Why limit the pleasure of open-air driving to just two-seater sports cars? Four-seat convertibles might be enticing if you want the fun of open-air driving but also need to transport a family. The market offers a diverse selection of four-seater convertible vehicles, ranging from high-performance sports cars to opulent grand tourers with a focus on comfort and sophistication. It ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. However, it might be difficult to decide. Here are the top four-seat convertibles available in 2023.
BMW 4 Series Convertible
Price: $55,500
Type: 4-Seat Soft Top
Pros:
- Excellent balance between luxury and performance
- The M4's strong engines are a particular standout.
Cons:
- Not as high-end as an Audi or a Mercedes.
BMW has a long-standing tradition of producing convertible variants of its 3 Series and 4 Series models, accommodating up to four passengers. The F33 model's design language exudes a more conservative aesthetic compared to its successor, the G23, which has garnered mixed reactions from enthusiasts. The 4 Series focuses on fun-to-drive rear-wheel-drive dynamics and offers a wide variety of powertrains.
The gasoline lineup begins with the base-level 2.0-liter 420i and ends with the high-performance turbocharged 6-cylinder M440i. This edition of the 4 Series utilized a folding metal hard-top rather than the more commonplace fabric roof, and the inside was attractive and well manufactured.
With the top-up, you get a more coupe-like experience, plus it's quieter and safer. In addition, if you can find one with the optional adaptive suspension installed, the 4 Series is a fantastic driver's car with interesting handling and passable ride quality. If you’re considering buying this vehicle, ensure that you check the VIN number to know more about the car’s history.
Audi A5 Cabriolet
Price: $53,900
Type: Soft-Top, 4-Seater
Pros:
- Top-notch design.
- Swift and convenient.
- S5 has a robust engine.
- AWD, or all-wheel drive.
Cons:
- Weightier and less quick than a true sports vehicle.
The Audi A5 Cabriolet is an excellent choice if you need a vehicle that can perform well in a variety of situations. It's slim and fashionable, with a high-quality cabin and a good selection of gas and diesel powertrains. It has a cloth roof like most of the other cars here, but it's more insulated, folds down in 15 seconds, folds up in 18 seconds, and can do so at speeds of up to 31 miles per hour.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder 204-horsepower model, equipped with Audi's quattro all-wheel drive technology, was by far the most popular of the diesel (a 3.0-liter V6 was previously offered). Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital display, which replaces conventional analog instruments, makes the A5's cabin one of the finest in the business regardless of the engine you pick. The back seats are cramped for adults, but the 370-liter trunk is plenty large for most uses (although it reduces to 320 liters with the hood up).
Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet C-Class
Price: $57,250
Type: 4-Seat Soft Top
Pros:
- Luxury car
Cons:
- Not as swift or nimble as the rest of the class.
The Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet competes head-to-head with other new cars for sale, such as the BMW's 4 Series and Audi's A5 in the luxury convertible segment. When it comes to the BMW, it boasts an unparalleled driving experience, while the Audi takes the lead in terms of interior design. On the other hand, the C-Class prioritizes comfort above all else, making it a top contender in this category.
The engine range has undergone refinement over time, with the current lineup spanning from the C200's 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine (181bhp, 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds, and approximately 38mpg) to the incredibly powerful twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine found in the AMG C63 S. With this configuration, you can expect a robust 503 brake horsepower, a swift acceleration of 0-62 miles per hour in just 4.1 seconds, and a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon that may cause a significant dent in your wallet.
The driver and passenger compartment of a Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a luxurious location to spend away hours on long trips. Rear-seat passengers may feel a bit cramped if they are particularly tall or the hood is up, but front-seat passengers enjoy plenty of head and legroom. When the roof is up, there are 360 liters of cargo capacity, but when it's down, there are only 285. In only 24 seconds, the roof may be lifted or lowered.
Mini Cooper Convertible
Price: $33,800
Type: 4-Seat Soft Top
Pros:
- Pleasant driving experience.
- Unique retro aesthetic.
Cons:
- Tiny rear seats and an even smaller engine size.
- Costlier with stronger engines.
The Mini Convertible is a compact convertible with four seats that offers several appealing features. It may not have as much room as the other vehicles here, but it's more interesting, and isn't that the point of a convertible? All three models in the current lineup are powered by turbocharged gasoline engines, and they go by the names Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works (JCW).
In 2018, Mini Convertibles went through a mid-life refresh, and as a result, diesel variants were no longer an option. The Cooper is swift (0-62mph in 8.8 seconds), the Cooper S is quick (7.2 seconds), and the JCW is lightning fast (6.6 seconds). The three models have a lot in common, including a lively personality, a solid chassis, and responsive handling.
The Mini Convertible may not be as sporty as the Mini hatchback, but it's still a blast to pilot. The soft top functions smoothly and can be folded up or down entirely electrically in only 18 seconds. It also has a real convertible top that opens in both directions, unlike the Fiat 500C's fixed rear window.
The inside is pleasant, although rear passengers may have to squeeze into tight quarters, and the trunk holds either 160 or 215 liters, depending on whether the top is up or down. However, if you need an exciting open-air driving experience for up to four passengers, this vehicle can be an option.
BMW 8 Series Convertible
Price: $97,100
Type: 4-Seat Soft Top
Pros:
- Several high-quality engine options
Cons:
- High cost compared to the value
The 8 Series replaced the 6 Series in BMW's lineup for 2018, and its higher numerical designation suggests it is an even more luxurious vehicle than other used cars. The Convertible variant offers a selection of petrol engines and a diesel option, with the range-topping M8 Competition boasting an impressive 616bhp. The quickest models can reach 62 mph from a standstill in under 5.5 seconds. The 8 Series may look like a huge, hefty car, but it turns out to be rather quick and responsive.
The driving experience may not be highly involved due to the limited feedback from the chassis and steering. The cabin boasts a tastefully designed interior and is generously equipped with an array of features. We prefer Audi's Virtual Cockpit to BMW's new digital dashboard, but BMW's central display and iDrive controller are still among the best infotainment interfaces on the market. The convertible top operation is impressive with a swift 15-second transition, however, considering the nearly five-meter length of the vehicle, the rear seating capacity is notably inadequate.
Ford Mustang Convertible
Price: $33,270
Type: 4-Seat Soft Top
Pros:
- Huge horsepower at a reasonable price
- The overall driving experience and the interior quality are not as polished as those of competing models.
Cons:
- Less upscale than competitors in terms of interior build quality and general driving experience.
While American muscle cars may not appeal to all, the announcement of the latest Ford Mustang generation was met with great enthusiasm among UK fans, as it included a right-hand drive variant. In addition to the coupe model, customers had the option to purchase a four-seater convertible variant equipped with either a 2.3-liter EcoBoost powertrain generating 286 horsepower or a robust V8 engine producing 410 horsepower.
The former option boasts a more economical operation, while the latter option offers an alluring auditory experience, particularly with the top-down. The Mustang's affordability as a performance car is reflected in the interior's material quality, which falls short of the elegance found in other four-seat convertibles in its class.
Porsche 911 Cabriolet
Price: $118,900
Type: 4-Seat Soft Top or Targa
Pros:
- Iconic; aesthetically pleasing; suspensefully exciting
Cons:
- High base price.
The Porsche 911 coupe is so well-rounded that it's often considered the standard by which other supercars are judged. Even more so with the Cabriolet model, if adrenaline-pumping performance is at the top of your desire list for a four-seat convertible.
Taking the top off a car usually makes it harder to concentrate on the road, but the new 911 Cabrio is so refined that few drivers will notice the difference. We think the base Carrera model, with its 380 horsepower, 4.4-second 0-62 mph time, and 181 mph peak speed, will be more than enough for most people.
It comes in Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera S, Carrera 4S, Turbo, and Turbo S trims. Porsche's adaptive dampers come standard on the Cabrio, giving it a good ride, great body control, and pinpoint steering. You can open the roof in only 12 seconds, and it provides good weather protection, but there are just 132 liters of storage capacity. Not the most spacious convertible, but for excitement on the road, it's hard to beat.
Bentley Continental GT Convertible
Price: $118,900
Type: 4-Seat Soft Top or Targa
Pros:
- Elegant interior.
- Exceptional performance.
Cons
- Rather cramped back seats.
A new Bentley Continental GT Convertible will set you back more than £175,000, which may seem extravagant to some, but if you demand the finest, there's nothing better on the market. It's really quick and has one of the best cabins out there. The luxurious cabin was given a leather makeover so that it could feel like a private jet. The Bentley is equipped with either a 542 horsepower twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 or a 626 hp W12, both of which deliver monster performance.
The W12 has the highest performance numbers (including a whopping peak speed of 207 mph), but the V8 offers the Bentley a more athletic feel. The air suspension makes for a comfortable ride, and when switched to Sport mode, the vehicle has surprisingly superb body control for its weight (2.5 tons). However, it's not all roses. A tall front passenger may make the back seats uncomfortable in a Bentley, and the trunk's 235 liters of space isn't great for a vehicle of this size.
Chevrolet Camaro
Price: $34,295
Type: 4-Seat Soft Top
Pros:
- Relatively cheap sports vehicle.
- Excellent handling and a powerful array of engines
Cons:
- Low visibility
- Cramped interior
When discussing the convertible variant of the Mustang, it is imperative to acknowledge its primary contender, namely the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro convertible. The Chevrolet Camaro convertible has undergone a complete redesign for the current year. This retro-themed car has a dual personality, with the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine providing both power and fuel efficiency.
The SS trim level, on the other hand, offers a 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers an impressive 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle in question offers a choice between a 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, the convertible top is fully automated, allowing for quick and easy access to the sun's rays, which is a crucial factor for any convertible enthusiast, especially when waiting at a traffic light.
Lexus LC Convertible
Price: $103,650
Type: 4-Seat Soft Top or Targa
Pros:
- Stylish Exterior And Interior
- Powerful V8 Engine.
Cons:
- Not as athletic as competitors
- Limited rear seats
The Lexus LC boasts a refined and calm driving experience, coupled with an impressive acceleration that may exceed initial expectations. This gorgeous convertible boasts a luxurious interior and a powerful V8 engine. Given that the LC is very inexpensive for an exotic vehicle, such a discount is unprecedented in this market.
The LC coupe also has a more fuel-efficient hybrid engine, while the convertible is limited to the V8) Despite being over a thousand pounds heavier than a Porsche 911, the LC's handling is commendable all the same. It's a relaxing long-distance cruiser, but the back seats can barely fit a weekend's trip's worth of luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions
A cabriolet is essentially the same thing as a convertible. An automobile whose roof can be folded or removed is called a convertible. A cabriolet is a "car with a folding roof." Another kind of convertible car is the roadster, sometimes known as a spider or spyder.
The framework. Without its roof in place, a car loses a significant portion of its skeletal system, which can result in a "chassis shudder." With the protection of a roof, a convertible's stability could be protected even if the chassis has been strengthened.
Keep the top up, but open the windows a bit to let in fresh air and avoid condensation. You shouldn't keep your convertible with the top down when storing it. When unfolded after being folded for a long time, your convertible top runs the risk of stretching, cracking, or ripping.
Most convertibles can be washed in a regular car wash. Each vehicle undergoes stringent quality control checks to guarantee it is airtight. The top structure is so robust that it can withstand speeds of up to 31 mph, making it suitable for use with a car wash brush.
