When it comes to top-down driving, the sky is the limit.
Picture it: you’re on a weekend drive. The weather is perfect, the roads are winding, the view is spectacular, and the traffic is nonexistent. Most importantly, the roof of your car is down, because you’re not behind the wheel of just any performance car, you’re behind the wheel of a sports car with a convertible roof, because there’s nothing else in the automotive world that can replace it.
Some of the world’s most celebrated cars in history have been luxury coupe convertible cars, and even today, 2023 convertibles continue to pay homage to those legendary cars, and even innovate and offer modern engineering in the form of both soft-top convertible cars and power hard top convertible cars. New convertibles are able to deliver the classic driving joy that the best luxury convertibles have done throughout history, while also being some of the fastest convertibles with modern technology and excellent luxury features on the road. The best new convertibles of 2023 come from brands all over the world, and appeal to greatly varied tastes, so if you’re wondering which convertible is right for you, keep reading and you’ll find out what the best convertible models on the market are.
2023 Aston Martin Convertibles
There’s a reason that the British luxury performance brand is so well known for its performance cars, and its penchant for some of the most enjoyable premium convertible models is one of them. Whether it’s exquisite design, artisanal craftsmanship, classic luxury, or ample power, an Aston Martin convertible has everything it takes to make a truly unforgettable car, and regardless of which one you own, you’ll truly be behind the wheel of something special.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster
Much to the chagrin of most car enthusiasts, the entire automotive industry is waving a sad goodbye to the V12, Aston Martin included. The V12 Vantage is one of the final iterations of the incredible engine, and putting the two-door convertible together with a large, powerful engine is a recipe for success.
Aston Martin DBS Volante
The most potent grand tourer from Aston Martin, the DBS, is one of the most desirable and elegant cars that money can buy. The convertible version of the car, the DBS Volante, ups the ante of the incredible visceral driving experience.
Aston Martin DB11 Volante
Throughout much of automotive history, the grand touring car has been an important staple and example of automotive heritage and excellence, and the Aston Martin DB11 Volante is one of the most poignant and elegant grand tourers made, only enhanced further with the top down and the wind blowing past.
2023 Audi Convertibles
Known for sharp design that echoes its cars understated luxury and unfussy driving precision, Audi’s cars inspire confidence in their drivers with powerful engines, clever drivetrains, and subdued style. Especially with Audi’s celebrated quattro four-wheel drive, being behind the wheel of an Audi convertible means that you can focus purely on enjoying the great weather, the beautiful scenery, the road ahead, and the comforts of an excellent luxury car.
Below are a few of our favorite convertibles from Audi, some of which are the best all wheel drive convertibles made, and all of them are sure to achieve the seemingly-simple goal of putting a smile on your face when you’re behind the wheel.
Audi A5 Cabriolet
The Audi A5 Cabriolet competes with quite a few other models as a German four seat convertible, and it is quite a strong entry. One of the highlights of this car is its subtle elegance and all-wheel drive, making for coastal cruises with all fun and no fuss.
Audi S5 Cabriolet
If you love the look and feel of the A5 Cabriolet, but yearn for a bit more performance, turn to the S5. With a turbocharged V6 engine pumping out 349 horsepower, twisting mountain passes are sure to become your playground.
Audi TT Roadster
We’ll address the elephant in the room: the TT Roadster is certainly not the roomiest convertible, but the stylish sports car hasn’t been a darling of car enthusiasts the world over for no reason. Its undeniably charming looks, impressive driving characteristics, and classic sports car ethos are things that in today’s automotive world are just too good to be true.
2023 BMW Convertibles
Known for its driver-focused luxury, BMW has famously claimed to make “The Ultimate Driving Machine.” Often, when car enthusiasts think of something that might be the “ultimate driving machine” outside of just the BMW brand, they think of a car they can take out on the weekends with perfect weather, top down, destination undefined. Combine BMW’s luxury and performance know-how with convertible driving fun, and you really might just have The Ultimate Driving Machine on your hands. Some of our favorites feature bold style, brash performance, and aspirational luxury.
BMW M8 Competiton
BMW’s flagship performance convertible features a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, and with as much as 617 horsepower, it’s one of the highest horsepower convertibles you can buy. Combine that with luxury and top-down glamor and you have quite a special vehicle.
BMW Z4 Roadster
The classic two-seat sports car is personified by the BMW Z4, a spirited roadster that is all about weekend fun. With its nimble character and striking looks, it has remained a desirable machine for years.
BMW 430i
The BMW 4 Series is a staple amongst luxury coupes, and its convertible counterpart equally demonstrates its excellence when it comes to technology, luxury features, and driving character.
BMW M440i
An extra dose of performance gives the 4 Series convertible extra edge and sporty driving character. Racing-inspired looks and performance-oriented enhancements will have you ready to carve into corners with this machine.
BMW M4 Competition
When it comes to performance, the M4 Competition is the furthest distillation that BMW offers of the 4 Series. As a result, you get formidable power, bold, exotic styling, and an unforgettable driving experience.
2023 Bentley Convertibles
As a brand, Bentley has one of the longest and richest histories of any name in the automotive industry. Having spent over a century as a purveyor of vehicles that beautifully combine the pinnacles of both luxury and performance, Bentley has been responsible for some of the most amazing convertibles to ever grace a road.
With yachting-inspired luxury and design, and spirited, powerful performance, Bentley convertibles are some of the best cars you can buy for both boulevard cruising and sporty switchback drives.
Bentley Continental GTC Mulliner
Mulliner is Bentley’s bespoke division, derived from the world’s oldest coachbuilder. With the Bentley Continental GTC Mulliner, you’ll get to have personalized style implemented on a timeless silhouette, with immense power and luxurious comfort to match.
Bentley Continental GTC Speed
You might be behind the wheel of a sumptuous Bentley with the top down, but if you feel like having a serious speed demon on your hands at the same time, the Continental GTC Speed is for you, with the most potent performance of any Continental GTC model.
Bentley Continental GTC S
Both the styling and drive of this iteration of the Bentley Continental GTC show it off as an edgy and performance-oriented version of the Continental GTC. Its 4.0-liter V8 engine has what it takes to make driving a pleasure.
Bentley Continental GTC
Bentley’s grand touring convertible, the Continental GTC is a irreplicable blend of performance, luxury, and style, an expertly-crafted masterpiece that Bentley has become known for derlivering consistently.
2023 Chevrolet Convertibles
American performance is unique within the automotive industry, with loud engines and hot-rod speed, and the best American performance cars give their drivers a feeling that their European and Asian counterparts just can’t replicate. Chevrolet has spent decades making cars that embody these characteristics, and their speed, heritage, and motorsport mettle make them some of the most celebrated cars in the American performance pantheon. With the best Chevrolet Convertibles, you’ll have a great time behind the wheel.
Chevrolet C8 Corvette
Aiming to claim a spot in the pantheon of the world’s supercars, the C8 Chevrolet Corvette has, at long last, begun to sport a mid-engined layout, bringing its performance to the next level. In addition, the convertible version features a retractable hard top, making it one of the most exhilarating rear wheel drive convertibles ever.
2023 Ferrari Convertibles
The Prancing Horse is one of the greatest brands in the entire automotive industry, with a history of making the world’s most desired performance cars, and helping set a standard for Italy as the world’s premier capital of performance car excellence. Throughout the decades, Ferrari has brought the world some of its greatest convertibles, and with the top down, the experience of being behind the wheel of a Ferrari goes from being amazing, to being a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Keep reading to see some of our favorite droptop Cavallinos, and get ready to daydream about sunny days and sporty driving.
Ferrari 812 GTS
The return after a 50-year gap of a front-engined, V12-powered Ferrari spider came in the form of the raucous but elegant 812 GTS, a car that has as much beauty as it does brawn, and personifies Ferrari flawlessly.
Ferrari 296 GTS
The spider version of the Ferrari 296 heralds a new era for the brand, sporting a revolutionary V6 engine that pairs with a hybrid system to deliver power and performance that eclipses its larger, thirstier predecessors.
Ferrari SF90 Spider
The flagship of the new and rejuvenated Ferrari brand, the SF90 Spider, features a V8 engine and a hybrid system, coming together to result in one of Ferrari’s most potent and awe-inspiring vehicles yet.
Ferrari F8 Spider
The sporty Ferrari coupe transforms into an exhilarating drivng experience when you retract the roof of the Ferrari F8 Spider, bringing an al fresco aspect to its brash V8 performance.
Ferrari Portofino M
Ferrari’s grand touring know-how is most prominently shown off in this car. Its elegant proportions, powerful engine, and easy-to-enjoy retractable hard top make the Portofino a dream car for any enthusiast.
Ferrari 812 Competizione A
The 812 gets a healthy extra heap of performance in its Competizione iteration, and with the ability to take the top down in the 812 Competizione A makes it an undoubtedly thrilling driving experience.
2023 Jaguar Convertibles
Known for classy and elegant automotive offerings, Jaguar convertibles have been celebrated for decades for their performance, luxury, and undeniably handsome styling. Modern Jaguar convertibles, like the F-Type, as well as the XK convertibles of the recent past, take inspiration from Jaguar convertibles from decades ago which were pioneers in their ability to perform, comfort, and wow drivers and passers by alike. With inspiration coming from historical icons like the legendary Jaguar E-type, Jaguar has plenty of success to look back on when it comes to putting pen to paper to design the incredible convertibles it makes today.
Jaguar F-Type
This incredibly stylish roadster is Jaguar’s incredible homage to what is widely considered one of the most beautiful cars ever made: the E-type. With stunning styling, and incredible performance, we can say the F-Type is a worthy successor.
2023 Lamborghini Convertibles
The Fighting Bull is known for making incredible performance cars. With some of the most bold, futuristic styling the automotive industry has ever seen, and also some of the most ruthless performance that any piece of asphalt has ever been subjected to. The brand’s incredible supercars are celebrated the world over for their irreplaceable characteristics, and it only gets better once the roof comes down. Lamborghini’s droptop models are capable of giving their drivers and passengers once-in-a-lifetime thrills, and our favorites are also some of the most beautiful cars to ever grace a collection.
Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Roadster
Being the final Aventador and final Lamborghini flagship roadster to feature a “pure” naturally-aspirated V12 engine, the Aventador Ultimae Roadster went all-out. It features some of the most amazing customization, power, and luxury that the Aventador has ever seen.
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster
The sequel to the Aventador SV, the Aventador SVJ Roadster ruthlessly sees its performance potential through. With an immense fixed spoiler and exposed carbon fiber everywhere, the bold style and beastly performance of the supercar is a true thrill with the roof down.
Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder
The Lamborghini Huracan Evo boasts the power and incredibly unique engine note of a V10, as well as Lamborghin’s bold style and unique luxury. It’s hard not to love a supercar like this.
Lamborghini Huracan Evo RWD Spyder
While most Lamborghini Huracans sport four-wheel drive, the Evo RWD Spyder combines some of the most universal elements of performance driving fun: a powerful mid-mounted engine, a retractable roof, and rear-wheel drive.
2023 Lexus Convertibles
Lexus’s luxury automotive know-how is certainly not to be underestimated. The brand has managed to obtain a revered status as a luxury car manufacturer in a fraction of the time of its historically-significant peers. Whether it’s a sedan, an SUV, or a performance coupe, Lexus knows how to make a car that’s stylish, comfortable, and engaging to drive. This goes for the brand’s convertibles, too, which use careful engineering and futuristic design to wow drivers, passengers, and anyone who lays eyes on them.
Lexus LC Convertible
The Lexus LC 500 is the brand’s flagship grand tourer, known for its dramatic styling, its naturally-aspirated V8 power, and for its clever features like four-wheel steering to give the large coupe the dynamics and nimble characteristics of something much smaller. Adding even more glamour and style is the convertible, built for uncompromising driving pleasure.
2023 Maserati Convertibles
One of the most storied Italian luxury brands in the entire automotive industry, grand touring and the idea of leisurely drives along the Mediterranean coast are one of the central principles upon which Maserati makes its cars. That’s why its convertibles are some of the most potent examples of Maserati’s signature beauty, Italian luxury, and unforgettable driving characteristics. Whether it’s slow or fast, on the coast or in the mountains, driving a Maserati convertible is just about guaranteed to be a good time.
Masrati MC20 Cielo
The debut of the Nettuno V6 engine from Maserati came in the form of the incredible MC20 supercar, the anticipated successor of the legendary MC12. Take its unmistakable beauty and performance and pair it with a retractable roof, and the MC20 Cielo is nothing short of unforgettable.
Maserati GranCabrio
The Pininfarina-penned Maserati GranTurismo has stood the test of time as one of the world’s most beautiful cars. With a Ferrari-derived V8 and its stunningly beautiful design, the GranCabrio adds a removable roof to the mix and makes the car a masterpiece.
2023 McLaren Convertibles
With its roots in racing, McLaren makes cars that combine lightweight construction with high power, beautiful design, and the luxury and exclusivity to make for desirable machines. While McLaren’s coupes are, of course, some of the most amazing supercars to drive, things get even better when you let the air in and take the roof down. With McLaren’s convertibles, you’ll experience some of the most thrilling top-down performance that the automotive industry is capable of offering.
765LT Spider
The Long Tail or LT designation is an important one for McLaren, having derived its roots from race cars. It indicates cars that are more powerful, more aerodynamically optimal, more exclusive, and more fun. The 765LT Spider is a potent performer that promises to make intense drives out of sunny days.
720S Spider
McLaren’s supercars are light, fast, powerful, boldly styled, and lots of fun to drive, and the 720S Spider is no exception. With track potential, and open-air driving, there’s no way that this lightweight supercar couldn’t put a smile on your face.
2023 Mercedes-Benz Convertibles
Mercedes-Benz traces its roots as a brand all the way back to the very first automobile, and that means its history in making some of the best luxury automoibiles the world has ever seen is quite extensive. With various models of convertibles of different sizes that cater to different needs, whether it’s everyday usability, weekend cruising, fast driving fun or even high-speed domination, there’s not only a Mercedes-Benz for you, but one with which you can put the roof down and enjoy the wind in your hair.
Mercedes-Benz C 300 Cabriolet
Easy to drive and even easier to enjoy, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class convertible is nimble, compact, stylish, and luxurious. Its high-quality finishes and healthy powertrain make it fun but not fussy.
Mercedes-Benz C 300 4MATIC Cabriolet
Top-down driving is a pleasure, especially in the modestly-sized and stylish Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet. However, if you’re looking for traction, stability, and driving confidence, all-wheel drive is the way to go, and Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC system provides just that.
Mercedes-AMG C 43 Cabriolet
Courtesy of a twin-turbocharged V6 engine, AMG performance is imbued into the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet for added fun factor for the compact luxury convertible.
Mercedes-Benz E 450 Cabriolet
For quite some time, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet has been a staple for those who want a competent luxury cruiser that is classy, comfortable, and graceful to drive in the open air. The latest rendition continues to deliver on all these fronts.
Mercedes-AMG E 53 Cabriolet
With standard all-wheel drive, a powerful inline-6 engine, and stunning Mercedes-Benz style, the only way to make the Mercedes-AMG E 53 more fun is to offer it with a retractable roof, and luxury and performance are things this car has plenty of.
Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC Cabriolet
When you’re at the wheel of a luxury convertible, your goal is to feel at ease when you’re cruising along beautiful roads in perfect weather. When it comes to traction, stability, and ease of driving, there’s nothing like all-wheel drive, which the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC system offers excellently.
Mercedes-AMG SL 55 Roadster
The SL name for Mercedes-Benz is an important one, being a part of the nomenclature for the important and hallowed 300SL Gullwing coupe. Since then, the name has graced iconic, beautiful, and powerful cars, all of which are beautiful, luxurious, and lots of fun to drive. Now an AMG exclusive, the new SL 55 is no different.
Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Roadster
This is the most potent iteration of the current Mercedes-AMG SL, with all-wheel drive and 577 horsepower. There’s no other way to describe the SL 63 than to say that it’s the grand tourer that dreams are made of.
2023 Porsche Convertibles
It’s one of the most loved brands in both luxury and performance for a reason. Porsche cars are deftly engineered for unfathomable performance and driving joy, and their incredible finishes, unique configurations, and iconic looks have made them a mainstay among car enthusiasts of all kinds. Whether it’s track domination, everyday driver’s car pleasure, or a beautiful car with which to cruise you want, Porsche not only has the right car for you, but the right convertible. Open-air luxury and performance are some of the storied German brand’s best qualities, and with the best new Porsche convertibles, you’ll see that the brand continues to prove exactly that.
Porsche 718 Boxster
With the 718’s mid-engined layout and convertible top, the Porsche 718 Boxster is a car that pays homage to the greatest classic sports cars of all time, and is certainly set to become a part of that pantheon in its own right.
Porsche 718 Boxster T
Enhanced lightweight construction, along with the driver’s car ethos of the 718 Boxster T make it a real ode to car enthusiasts, and on a long drive on winding roads, this convertible is both excellent and entertaining.
Porsche 718 Boxster S
If you love the Boxster, but want just a little more luxury and higher performance from the model, then the Porsche 718 Boxster S is calling your name. It’s got everything that makes the Boxster a lovable car, and then some.
Porsche 718 Boxster GTS
With its further enhanced performance and added features, this is one of the best mid-engined sports convertibles you can get your hands on. Add on the looks and personalization that Porsche offers for the model, and the 718 Boxster GTS is something that can be very special.
Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
The Porsche 911 is a long-standing legend, and in many ways, a car that is one of a kind. The driving pleasure and inherent qualities of the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet are derived from decades of perfecting the formula, and “one of a kind” is an understatement when it comes to this car.
Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet
While rear-wheel drive convertibles are of course plenty of fun, there’s no denying the perks of all-wheel drive. For those who want that added traction and confidence, the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet is for you.
Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet
The 911 Carrera Cabriolet is an excellent car, and of that there is simply no denying. However, those who want more performance and features can look to the Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet for a convertible that’s elevated.
Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet
Mix enhanced performance with all-wheel drive, and you have the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet: a confidence-inspiring performance car that’s both a modern performance engineering marvel and the latest succession of one of the car world’s most respected classics.
Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet
The most potent of the Carrera-designated 911 models, you’ll enjoy great performance, great luxury, and great driving fun behind the wheel of the GTS. Put the top down when the sun is out, or even under a clear and starry sky, and things will get even better with the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet.
Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet
With potent performance, instantly recognizable good looks, high quality finishes, and impressive flat-six sound, there’s not much that can be done to enhance the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS. Add all-wheel drive and put the top down, and you’ve got your answer: the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet.
Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet
There’s nothing quite like the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet. It’s the result of some of the most incredible engineering feats that performance cars have ever seen, and after decades of 911 predecessors, the current Porsche 911 Turbo is the culmination of the best of the best, and as a Cabriolet, all that performance can be felt in the wind that blows right by.
Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet
WIth the incredible performance of this model, it’s hard to simply call the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet a performance car or sports car, as that understatement somewhat ignores the fact that it is able to keep up with and even eclipse the performance of its much flashier supercar peers. With the top down, it’s a remarkable experience.
2023 Rolls-Royce Convertibles
Rolls-Royce is widely considered to be the automotive industry’s preeminent luxury expert, with cars that border on being ostentatious with their meticulous attention to detail, exquisite craftsmanship, and ability to leave just about no stone unturned when it comes to supreme comfort. With the top-down, driving a Rolls-Royce convertible delivers life-changing bliss.
Rolls-Royce Dawn
There isn’t anything in existence quite like the Rolls-Royce Dawn. With its buttery-smooth V12 engine, immense size, beautifully soft and composed driving character, and a boatload of features, it’s simply an amazing vehicle.
2023 Convertibles with Manual Transmissions
Many car enthusiasts are purists when it comes to transmissions, and it’s quite justified. Much of the joy of performance driving comes from the ability to shift the gears with one hand and work the clutch pedal with your left foot. There’s nothing quite like driving that way, and despite the excellence and performance of many counterparts, for many car enthusiasts, the experience of operating a manual transmission is something that simply cannot be replaced by anything, no matter how fast or how easy.
718 Boxster
Enhancing the fact that the excellent and dynamic mid-engined Boxster is the quintessential sports car is the fact that it is offered with three-pedals and a traditional gear stick, putting it in the rare category of 2023 convertible cars with manual transmission.
718 Boxster T
For many this may well be the ultimate driver’s car. It’s a lightweight masterpiece with great performance, driver-focused design and construction, and also a manual transmission to put the driver in control of as much as possible.
718 Boxster S
With added performance and luxury, the traditional value of the manual transmission amps up the glamour and undeniable style of the Porsche 718 Boxster S, making it a dream car for enthusiasts from across the globe.
718 Boxster GTS 4.0
WIth a powerful 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine, the Boxster is taken to the next level with this model. With cruising appeal and track-ready mettle, the GTS 4.0 version of the Porsche Boxster is one of the few manual transmission convertibles that are sure to put a smile on your face as you’re rowing through the gears.
