Best 4-Seater Convertibles

In our humble opinion, the latest Audi A5 is one of the most stylish convertibles around. But there’s certainly no need to compromise, because it also offers plenty of room. The cabin is spacious (unless you’re carrying four tall adults) and the 320 litres of boot space are perfect for luggage or shopping, even with the roof down. If the weather turns, putting the roof up will still leave you with plenty of headroom as well. And it’s not all style and no substance with the Audi A5 – you can also expect precise steering, a smooth ride, and a good level of grip on the roads. It hits all the high notes that the best 4-seater convertibles should.

Our second choice is another German marque – this time, it’s the BMW 4 Series. Being a BMW, it offers great handling and performance. Plus, rather unusually these days, it has a folding hard-top that makes it feel more robust with the roof up than canvas-roof alternatives like the Audi A5. With all that on offer, the fact that you can fit four in this car is a bonus. While there’s plenty of room upfront, keep in mind that the rear seats are better suited to kids. You can also expect a powerful drive from this sleek roadster. The entry-level 2.0-litre petrol engine will get you from 0-62 mph in 7.5 seconds. Meanwhile, the explosive M440i, with its 3.0-litre petrol engine, goes from 0-62 mph in just 4.5 seconds.

Rounding off the trio of premium German cars is the Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet, which is every bit as stylish and alluring as its rivals. 120 kg of extra strengthening compensates for the folding roof, which means it’s less nimble than the standard C-Class, but even the entry-level diesel engine is reasonably quick and all models are seriously swanky. There’s space for four adults (though the back seats might be better for kids on longer journeys) and a good-sized boot at 285 litres with the roof down. That’s 35 litres less than the Audi A5, but a respectable 65 litres more than the BMW 4 Series. The choice is yours!

Always the glamorous SUV for the style-conscious, Range Rover dialled things up a notch when they turned the ever-popular Evoque into a convertible. Let’s face it – if you want a premium SUV with a roof that goes down, how many options have you got? With limited numbers available and only a brief moment in the sun (literally) between 2016 and 2018, you can be assured of some head-turning rarity. Space inside is more than adequate for four adults and there’s still a useful 251 litres of boot space. When it comes to performance, drivers can choose between a 2.0-litre diesel engine and a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol. The automatic gearbox tends to lag, but once you get rolling, it should shift nice and smoothly.

The S-Class is luxury at its finest. So, if the Mercedes C-Class is a little small, or not high-end enough for your tastes, this should fit the bill. You can easily fit four adults in, though there’s obviously more room up front. There’s also 350 litres of boot with the roof down, which is 65 litres more than the C-Class. Whoever or whatever you’re carrying will enjoy a sumptuous interior and innovative tech, all against the backdrop of a beautifully burbling V8, or even a V12, engine. Although best at a smooth cruise, this car is impressively quick, making it a real thrill to take out on the roads. Plus, with the roof up, it’s one of the quietest convertibles on the market.

If this list has been a little too safe for you so far, how about one of the most iconic American muscle cars in convertible form? You’ll get well-padded rear seats that’ll easily accommodate adults but, like every car on this list, not for long journeys. That said, headroom is actually better than the coupe Mustang. The boot is comparatively spacious at 332 litres, and as the roof folds behind the back seats rather than the boot, you can load it with the roof up – saving you time and hassle. As you can probably guess from its brawny image, steering this car takes a bit of strength. Even the lightest variation weighs almost 180 kg. But if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll love every second. In terms of pure thrills, this is certainly one of the best 4-seater convertibles you can get your hands on.

The MINI Convertible has been around since 2004, so there are options out there to suit almost any budget. With a MINI, you know what you’re getting — stylish, retro looks and a fun driving experience. These compact cars have also always had a speedy roof mechanism, perfect for the changeable British weather. If you’re buying a MINI though, the clue is in the name – it’ll come as no surprise to learn that there’s not a great deal of space in the rear or in the boot. But what you will get is a comfy interior with a 6.5 inch colour screen, DAB radio, and Bluetooth as standard.

If you’re looking to buy an E-Class convertible, you’ve got the 2009-2017 model or the latest iteration to choose from. They’re both solid choices but the newer car edges it, if your budget can stretch. Of the three Mercedes on our list, this hits the sweet spot in terms of value for money with safety, practicality, comfort and luxury all being excellent. Standouts are the supportive seats and a good amount of space in the rear. Plus, there are four turbocharged engines to choose from – standard 2.0-litre and more powerful 3.0-litre petrol and diesel options. Whichever you go for, you can expect some engine noise when you push it hard, but nothing over the top. All in all, this is a luxurious convertible that more than lives up to its name.

It’s not the latest iteration, but the superb 2012-2019 model will put a Porsche 911 in more buyers’ reach. As you might expect, adults in the back will prefer shorter journeys, but all seats are comfortable and there’s 290 litres of boot space split between the front and the back. Surprisingly practical when you consider this is a 911 convertible that goes like stink and handles wonderfully. Much of its smoothness is down to the dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which keeps the car stable at all times. And its speed is nothing short of impressive – the S trim will get you from 0-60 mph in an eye-watering 3.7 seconds. If this model is out of budget, late nineties to early noughties models can be had much cheaper.

If you’re in the market for a luxury convertible, the Lexus makes for an interesting alternative to the Mercedes S-Class. You don’t see many LCs on British roads, so there’s an element of uniqueness that’s certainly enhanced by its stunning looks. It’s sleek with sweeping lines – and if its looks don’t draw attention, the vocal V8 engine will. With a fantastic sound on hard revs, the V8 blasts from 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. Inside, the rear seats are only suitable for smaller passengers, or you could just sling your shopping on them instead of in the 149-litre boot.

If you love a convertible, but need more space than a small two-seater, any of these cars will serve you well. Don’t miss out on roof-down thrills — check out our listings.