10 Top European Convertibles

2016 Rolls Royce Dawn ・ Photo by Rolls Royce

We’re taking this collection of 10 top European convertibles seriously. Especially the “top” aspect — and in spite of the fact that convertibles are often perceived as more frivolous purchases than a sedan or SUV. Naturally, our choices all offer top-down motoring joy, but they also have plenty of extra substance to make them even more compelling. Any one of these cars could be the convertible that wins over people who don’t normally like convertibles, and therefore don’t usually buy them. For the already "converted," this is a collection of dream machines, with ultimate sportiness at one end of the spectrum and unparalleled comfort at the other. Let the roofs retract, and the reveries begin.

2017 Audi TT Roadster

Starting our list, we love this third generation of the Audi TT. It brings some interesting design like the original model, along with an engaging driving experience, which the second generation addressed. In soft-top form, the current TT is much sleeker than previous versions, while the interior is modern, high-quality and just as artfully designed as the exterior. The Roadster only has the regular 220-hp engine (there’s a TTS Coupe with 292 hp,) but it does enjoy the 12.3-inch configurable Virtual Cockpit display as standard, which keeps the rest of the dashboard uncluttered. Audi’s signature refined minimalism works as successfully in the TT Roadster as it does in the remainder of the company’s vehicles.

Photo by Audi

2017 Bentley Continental GT Convertible

Although it’s been around for some time, the soft-top Bentley Continental remains a thing of beauty, power, and class. The range starts with a 6.0-liter, 12-cylinder engine (in a W configuration) developing 582 hp, followed by the 633-hp GT Speed with a 6.0-liter V8. Then it’s the 700-hp Supersports version, also W12-powered. Even the slowest version sprints from standstill to 60 mph in under 4.5 seconds (amazing for such a heavy car) and top speed is around 200 mph. All three have sumptuous hand-crafted cabins providing the kind of environment where anyone who’s not a millionaire is afraid to breathe out because their exhaled air might not be worthy.

Photo by Bentley

2017 BMW M4 Convertible

The BMW M4, like the 2-door M3 that came before it, embodies everything BMW considers important — performance, dynamics, technology and a dollop of luxury. The M4 Convertible has all that, plus a folding hard top. The Competition package brings engine output up to 444 hp, which helps offset the extra weight of the roof’s motors and the extra body reinforcement. With the dual-clutch transmission, standstill to 60 mph is a swift 4.1 seconds. When the roof is folded down, it stows away completely for a beautiful clean line. And whereas the coupe version has fake engine sounds piped through its audio system, the M4 Convertible does away with such nonsense.

Photo by BMW

2017 Ferrari 488 Spider

There is no definitive explanation (on the internet at least) why convertibles are sometimes called Spiders or Spyders, so don’t waste valuable time looking for one. It doesn’t matter anyway. The Spider name makes a car seem scary and yet utterly fascinating. Exactly how one might describe the 488 Spider. This is a mid-engined supercar with 661 hp from a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. It uses technology derived from Ferrari’s deep involvement in Formula One racing, with the closest the drive settings get to normal being Sport mode. It also has a 2-piece folding hard top that needs only 14 seconds to deploy. The 488 Spider is quite simply, fast and fabulous, and handles as precisely as its fixed-roof sibling.

Photo by Ferrari

2017 Jaguar F-Type Convertible

The Jaguar F-TYPE Convertible with a supercharged V6 is perfectly fine and hugely enjoyable. It’s also a dramatic looker, top up or down. Jaguar’s technicians have performed some cunning engine management and exhaust system tricks with the V8 versions to emit a glorious roar under acceleration, plus some old-school pops, bangs, and crackles on the downshifts. In a soft-top with the roof down, this extra aural dimension is thrilling. Or more accurately, adds to the thrills of speed and handling the F-Type delivers so consistently. Drivers wanting to preserve the peace of their neighborhood can merely decline from pressing the Sport button until they reach an open road.

Photo by Jaguar

2017 Lamborghini Huracán Spyder

It’s possible to reach 199 mph in this extroverted, open-topped, supercar. Imagine the whoosh of the rushing air, the V10 engine just behind the seat screaming like a demon, and the exhaust system blaring louder than a Metallica gig. On top of that, it looks like a spaceship from a highly advanced civilization. The Huracán, like many cars from Lamborghini, is a work of art on wheels and a pinnacle of engineering and design. It comes as a rear-drive model with a delectable 580 hp, or 610 hp going to all four wheels. Even the powered soft top is quicker than average, performing its operation in 17 seconds. The body is also stiffer than its Gallardo predecessor.

Photo by Lamborghini

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible

This is the convertible for those intrigued by the open-top driving experience but who don’t want to sit low on the road. While the automotive world might still be unsure whether people are ready for a soft-top crossover, Land Rover has the nerve to go for it with the Range Rover Evoque convertible. This vehicle has a useful amount of ground clearance, as well as an all-wheel drive transmission as standard, with the company’s terrain response system making short work of mud, snow and rocky surfaces. The convertible allows occupants can get a tan at the same time they traverse off-road. The 240-hp/4-cylinder engine is competent rather than hot, but as a fashion statement, the Evoque Convertible blazes its trail.

Photo by Range Rover

2017 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Mercedes-Benz makes several great convertibles, and while we’re looking forward to the all-new 2018 E-Class Cabriolet, in particular, the SL is an absolute classic. Following on generations that have become legendary (and now super-expensive on the collectors’ market,) this SL has a folding hard top, making it a car for more seasons than just the summer. While some convertibles are distinctly sporty, the SL understands the value of comfort, fine cabin materials and a decent audio system (which also sounds great when the top is down, thanks to the smart positioning of the speakers.) And when the canyon roads are calling, there are elements of balance and control even in the non-AMG versions.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster

If anyone loves Porsche’s driver-centric philosophy but believes that engines don’t belong in the trunk, the Boxster fixes that issue while throwing al fresco fun into the mix. Now there’s a 718 in the name (that figure is significant in Porsche motorsport history,) indicating a new generation that debuts for 2017. This two-seater has become a tad more luxurious, yet still demonstrates considerable driving talents worthy of the Porsche badge. The regular model has a healthy 300 hp, while the S tempts an enthusiast with 350 horses. That’s a little less power than the “basic” 911 (with 370 hp,) but this combination of muscle and mid-engine balance makes the 718 Boxster a valid choice in anyone’s book.

Photo by Porsche

2017 Rolls-Royce Dawn

For maximum presence complemented by maximum headroom, the 2017 Rolls Royce Dawn is the ultimate choice. Even the term “convertible” is not exclusive enough, so Rolls-Royce calls it a “Drophead Coupe.” The Dawn doesn’t have a touchscreen because that would leave greasy marks, which would never do. Its turbocharged 6.6-liter V12 brings an imperious 563 hp, facilitating standstill to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, which is breathtaking for a car weighing more than 5,600 pounds. But that power is served up in a manner that’s just as buttery smooth as the leather upholstery. There are no rough edges to the Dawn, the people who spend more than $300,000 for one take a dim view of such things.

Photo by Rolls Royce