Audi/Mercedes Benz/BMW
Sure, they’re not the most practical of vehicles, but there’s still something so romantic about the convertible. Who doesn’t want to feel the sun on their skin and the wind through their hair once the weather starts to warm up? Of course, the convertible has evolved over the decades and is now for more than just weekend fun (though that remains what they are best for). This is especially true of the luxury options built by brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. Thanks to their cushy interiors, potent powertrains, and more reliable soft tops, you can drive these open-top vehicles more often than you’d think. With that in mind, here are seven convertibles you won’t want to retire at the end of the summer.
Our Best Luxury Convertibles Under $100,000 Picks:
—Best Overall: Audi S5 Cabriolet
—Best Bang for the Buck: Audi A5 Cabriolet
—Most Traditional: BMW 4 Series Convertible
—Best Sports Car Alternative: BMW M4 Convertible
—Best Looking: Mercedes-AMG CLE
—Best for Compact Fun: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet
—Best for Cushy Comfort: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
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Best Overall: Audi S5 Cabriolet
Image Credit: Audi The Audi TT roadster may be gone away in the U.S., but the German marque’s lineup still has one very strong option for drivers in the market for an open-top speed machine. The range-topping S5 Cabriolet cuts a stylish figure thanks to its clean lines and athletic stance. Its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 also packs a serious 349-hp punch. Add in an eight-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive, and a top speed of 155 mph, and you have a convertible that’s hard to beat.
In Production Since: 2007
Top Powertrain Option: Twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6
Power: 349 hp and 369 ft lbs of torque
Zero to 60 mph: 4.7 seconds
Top Speed: 155 mph
Starting Price: $66,100 -
Best Bang for the Buck: Audi A5 Cabriolet
Image Credit: Audi The less-powerful A5 Cabriolet may not turn heads the way the S5 does, but it’s truly an excellent all-around vehicle. This version of the two-door is more elegant than athletic, but it still looks like a car you can have fun in—a must for any convertible. It also has some decent pep, even if it doesn’t meet anyone’s definition of high performance. It’s turbocharged four-cylinder has enough grunt to push it from zero to 60 mph in under 6.0 seconds, which should come in handy on your way to the beach.
In Production Since: 2007
Top Powertrain Option: Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder
Power: 261 hp and 273 ft lbs of torque
Zero to 60 mph: 5.6 seconds
Top Speed: 130 mph
Starting Price: $55,600 -
Most Traditional: BMW 4 Series Convertible
Image Credit: BMW If you dreamed of driving a convertible growing up, chances are you pictured yourself in something like the current BMW 4 Series. The car, which used to be the 3 Series Convertible, sports a pleasing (if a tad dated) exterior with an elegant and comfortable interior. The biggest surprise, though, might be how potent it is. It’s not as powerful as its M car counterpart, but the twin-turbocharged inline-six in the range-topping M440i xDrive delivers close to 400 horses and has all-wheel drive.
In Production Since: 1985 (has been known as the 4 Series since 2014)
Top Powertrain Option: Twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six (M440i xDrive)
Power: 386 hp and 398 ft lbs of torque
Zero to 60 mph: 4.6 seconds
Top Speed: 155 mph
Starting Price: $58,700 -
Best Sports Car Alternative: BMW M4 Convertible
Image Credit: BMW The BMW M4 Convertible is the closest thing to a pure sports car you’ll find in this class. As the rest of this list makes clear, there are plenty of powerful convertibles out under $100,000, but the priciest entry takes things up a notch or three. In addition to a heavily sculpted exterior this vehicle comes with a monstrously powerful twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that generates well over 500 horses. Thanks to all that oomph, this car can rocket from zero to 60 in just 3.6 seconds, though you might want to put the top up before putting the pedal to the metal.
In Production Since: 2014
Top Powertrain Option: Twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six
Power: 523 hp and 479 ft lbs of torque
Zero to 60 mph: 3.6 seconds
Top Speed: 180 mph
Starting Price: $95,300 -
Best Looking: Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet
Image Credit: Mercedes-AMG Mercedes-AMG’s reputation may be built on its engineering and tuning abilities, but there’s no denying that the current C43 Cabriolet is a mighty fine-looking convertible. As is the case with most of the German sub-brand’s models, it has a more sculpted body than the standard Benz it’s based on. The sharper lines and shape give this two-door some much-needed attitude. But don’t worry, it also offers good performance thanks to a twin-turbo V-6 that pumps out 385 horses.
In Production Since: 2017
Top Powertrain Option: Twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6
Power: 385 hp and 384 ft lbs of torque
Zero to 60 mph: 4.6 seconds
Top Speed: 155 mph
Starting Price: $69,250 -
Best for Compact Fun: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet
Image Credit: Mercedes Benz Mercedes owners probably don’t want to hear their cars described as cute, but that’s just what the current C-Class Cabriolet is. The two-door measures just over 15 feet bumper-to-bumper and has a more rounded look than the automaker’s other convertibles. Despite this, the car’s luxe interior still has room for four, though those in the back may be a little cramped. Under the hood you’ll find a turbocharged inline-four that produces a respectable 255 hp. There no need to worry if the weather takes a turn while you’re out driving, either. The triple-layer fabric top can be deployed in under 20 seconds.
In Production Since: 2014
Top Powertrain Option: Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four (C300 4MATIC)
Power: 255 hp and 273 ft lbs of torque
Zero to 60 mph: 6.2 seconds
Top Speed: 130 mph
Starting Price: $57,250 -
Best for Comfort: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
Image Credit: Mercedes Benz The idea of driving a convertible is to have some fun, but they can also be somewhat practical. Sure, the current E-Class Cabriolet isn’t a family car, but it’s got much more room than you’d expect from a vehicle in its class. The two-door has a downright roomy interior that can actually fit four adults comfortably. Drivers will be able to give their passengers some thrills too. The E450 4MATIC’s turbocharged inline-six churns out 362 horses and delivers quick acceleration.
In Production Since: 2010
Top Powertrain Option: Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six (E450 4MATIC)
Power: 362 hp and 369 ft lbs of torque
Zero to 60 mph: 5.1 seconds
Top Speed: 130 mph
Starting Price: $76,900
