Best convertibles 2025 – we name the top 10 cabriolet cars in the UK

The biggest compliment we can pay the BMW 4 Series convertible is that it feels so much like the coupé on which it is based. That might sound damning with faint praise, but remember two things: first, the BMW 4 Series Coupé is the best car of its kind, and second, most convertibles require extra stiffening which affects their handling. In the 4 Series Convertible, however, you wouldn’t notice it at all.

Indeed, when you’re weaving the 4 Series Convertible along a country road, its razor-sharp steering and fabulous cornering poise only serve to remind you of how great it is to drive. It’s supremely refined on the motorway, too, especially if you add optional adaptive suspension.

While the extra weight of the 4 Series Convertible blunts the performance of our favourite 2.0-litre petrol engine slightly, there’s still more than enough pull for most situations – and it’ll be cheaper to run than the heady six-cylinder engine in the M440i model.

Elsewhere, the 4 series features the kind of high-tech, comfortable interior which will make even long journeys a breeze, and it’s even relatively practical for your family. Little wonder, then, that all things considered, our testers described the 4 Series Convertible as being ‘near-flawless’ – and subsequently named the car as our favourite convertible at the most recent What Car? Awards.

"You needn't think that the BMW 4 Series Convertible isn't spacious enough for your holiday – I managed to fit six carry-on suitcases into its boot, which is more than enough for the needs of most families." – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor

Read our in-depth BMW 4 Series Convertible review

With the launch of the convertible version of the Mercedes CLE, the premium German car brand will be hoping to loosen the rival BMW 4 Series' dominance of this class – and it comes close to doing just that.

It can't quite match the 4 Series as a driver's car, but it does offer proper seats for four adults, a usefully big boot and a very smart interior. Plus, the CLE Cabriolet has the kind of plush ride that suits cruising around on a blazing hot day while the slick nine-speed automatic gearbox does most of the work.

Our pick of the engines is the 255bhp 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine you get in the CLE 300. It's not the quickest option, with 0-62mph taking 6.6 seconds, but we think it's a good fit for the car's ride and handling.

All the trims are well equipped, so even if you stick with entry-level AMG Line you'll have plenty of toys to enjoy, but to get access to our favourite engine, you must choose at least AMG Line Premium, which adds a 360-degree camera and a parking assist feature.

"With the fabric roof up, there's not much road and wind noise inside because it does a very good job of keeping out the outside world. Indeed, I found the CLE to be remarkably quiet." – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor

Read our in-depth Mercedes CLE Cabriolet review

No small electric car comes with more Instagrammable looks than the Fiat 500e Convertible, 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 199 miles between charges, while the 117bhp electric motor offers enough punch to make driving on tight urban streets a breeze.

The interior of the cabriolet version mirrors that of the Fiat 500 Electric hatchback, which means a high-set driving position which gives you a good view over the road ahead, and an ergonomic dashboard which places all of the controls within easy reach. Plus, everything feels well screwed together.

There's not a lot of space inside, but we still managed to fit a couple of carry-on suitcases into the boot when the convertible hood was folded down. 

"The 500e Cabriolet's fabric roof can be retracted in several stages, depending on how much air you want to let in – I usually only want it open a small amount, so that's very useful." – Darren Moss, Deputy Digital Editor

Read our in-depth Fiat 500 Electric review

The drop-top version of the Aston Martin DB12 is 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 courtesy of a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine sourced from Mercedes-AMG, plus a beautifully crafted interior. But while there's 671bhp on offer, it doesn't feel difficult to drive – indeed, it's perfectly happy to pootle around town, helped by feelsome steering and a nicely settled ride.

As a grand tourer, the DB12 Volante is as good as it gets, blending comfort with sporty handling in a way that few rivals can match. If you're sitting in its front seats, you'll find that you have plenty of room to stretch out. But while the rear seats beat some rivals for space, they'll mostly be used for short trips or – more likely – to hold a couple of weekend bags that you haven't been able to fit into the boot.

"It might not be especially practical, but the DB12 Volante is great to drive and feels special inside – indeed, I think that its interior is much improved over that of the DB11" – Steve Huntingford, Editor

Read our in-depth Aston Martin DB12 review

We know not all owners of the Continental GTC will find themselves driving along a beautiful coastal road while heading to their summer bolthole in the South of France, but many will – and it's perfectly designed for that scenario.

Of course, any car wearing a Bentley badge needs to be luxurious, and the GTC offers luxury in spaces, with just about every surface trimmed in polished wood or soft leather. In fact, it even manages to outstrip the Aston Martin DB12 for plushness.

There's only one engine on offer, and it's a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol which develops a heady 591bhp. That's powerful enough on its own, but it's also supplemented by a 24.6kWh (usable capacity) battery and electric motor, allowing for an official electric-only range of 50 miles.

Despite the move to plug-in hybrid power, running the Continental GTC will still be an expensive proposition. And the car isn't cheap to begin with, even before you start looking at the extensive range of personalisation options on offer.

"Forget the fuel savings afforded by the adoption of plug-in hybrid power. For me, the real highlight is the ability to waft along in near-silence." – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor

Read our in-depth Bentley Continental GTC review

It's a big ask to make a small, fun, convertible car – and not have it cost the Earth. So to lean that the latest Mini Cooper Convertible is actually the cheapest four-seat drop top you can buy is a big accolade indeed. And that's before you also learn that it's predicted to hold on to its value better than a banker with their bonus cheque.

The sole 2.0-litre petrol engine on offer develops 161bhp in entry-level form, and it's all most people will ever needed, being quicker to sprint to 62mph than the Fiat 500e Convertible. Plus, with well-weighted steering and a ride which, while firm, keeps body lean in check, you'll have fun weaving the Cooper Convertible along a country road.

True, the latest infotainment system fitted to Mini Cooper models isn't the most intuitive, and space in the rear seats is limited compared with some larger models, but there's no arguing with the overall package offered by the convertible Mini.

You don't need to go for an expensive version, either, because we think entry-level C models come with all the kit you're likely to want, including 16in alloy wheels, cruise control and a heated steering wheel.

"If you're tall like me, getting into the rear seats when the Mini's roof is up is a bit of a palaver, because it involves you ducking beneath the low roof in order to squeeze in." – George Hill, Used cars writer

Read our in-depth Mini Cooper Convertible review

The Mercedes-AMG SL has been the go-to luxury convertible for more than 50 years, but the latest generation is more sporting than ever.

In fact, the 55 version we recommend has a storming 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine under its bonnet, which delivers 469bhp to all four wheels – enough to get the SL to 60mph in just 3.7sec. The downside to that performance is fuel economy, and we reckon most drivers will only see high teens being read on their dashboard – meaning you can expect to spend a significant amount of time filling up.

Even so, the SL is still more of a grand tourer than an out-and-out sports car, with composed handling aided by four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering. It's even relatively practical if you ignore the slightly cramped rear seats, with more space in its boot than the rival Lexus LC. Its roof can be folded away in 15 seconds, and at speeds of up to 37mph.

"Rear seats come as standard on the Mercedes-AMG SL for the first time, but they're tiny. The front seats, however, will easily accommodate a pair of six-footers " – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor

Read our in-depth Mercedes AMG SL review

If you have deep pockets and want your convertible to be luxurious as well as thrilling, then the 8 Series Convertible is likely to end up on your shortlist.

The 840i model we recommend might be the entry point in the range, but it's likely to offer all the performance you need. Plus it'll be cheaper to run than the V8-engined M850i – even though that model sounds fantastic and has 523bhp to play with. It just doesn't deliver the same thrills as a similarly-priced Porsche 911 or the comfort of a Lexus LC Convertible

Inside you get to enjoy BMW's excellent iDrive infotainment system, which is very easy to get along with, plus more boot space than you'll find in the Lexus.

The quality of materials used inside the 8 Series is top-notch, while its seats are comfortable and offer lots of adjustment, meaning no matter your size and shape you should be able to find your perfect driving position quickly.

"It's sublime to drive, but I didn't think that the the 8 Series' interior felt that much more special than the BMW 5 Series." – Claire Evans, Consumer Editor

Read our in-depth BMW 8 Series Convertible review

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. It's also a comfy choice, and there's a good range of petrol engines to choose from.

The 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine, in particular, offers punchy performance, while also keeping your running costs in check. There's little need to venture beyond entry-level Style trim, either, because this comes with everything you're likely to want, including dual-zone climate control, automatic lights and wipers and 17in alloy wheels.

Other plus points include proper space for adults on the rear seats, and space for six carry-on suitcases in the T-Roc Cabriolet's boot. Plus, the rear seats split and fold if you need to turn the rear of the car into an open-top van.

"I'd recommend choosing Style trim over the most expensive options, because this misses out on stiffer suspension, with the result being a more comfortable ride." – Darren Moss, Deputy Digital Editor

Read our in-depth VW T-Roc Cabriolet review

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

It would be easy to think of the Ford Mustang Convertible as being a bit old-school. After all, it has a stonking great V8 petrol engine under its bonnet, fuel economy likely to see you become good friends with your local petrol station, and a badge which stretches back in history to the 1960s.

Still, that doesn't mean there's not an awful lot of fun to be had. With 440bhp, the V8 engine has no trouble hurtling you towards the horizon, and with the roof down, pressing your foot into the carpet results in a gloriously rorty noise. Handling can't match what the BMW 4 Series Convertible or Mercedes CLE Cabriolet can offer, but there's plenty of grip on offer, and the optional MagneRide suspension fitted to our test car resulted in a comfy ride.

Rivals have a bit more rear-seat space, but there's plenty for front-seat passengers, along with lots of storage options for their odds and ends. The open-top Mustang is loaded with kit, too, and is predicted to hold onto its value well.

"I'd stick with the manual gearbox, because the optional automatic is a bit jerky at low speeds and switches ratios indecisively on the move." – Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor

Read our in-depth Ford Mustang Convertible review