Go Ahead, Get Your Hair Messy. A Luxury Convertible Is Worth It

This might be the ultimate convertible. At $320,000 ($370K as shown here) for this Azure edition outfitted with yacht-like finishes, cream and denim leather and delightfully sophisticated technology, just taking a spin in this car is a vacation unto itself. And lest you think it’s just for sunny days, the head rest ‘air scarf’ will blow hot air on your neck on a cold day. The Bentley Continental GT seats 4, sort of, is powered by a V8 engine that produces 542 HP and has a nicely sized trunk.

This may be my favorite pampering but practical luxury convertible. The Audi S5 Cabriolet is essentially the S5 sport sedan with a convertible top and two doors rather than 4. It carries the familiar front face, all the great tech and conveniences and then, it has a human-sized rear seat for your passengers. Priced from $66,000, it is powered by a V6 engine that puts out 349 HP and makes fun to drive. A lot of fun.

Related: Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet First Drive — Forget ‘Messy Hair, Don’t Care’ in This Convertible

There is no end the sleek elegance of the Lexus LC Convertible. In fact, once you sit in it, take it for a spin and of course, set your memory seats because you just feel so at home in it, you realize one thing: the hard top coupe is a compromise. This car was supposed to be a convertible and that’s where it’s really in its glory. Priced from about $100,000, be prepared to be delighted and a little thrilled at every curve in the road, even those that just wind through the grocery store parking lot.

There’s nothing like the fun of a manual convertible, and nothing like the fun of a Mini. Put them together and you may have the most fun car on four wheels. What’s life like with a Mini? Join other Mini drivers for Mini Takes the States, a multi-state convoy of owners; learn stunt car driving at Mini Driving School, and if you need to learn to drive a manual, you can attend Mini Manual Driving School. After all that, the convertible is a bonus!

The BMW Z4 has been a favorite since it was introduced. When BMW partnered with Toyota on production of the Z4 and the Toyota Supra, the Z4 sporting a convertible top and the Supra a hard top, the Z4 tipped the favorite scale. Convertibles almost always win that contest. But now, for 2025, the BMW Z4 is available in a manual transmission. Producing between 252 and 385 HP, depending on the engine, and priced starting at a very reasonable $54,000, you can go basic and fun, or super-powered and fun. What a nice choice to have!

Not all Mustang models fall into the luxury category; you’ll have to upgrade to the GT to get there. And when you do it’s worth it. With a starting price of $52,000 you get a V8 that generates 480 HP and other niceties such as sporty bucket seats, Brembo brakes and a B&O sound system. And, even though space is tight in this car, Ford added its top technology so you have all the conveniences you’re used to.

Yes, the Mercedes AMG SL63 has a starting price of $200K. And yes, it’s filled with all sorts of creature comforts, like heated everything so you can drive it in the snow (ask me how I know!), to thoughtful touches to “Hey Mercedes” voice activation. But all that is just window dressing. What its owners fall in love with is the V8 biturbo (twin turbo in non Mercedes language) engine that generates 577HP and 590 torque. All in that super slim body. And then, it’s tuned for the Auto Bahn and the Nurburgring, delivering all that HP with precision and confidence. If the price tag doesn’t scare you, driving it won’t, either.

There’s a reason everyone loves this little darling. She’s cute, she’s fun and she’s not finicky. She’s there day in and day out, reliably putting a little fun into your daily drive. The drive experience is both modern and confident, but also, classic roadster with a close-to-the-pavement view and a one-with-the-car feel. The Mazda Miata is the ultimate “me” car, reminding you that no matter how much you do for everyone else in your life, you get to have a little fun to yourself, too. And, with a starting price of just under $30,000, you won’t feel all that guilting doing this for yourself.

The Corvette has been a staple of sports cars and convertibles since its inception. But it’s most recent redesign, the mid-engine C8 and here, the Stingray, is not just the prettiest, but the most powerful and fun to drive. Thankfully, it comes in convertible version. With a V8 engine that produces 495 HP, it’s capable of whipping a lot of wind through your hair. And in this car, you’ll look good doing it.

Here’s the thing about this car: It’s unifying. Experts and enthusiasts may be divided on a lot of things—leather or cloth, manual or paddle shifters, deep dish or thin crust—but not about the perfection of driving a Porsche. And the Porsche Boxster 718 Spyder perfectly delivers on that reputation. It’s balanced, powerful and sporty. It carries the classic look of Porsche while adding the Boxster flair. It’s still a dream car, priced from $164,000, but when you get there, there’s no question, this is one convertible that will deliver the dream, and the reality that goes with it, every day.

Not every convertible is for every driver, but for those who want to really enjoy the drive, there is no better way. Happy shopping!