Cabriolets, drop-head coupes, rag-tops, roadsters, soft-tops and spiders; regardless of what car manufacturers and customers call them, they are all convertibles by any other name. There’s a lot of choice out there, though, so we’ve trawled through the best new cars to round up the best convertible cars of 2024.
We’ve options to cover most bases, ranging from affordable roadsters through to premium drop-top cars that pack a punch – and there’s even an all-electric option and an off-roader on our list. So, if you’re looking forward to summer motoring and want to shortlist some convertibles now, read on for our recommendations.
Best convertible cars 2024
An upmarket drop-top that's a delight to drive
It's as desirable as its forebears, with a high quality, tech-laden interior, powerful-yet-economical engines and engaging handling. There’s also room inside for four adults, with a usefully sized boot ready for roof-down jaunts and weekends away. Lockdown restrictions, permitting.
To find out more, read our full BMW 4-Series Convertible review
Pros
- Great driving experience
- High-end interior
- Comfortable and refined
Cons
- Divisive styling
- 420i version feels weak
Compact cabrio packs refined electric power
As with the exterior styling, the cabin’s more restrained and less cutesy than before, using higher quality materials to help justify the higher price. If it’s too dear, then it’s worth noting that Fiat’s still selling its predecessor, the 500C, which is now exclusively available with a mild-hybrid petrol powertrain.
To find out more, read our full Fiat 500 Electric Convertible review
Pros
- Charming character and styling
- Quiet, strong performance
- Good range for its size
Cons
- Lack of interior buttons can be annoying
- Some significant blind spots
Entry-level Porsche is still sublime
Aural engagement aside, these latest models are both faster and more efficient than their predecessors and remain achingly engaging to drive. Superb build quality remains a constant, making Porsche’s two-seater roadster an excellent long-term proposition, but go easy on the optional extras or you’ll risk ending up with a very expensive example of the breed.
To find out more, read our full Porsche 718 Boxster review
Pros
- Excellent handling
- Neat electric roof
- Great build quality
Cons
- Can get expensive
- Cabin isn't the most modern
Premium compact drop-top offers lots of fun
Getting you about are a suite of zesty petrol engines, with the Cooper S being the quickest model – unlike the three-door MINI Hatch this Convertible’s based upon, there’s no lairy John Cooper Works range-topper. Nevertheless, you can let your imagination run riot with personalisation options to make your MINI unique. Your scope is only really limited by your budget.
To find out more, read our full MINI Convertible review
Pros
- Great fun to drive
- Quality interior and roof
- Lots of options
Cons
- Ride can be busy
- Boot is small
A spacious and high-quality convertible
Sports car the E-Class Cabriolet isn’t, but if you prefer your elegant soft-top to be bestowed with even more urgency then seek out the AMG E 53 versions. A remarkably accomplished drop-top package with ample space for four to enjoy roof-down road trips.
To find out more, read our full Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet review
Pros
- Luxury feel and comfort
- Relaxing driving experience
- Good value for what it is
Cons
- Diesel versions can be a bit noisy
- Rivals offer keener handling
Sublime Lexus delivers more than just jaw-dropping looks
Unlike the LC Coupe, there’s no hybrid option, but like its hard-top sibling, the rear seats are very short on space. Best to think of this as a two-seater with extra luggage capacity. If you can afford to buy and run one, the LC Convertible’s a great choice for those who don’t follow conventions.
To find out more, read our full Lexus LC Convertible review
Pros
- Gorgeous styling, inside and out
- Fantastic V8 engine
- High-end ownership experience
Cons
- Expensive to buy and run
- Rear seats are a token gesture
Ever-popular sports car is still a top choice
Two peppy petrol engines are available, neither of which is turbocharged meaning you have to work the deliciously slick gearbox to extract the best of the performance, rather like an old-school sports car.
To find out more, read our full Mazda MX-5 review
Pros
- Terrific fun
- Great value for money
- Simple folding fabric roof
Cons
- Very small
- Not much storage space
Convertible VW SUV is practical and enjoyable
Today, though, the only convertible Volkswagen on sale is the T-Roc Cabriolet – a drop-top SUV in other words. Before there’s any mouth-frothing in anger, VW’s quick to point out it has a history of producing soft-top SUVs, although most were rather basic in execution.
To find out more, read our full Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet review
Pros
- Spacious and practical for a convertible
- Comes with lots of equipment
- Definitely stands out...
Cons
- More expensive and less practical than the normal SUV
- A bit wobbly
A proper off-roader with stacks of charm
If that still feels too enclosed you can also remove the side doors and lower the windscreen. That must feel fantastic in Miami, but more bracing in Mablethorpe.
To find out more, read our full Jeep Wrangler review
Pros
- Incredible off-road ability
- Easier to drive than before
- Lots of fun
Cons
- Uncompetitive handling
- Limited space
What is a convertible?
For simplicity, we’re considering any car with a fold-down roof as a convertible, regardless of what labels their creators have saddled them with.
Most convertibles on sale now have high quality fabric soft-tops for lightness and ease of packaging. The vogue for folding hard-tops – often called coupe cabriolets – that reignited in the late 1990s has now largely waned away.
Most convertibles have either two or four seats, but some have space for five occupants.
Are convertibles still popular?
Not to the degree they were, no. Most mainstream car manufacturers no longer offer convertible, largely because they were often based around three-door models and most examples of that bodystyle have also gone out of production.
Part of that drop in popularity is because convertibles tended to be based on existing two- and three-door models to help keep costs down, but those bodystyles have also fallen out of favour with car buyers.
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