Best Convertibles

Maserati's first open-top car debuted more than 90 years ago as the 1932 8CM, a race car adapted for road use. Since then, there have been many convertible Maseratis. The modern-day GranCabrio joined the lineup in 2010, and after a four-year gap, this sexy convertible returns as a 2024 model, turning heads wherever it goes.

The GranCabrio is sold alongside its hard-top GranTurismo sibling, offering the same level of performance and comfort but with open-air enjoyment. Like the coupe, the GranCabrio has seating for four, although the back seat is arguably tight. The transition to open motoring is quick; the soft-top retracts in just 14 seconds and can be operated at speeds up to 31 mph.

Styling is clearly influenced by the Italian brand's MC20 supercar, and that's a good thing. Vertical headlights with signature LED lighting flow back over the powerful fenders, and the large Maserati trident is placed boldly in the center of the grille.

Priced above $200,000, the GranCabrio plays in a very exclusive space, combining luxury, performance, and seating for four. While there is nothing quite like the experience of driving a Maserati, other models at this level include the Aston Martin DB12 Volante, BMW M8 Competition Convertible, Porsche 911 GTS Cabriolet, and Bentley Continental GTC.

Currently, Maserati only offers the GranCabrio in the top-level Trofeo trim, which boasts a 542-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine and all-wheel drive. While all-wheel drive improves overall performance, some enthusiasts will lament the lack of a rear-wheel drive option.

The 2024 Maserati GranCabrio is on sale now and will be joined next year by the all-electric, 761-hp GranCabrio Folgore.

The all-new 2024 DB12 is the latest in a long line of Aston Martin GT cars that began in the 1950s. With a long hood and bold rear fenders, the DB12 features the classic lines of its grand touring predecessors. But this latest DB features a wider track and a more prominent grille, giving the sexy coupe a more aggressive look. New stylish LED headlights flank the grille, and the DB12 wears the latest version of the Aston Martin wings badge.

With more power from its twin-turbo V8 and significantly improved handling, the DB12 goes head-to-head with the iconic Porsche 911 Turbo S, but with a more luxurious interior. The Bentley Continental GT offers a more spacious cabin but weighs about 1,000 pounds more than the DB12. At the other end of the GT scale, the McLaren GT delivers higher performance but has considerably less passenger and cargo space compared to the Aston Martin.

The new DB12 provides an excellent blend of luxury and performance without skimping on either of these essential traits. The ride is supremely comfortable, but with excellent steering and plenty of power on tap, the DB12 is an absolute joy to drive. Aston Martin also vastly improved the infotainment system, an upgrade that was desperately needed. It may lack rear seat room and cargo space, but this new DB12 hits the sweet spot for a high-performance GT car.

One of the newest models in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the stylish CLE (Coupe and Cabriolet) was designed to take the best attributes of the two models it replaced: the two-door variants of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Similar in length to the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet, the Mercedes CLE has sleek lines and an elegant interior that boasts the brand’s latest high-tech features.

The 2025 CLE is offered in three performance levels, each with a modern mild-hybrid powertrain and standard Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive. The base-level CLE 300 gets a turbo four-cylinder engine that puts out 255 horsepower, matching that of the BMW 4 Series. A turbocharged six-cylinder rated at 375 hp powers the CLE 450, while the top-level AMG CLE 53 bumps up to 443 hp, delivering performance similar to the BMW M4 and Audi S5.

No matter which powerplant you choose, the CLE features a premium interior with high-quality materials throughout. Newly developed front sport seats are available with heating, cooling, and massage features. The seats also get integrated speakers for the standard premium audio system. An 11.9-inch vertical touchscreen displays the latest MBUX infotainment system, complemented by the 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and available head-up display.

While two-door coupes and convertibles have become a rarity in today’s market, the Mercedes-Benz CLE is an ideal example with a luxurious, comfortable cabin, usable rear seat, and excellent driving dynamics. It holds its own against its BMW 4 Series/M4 and Audi A5/S5 rivals.

The Ford Mustang is instantly recognizable and needs no explanation. Now in its seventh generation, it remains true to the formula that has made it such a hit for the past 60 years: stylish, sporty, and affordable. Available in three key variations, the 2024 Ford Mustang might need no explanation, but its continued existence in a market dominated by crossover utilities probably does. And the simple answer is that Ford believes thousands of buyers still want what Mustang is selling: good looks and fun-to-drive performance in a vehicle that doesn't require mortgaging the homestead. With the return of four-cylinder EcoBoost and V8-powered GT models, plus a new 500-horsepower Dark Horse V8 variant, 2024 Mustang pricing ranges from near $32,500 to just under $60,000.

On the outside, the Ford design team created a new take on the classic Mustang look. It retains the iconic Mustang grille treatment but in three distinct variations for the EcoBoost, GT, and Dark Horse. The overall design is more muscular than ever. Highlights include the subtle tri-bar LED headlights and a shorter rear overhang. Perhaps the most arresting features are the highly styled rear end and the new interpretation of the Mustang tri-bar taillights.

While the Mustang's direct competitor, the Chevrolet Camaro, is retiring after the current model year, Ford is renewing its icon for another generation.

The Mercedes-Benz SL has been a fixture in the German manufacturer's lineup for decades, having secured its position at the most exclusive convertible in the Mercedes showroom thanks to its top-notch engineering, jaw-dropping horsepower, and unquestioned refinement. The SL offers similar comfort and tech amenities to the S-Class, a sedan considered by many to be the benchmark for luxury, full stop.

Now in the model's seventh generation, the modern SL was introduced in 2022, and it is available in three flavors, all of which carry the AMG emblem. Mercedes' in-house performance division provides every SL with a high-end engine making anywhere from 375-577 horsepower, depending on the model. Also standard is a nine-speed automatic transmission, and, on upper models, an adaptive suspension and limited-slip differential. The SL is remarkably fun to drive, though not quite as engaging in its steering and acceleration as the Porsche 911 or Chevrolet Corvette.

But for those who need their sports car to pull double-duty as a luxury vehicle, the SL is hard to beat. Nappa leather upholstery comes standard on the SL, available in a wide range of colors. And customers can customize the paint color, interior headliner, steering wheel, and more. On the tech front, the SL offers a Burmester surround-sound system, a virtual interior assistant, and some of the most amazing windshield wipers on the market.

The SL's balance of power and comfort make it one of the top luxury cars on the market, with a moniker that conveys prestige and taste. Rivals include the Jaguar F-Type, Porsche 911, Lexus LC, BMW 8 Series, and Chevrolet Corvette.

Two doors and a powerful engine — that’s the classic formula that inspires the 2025 BMW 4 Series, the latest in a long line of sports coupes from the world-famous automaker. The 4 Series coupe is a sharper, sleeker version of the BMW 3 Series sedan and it certainly looks the part. Its many sharp creases and bulging curves indicate that this luxury cruiser carries the DNA of a sports car.

This second-generation 4 Series debuted in 2021, so BMW issued refreshed styling and some mechanical updates for the 2025 model year. The exterior tweaks are minor, but they make the 4 Series look more sinister than before. Tweaks under the skin mean that both available engines are now assisted by mild-hybrid technology, intended to deliver slight improvements to fuel economy and off-the-line acceleration.

The 4 Series also has a classy and refined cabin. The interior is full of rich materials, modern styling, and impressive technology highlighted by a 14.9-inch center touchscreen. It befits the car’s driving style, which is closer to a traditional luxury car than the sportiest coupes of BMW’s past. For a true high-performance experience, check out the BMW M4 and M4 Competition, which we review separately.

Of course, there are several direct competitors in the luxury coupe segment. Among them are heavy hitters such as the Lexus RC, Audi A5, and Mercedes-Benz CLE.

Any shopping list of sports cars should begin with the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette. This two-door coupe or convertible looks and acts like a foreign exotic that would cost many times its asking price. Since its debut in 2020, the mid-engine C8 generation has gotten no less impressive in terms of performance, and no less enticing in terms of value. Simply put, it’s the benchmark against which you should measure all other options.

Every 2025 Corvette gets a potent V8 engine. The base-level Stingray has a 6.2-liter V8 making 490 horsepower, while the juiced-up Z06 has a 5.5-liter V8 making 670 hp. There is also a gas-electric hybrid called the Corvette E-Ray, which is reviewed separately. No matter which Vette you choose, expect exceptional balance and agility on the road. Thanks to its excellent weight distribution and mid-engine layout, the Corvette is a joy to drive at any speed.

The interior has historically been a sore spot for Corvettes. But in this Corvette the cabin is comfortable and can even be called plush. Some drivers may find it a little tricky to get in and out of, but it's practical for a sports car, with a trunk in front and a convenient storage space behind the engine. Believe it or not, that helps make the Corvette impressively usable on a daily basis.

Now in its sixth model year, the 2025 Corvette remains an excellent mix of thrills and savings. It has the wow factor and driving chops to match expensive rivals, and it can out-duel anything in its price range. Other competitors in the field include the Porsche 911 and Lexus LC 500, each with a distinct charm and personality. But the Corvette is likely the most well-rounded of the bunch — no small feat for an American brand.

The 2024 Bentley Continental is a luxury grand tourer that embodies refinement, power, and advanced technology. This model continues Bentley's legacy of blending opulent comfort with exceptional performance, making it a standout in the ultra-luxury segment. It offers a range of powerful engines, including a 4.0-liter V8 and a 6.0-liter W12, delivering remarkable acceleration and smooth power delivery that positions it well above many competitors.

In comparison to rivals like the Mercedes-Benz SL and the Aston Martin DB12, the Continental stands out with its exceptionally plush and customizable interior, offering a higher level of luxury with superior materials and advanced technology. The Continental’s advanced infotainment system and driver assistance features are more sophisticated compared to some rivals, although they still fall short of the very latest in tech from brands like Porsche. Its ride quality is supremely comfortable, though the firmer suspension settings may not be as forgiving over rough roads as the softer setups in the luxury segment.

Strengths of the 2024 Bentley Continental include its extraordinary build quality, powerful engine options, and a highly customizable interior that can be tailored to suit the buyer’s exacting standards. However, the model's high price point and limited rear seat space can be seen as drawbacks, especially when compared to the more practical and less expensive offerings from brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Overall, the Bentley Continental remains a top choice for those seeking bespoke luxury and performance, but potential buyers should weigh its premium price and the practical aspects of rear passenger comfort against its high-end appeal and driving dynamics.

The 2025 BMW 8 Series is a major player in an exclusive club that includes the most lavish, powerful, and luxurious cars in the world. It competes well against the [Mercedes-Benz SL] (/mercedes-benz/sl) and even the [Maserati GranTurismo] (/maserati/granturismo/). And like those impressive upscale machines, the 8 Series delivers exhilarating performance along with healthy doses of extravagance. This is a car that feels equally at home motoring along a gently sweeping coastal route or gliding along tony metropolitan streets. But because of its size and weight, don’t expect this BMW to have the nimble athleticism of a sports car.

BMW has all the bases covered with the 8 Series. It’s available as a two-door coupe or convertible and a four-door Gran Coupe. Even the lowest-rung 840i models are decadent machines with plenty of motivation from the standard 335 horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder engine. But it’s the more powerful models that truly deliver awesome performance. The M550i packs well over 500 hp and is stunningly quick; the special 612-hp Alpina B8 model is, too, but it comes at a price, easily clearing $150,000.

Downsides? Not many. The most glaring fault of the 8 Series is in the rear seating. The low roofline means back-seat headroom is compromised. And that’s true for every model. Legroom is tight, too. So those back seats are only appropriate for shorter trips, kids, or both. Some of the 8 Series’ closest competitors, like the Audi S7, have rear seating that offers more comfort.

The pricing for BMW’s 2025 8 Series lineup starts at just over $90,000 and tops $150,000 for that impressive Alpina B8 model. Look for the ultra-performance BMW M8 in a separate review.

The 2024 Lexus LC, which is offered as a hard-top coupe or a soft-top convertible, offers sensational performance, a beautifully crafted cabin, and dynamic styling that turns heads. It has room for two and not much else, as the makeshift rear seats barely fit a handbag or laptop case, and the trunk isn't much larger. The utility factor is certainly low, but that's OK for a car like the LC. Its primary purpose is getting two adults to their destination in comfort and style while having a little fun along the way.

The standard LC 500 comes with a 471-horsepower V8 engine that absolutely sings at speed, yet is unobtrusive and smooth around town. A standard 10-speed automatic transmission handles the shifting, which can also be adjusted to feel aggressive or tame. There's also a hybrid version that pairs a V6 engine with an electric motor. It gives up some power for improved efficiency, but it's still an entertaining drive. Quick steering and a firm suspension deliver exceptionally agile handling that gives the LC the feel of a true sports car. It's nowhere near as aggressive as the Chevrolet Corvette or Porsche 911, but it holds its own on a twisty road.

The LC's cabin is another strong point, as it's beautifully built with a design that lives up to the six-figure price. Every aspect of the interior shows elements of thoughtful design. From the deeply sculpted seats to the door handles, the LC feels special. The infotainment system has been upgraded this year with a larger screen and much-improved software. It also does away with the frustrating touchpad controller, which was one of the few flaws in the previous model.

With only two trim levels to choose from, the Lexus LC doesn't have the dizzying array of options offered by Porsche's 911, but it does stack up well against the BMW 8 Series and Jaguar F-Type, both of which are offered as a coupe and convertible.

Don't mess with success is Mazda's mantra when it comes to its popular MX-5 Miata convertible. The drop-top's recognizable design has attracted attention for more than 20 years as it zips along winding roads and sun-drenched valleys. Freshened this year with new headlights and taillights, the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata remains everything you want for a fun drive. Smooth, powerful, and playful, the rear-wheel-drive convertible comes in two body styles: a traditional soft-top convertible and the RF, which features a power-retractable roof panel. And with a base price near $30K, the Miata is not just a bargain, it's the most affordable two-seat convertible available.

With an updated infotainment system, the 2024 Miata is more pleasurable than ever. Its rudimentary display screen has been replaced with a larger 8.8-inch unit, providing crisper graphics and updated features, including Alexa functionality. The rival BMW Z4 and Porsche 718 Boxster still offer more of the latest tech features, but both are much more expensive than the zippy little Mazda. All Miatas come with a 181-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Rated at 25 mpg for city driving and 36 mpg on the highway, the Mazda is more fuel-efficient than the BMW and Porsche, providing even more smiles per mile.

You almost forget how good-looking a car can be until you see a vehicle like the 2024 Audi A5. It is especially attractive in its coupe and convertible versions, and the Sportback makes its four-door shape look positively swoopy. Each of these desirable shapes is wrapped around high-tech mechanicals and tastefully crafted interiors. Yes, the various A5 models have been on the market for several years now. And yes, there are rumors that an all-new A5 is on the horizon. But, for style and luxury at a price under $50K, the Audi A5 is a great option. Though the A5 comes in three body styles, all use the same all-wheel-drive quattro powertrain with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine providing the power. The chassis and suspension provide a combination of Euro-style handling and ride comfort. The acceleration is exhilarating, and the A5's quick steering and precision braking provide all-around driving dynamics that crossover SUVs just can't match. Occupants will find themselves in an artfully simple cabin filled with upscale materials like real wood and genuine leather.

While coupes and convertibles have largely vanished from mainstream brands, the luxury marques still offer some very compelling examples. Among them, the 2024 Audi A5 is a strong competitor. Its chief rival is the recently redesigned Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Its coupe and convertible versions offer newer tech combined with superb styling. Another direct competitor is the BMW 4 Series, which has more base horsepower. The Lexus RC offers more than 100 extra horsepower compared to the base A5 Sportback with its 40 TSFI engine. But the more powerful 45 TSFI engine in the coupe, convertible, and available in the Sportback, fills much of that gap. Despite stiff competition, the Audi A5 remains a well-balanced and desirable choice.