in each category and awarding the luxury convertibles with an overall BuzzScore to help you separate the wheat from the chaff.
You could easily pick up a stately sedan, a sexy hot hatch, or a practical but stylish SUV for a similar, if not better, price than one of these exclusive beauties. So, why is this segment still so popular after all these years?
Pros
Curb appeal is undeniable
Ride comfort is sublime
Why pay extra for a sunroof when you could opt for no roof at all?
The extra thrill of the wind in your hair when hooning down the road
Extremely high-performance machines
Cons
Exorbitant price tag
Rain puts a real damper on the fun
Middling fuel economy
Cramped back seat, if any
Barely functional trunk
Top luxury convertible cars
All the top names take a spin at designing convertible luxury cars. And, while they aren’t all top scorers, you have to look pretty hard to find a bad pick. Our list includes the following brands:
BMW - One of the leading German automakers, BMW makes the top 5 with the 8 Series and M8. Naturally, the performance-oriented version ranks higher, powered by a twin-turbo V8 that develops 600 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with AWD and makes the 0-60 mph sprint in a blistering 3.2 seconds.
Audi - Also hailing from Germany, the R8 Spyder is one of the best looking convertibles available. Its large air intake vents tease its sporty nature, backed up by a 602-hp and 413-lb-ft V10 in performance guise. This two-door, two-seater may not be the wildest automobile, but it certainly keeps up with the competition.
Rolls-Royce - No name evokes the image of old money more than Rolls-Royce. The Dawn is among the most expensive convertibles in the world, easily setting you back in the region of $350k or more, but its exclusivity is well worth the price tag. Nothing compares to the pure opulence of the interior, and while it is not as quick as some of its lighter compatriots, why would you want to rush? Saviour the experience of driving this enormous cruiser, or sit back and enjoy the breeze in the spacious rear seats.
Some honorable mentions include the Mini Cooper Convertible, the Bentley Continental GT, the Maserati GT, and the Jaguar F-Type, each capable sports machines in their own right and among the best luxury convertibles on the market.
FAQs
What is the best luxury convertible car?
While the Mercedes-Benz S-Class may take our top spot with a score of 9.5, every model in our top 10 earned 9.0 or higher. Whether you pick the BMW M8, Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet, or Rolls-Royce Dawn will ultimately come down to your personal preference and the size of your wallet. Most of these options are among the most expensive convertibles for sale. If you want something different, have a look at the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.
Are there any affordable premium convertibles?
You’ll be hard-pressed to find any cheap choices in this segment, but that does not mean it should cost you a year’s salary. The BMW Z4 Roadster has a reasonable starting MSRP of $49,700, while the Mini Cooper goes for as little as $28,400. However, this is certainly a case of “you get what you pay for.” Alternatively, you could steer away from the pricier 2022 models and look at a used model from 2021. But, if you want to impress with the latest roadster without cashing in the kids’ college fund, you could get a rental for a day.