Best convertibles 2023
With temperatures across the UK soaring, you might be dreaming of enjoying the sunshine at the wheel of a new convertible. Here we name the best – and the one to avoid...
This week, temperatures across the UK will be hotter than in many summer holiday destinations, and when the sun is out, fewer classes of car are easier to enjoy than convertibles.
The best models offer more than just open-top thrills. They also manage to be great to drive, despite needing extra body strengthening to support them once the roof has been taken away.
Below we list our current top 10 best convertibles – and reveal the one we suggest you avoid. If any of them take your fancy, just click on the relevant link to find out more or see how much our New Car Buying service could save you.
The best convertibles
10. Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet
If you're looking for a refined and comfortable convertible, the E-Class should definitely be on your shortlist. It's a fine open-top cruiser that specialises in offering a cushy ride. You get to enjoy it from a beautifully built interior, too. It's just a shame the car feels so heavy in corners and the boot is poorly shaped.
Open-top SUVs are a pretty rare sight on UK roads, but there are lots of reasons to enjoy the T-Roc Cabriolet. For one, there's the sheer enjoyment of having the raised ride height and chunky looks of an SUV, mixed with the open-top thrills of a convertible. The T-Roc Cabriolet is a comfy choice, and there's a good range of petrol engines to choose from. The 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol, in particular, offers punchy performance.
Read our full Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet review >>
Bentley Continental GT Convertible
Drop-tops don’t come much more luxurious than the Bentley Continental GT Convertible, but we’d take the ‘entry-level’ V8 engine over the flagship W12, because it sounds better and is happier to rev.
Read our full Bentley Continental GT Convertible review >>
7. Rolls-Royce Dawn
With prices starting at well over £200,000, the Dawn is even more expensive than the Continental GT Convertible, but it's also exceptionally good. We'd expect it to offer luxurious fittings and a magic-carpet ride – which it does – but the Dawn is also every bit as quiet with the roof up as the Rolls-Royce Wraith coupé on which it's based, with the added advantage of being able to drop its top when the sun is shining.
Read our full Rolls-Royce Dawn review >>
6. BMW 8 Series Convertible
The 8 Series Convertible sits in an interesting little niche, costing much less than the bigger, plusher Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet and Bentley Continental GTC while still feeling more special than the cheaper E-Class Cabriolet. Inside, you get to enjoy BMW's excellent iDrive infotainment system, which is very easy to get along with, while our recommended 840i petrol engine should offer plenty of pace.
If you like your convertibles small and cute, look no further than the Mini Convertible. You get the same smart styling and good driving dynamics as the modern Mini hatchback but there's also an electric folding fabric roof for when the sun is out. Just bear in mind that there isn't a great deal of space for rear passengers.
Read our full Mini Convertible review >>
4. Aston Martin DB11 Volante
Okay, so the DB11 Volante is ultimately less practical than many of the other cars on this list, but in terms of outright driving thrills, it walks over almost any other rival. It offers massive performance, a beautifully crafted interior and is comfortable for long road trips, blending comfort with sporty handling.
Read our full Aston Martin DB11 Volante review >>
3. Lexus LC Convertible
If you want your convertible car to turn heads, few options are better than the Lexus LC Convertible – not only because of its looks, but also due to its thunderous 5.0-litre V8. That engine ensures you won't be lacking for outright pace, but the LC Convertible impresses by being quiet when you need it to be. You also get to enjoy it from a high-quality, eye-catching interior. It's just a shame the infotainment system isn't easier to use.
No small electric cars comes with more Instagrammable looks than the Fiat 500 Cabrio, but beyond its cutesy style, there's plenty of substance on offer here too. You get a 42kWh battery pack that's officially capable of taking you up to 188 miles between charges, while the 117bhp electric motor offers enough punch to make driving on tight urban streets a breeze.
Read our full Fiat 500 Cabrio review >>
1. BMW 4 Series Convertible
So often, turning a great car into a convertible drops it down to merely being good – that's due to the extra weight and strengthening that's needed to support an open-top car, which often changes how it drives. That's not the case with the BMW 4 Series Convertible, which offers the same sharp handling and punchy performance as the 4 Series Coupé on which it's based. With a stunning, high-tech interior and even a relatively large dose of practicality, we think the 4 Series Convertible is the finest car of its kind.
Read our full BMW 4 Series Convertible review >>
And the convertible to avoid...
Fiat 500C Hybrid
The Fiat 500C Hybrid has a desirable image and is easy enough to drive around town. However, it is difficult to get comfortable in and generally outclassed in all areas by the more grown-up Mini Convertible.
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Best used convertibles
If you fancy soaking up the rays this summer you'll be wanting a used convertible. Here's a list of our top 10 favourites
