24 Timeless Four-Seat Luxury Cabriolets
A neighbor once pulled up in a powder-blue Mercedes convertible with white leather seats and a walnut dash that smelled faintly of cigar smoke and nostalgia.
He claimed it was just for weekend drives, but we all knew he took the long way to the grocery store just to feel the breeze swirl through the cabin.
Four-seat luxury cabriolets have always had that effect – equal parts elegance and indulgence, with just enough practicality to justify them to yourself.
1. Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
Sophistication meets open-air driving in Mercedes’ midsize marvel.
The E-Class Cabriolet has been turning heads since its introduction, offering that perfect middle ground between the compact C-Class and the flagship S-Class.
Equipped with AIRCAP wind deflector technology, this beauty minimizes turbulence even at highway speeds, keeping your hairstyle intact.
The AIRSCARF neck-level heating system extends convertible season into cooler months, making it practical year-round.
2. BMW 6 Series Convertible
German engineering excellence wrapped in a sultry silhouette defines the BMW 6 Series.
Before evolving into the 8 Series, this grand tourer dominated the luxury convertible scene with its perfect blend of sportiness and elegance.
Under the hood lurks a range of potent engines that deliver exhilarating performance without compromising comfort.
My favorite feature? The heated steering wheel that keeps your fingers toasty during those crisp autumn sunset drives along winding coastal roads.
3. Audi A5 Cabriolet
Precision-crafted for those who appreciate understated luxury, the Audi A5 Cabriolet whispers class rather than shouting it.
Audi’s acoustic soft top deserves special mention – it insulates so well you’ll forget you’re in a convertible when the roof is up.
The virtual cockpit digital display adds a tech-forward feel to the driving experience.
During a spring weekend in wine country, I was impressed by how the neck heaters kept everyone comfortable as temperatures dropped after sunset.
4. Bentley Continental GTC
Handcrafted opulence meets raw power in Bentley’s magnificent open-top grand tourer.
Every Continental GTC takes craftspeople over 100 hours to build, with each stitch of the leather interior placed with surgical precision.
Beneath the bonnet, a thunderous W12 engine (or V8 in newer models) delivers effortless acceleration that belies the car’s substantial weight.
My jaw dropped watching the roof mechanism operate – a mechanical ballet that transforms this beauty in just 19 seconds, even while driving at speeds up to 30 mph.
5. Rolls-Royce Dawn
Automotive royalty doesn’t get more majestic than the Rolls-Royce Dawn. Named after the magical moment when day breaks, this handcrafted masterpiece represents the pinnacle of open-top motoring.
Rolls engineers call the roof mechanism the ‘Silent Ballet’ – it operates in complete silence in just 22 seconds.
Behind the wheel, you command a 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 that delivers its massive power with the subtlety of a butler serving tea. Each Dawn takes approximately 450 hours to build by hand.
6. Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet
Flagship luxury meets open-air freedom in Mercedes’ range-topping convertible. Reviving the grand cabriolet tradition after a 44-year hiatus, the S-Class Cabriolet arrived in 2016 to universal acclaim.
Loaded with innovations like the ENERGIZING comfort control system that synchronizes climate, fragrance, lighting, and massage functions to enhance wellbeing.
During a coastal drive through Big Sur, I was blown away by how the Burmester 3D surround sound system maintained perfect audio clarity even with the top down at highway speeds.
7. BMW 8 Series Convertible
Resurrected after a 20-year absence, the 8 Series Convertible blends athletic prowess with sumptuous luxury.
BMW’s flagship convertible makes a statement with its low-slung profile and muscular proportions that command attention without saying a word.
Laser headlights cut through darkness with remarkable precision, illuminating the road ahead up to 600 meters. My favorite party trick?
The display key with a color touchscreen that lets you remotely lower the roof before you even reach the car – perfect for those hot summer days when you want to cool the cabin.
8. Lexus LC 500 Convertible
Japanese artistry meets V8 muscle in this breathtaking masterpiece from Lexus. The LC 500 Convertible stands as proof that Toyota’s luxury division can create emotional designs that rival the best from Europe.
The naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 produces one of the most intoxicating engine notes in the business – a glorious soundtrack that’s best enjoyed with the roof stowed away.
What impressed me most was the climate concierge system that automatically adjusts the neck heaters, seat heaters, and steering wheel temperature based on the outside conditions.
9. Saab 9-3 Convertible
Swedish sensibility wrapped in a distinctive package, the Saab 9-3 Convertible remains a cult classic among enthusiasts.
Before Saab’s unfortunate demise, this quirky convertible offered a refreshing alternative to the German mainstream.
Aircraft-inspired ergonomics reflect Saab’s aviation heritage, with a dashboard designed around the driver.
The Night Panel feature, which dims all instruments except the speedometer for reduced distraction during night driving, was pure genius.
During a summer road trip through Scandinavia, I fell in love with its perfect balance of comfort and handling.
10. Jaguar XJS Convertible
British elegance personified, the XJS Convertible carried Jaguar’s grand touring legacy through the 80s and 90s with unmistakable presence.
Those distinctive flying buttresses and long hood proportions create a silhouette that’s impossible to confuse with anything else.
Later V12 models are the most coveted, offering silky-smooth power delivery that epitomizes Jaguar’s “Grace, Space, Pace” philosophy.
The rear seats may be snug, but they’re there when you need them. My uncle’s British Racing Green example still turns heads decades after rolling off the production line.
11. Maserati GranCabrio
Italian passion takes four-seat form in Maserati’s gorgeous open-top grand tourer.
The GranCabrio’s Ferrari-built V8 produces a spine-tingling soundtrack that’s worth the price of admission alone – a mechanical opera that crescendos toward its 7,500 rpm redline.
Unlike many convertibles, the rear seats offer genuine comfort for adults, making this a true four-seater.
The hand-stitched Poltrona Frau leather interior feels like it belongs in a fashion house rather than an automobile.
During a drive along Italy’s Amalfi Coast, the car attracted as many admiring glances as the breathtaking scenery.
12. Aston Martin DB9 Volante
Automotive aristocracy doesn’t get more refined than Aston’s open-top grand tourer. The DB9 Volante combines British understatement with just enough flair to turn heads without appearing ostentatious.
Hand-built in Gaydon, each car features a plaque bearing the signature of the craftsperson who assembled the engine.
The 6.0-liter V12 produces a soundtrack that ranges from a gentle purr to a ferocious growl.
Despite having four seats, I’d recommend using the rear positions for weekend bags rather than passengers if you value your friendships.
13. Audi S5 Cabriolet
Performance meets practicality in Audi’s sporty open-top offering.
The S5 Cabriolet delivers the perfect balance between everyday usability and weekend thrills, with quattro all-wheel drive ensuring year-round confidence.
What separates the S5 from its A5 sibling is the enhanced driving dynamics and that wonderful turbocharged V6 that produces a distinctive growl.
The one-touch operation allows you to lower the roof in just 15 seconds – perfect for those spontaneous moments when the sun breaks through the clouds.
During a week in the Alps, it handled everything from winding mountain passes to autobahn cruising with equal aplomb.
14. BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46)
Automotive perfection in its most accessible form, the E46 generation 3 Series Convertible has reached modern classic status.
Built during BMW’s golden era, this drop-top combines timeless styling with the legendary handling that made the brand’s reputation.
The hydraulic power steering delivers feedback that modern electric systems can only dream of replicating.
Unlike many convertibles, the rear seats can accommodate adults in reasonable comfort for shorter journeys.
My college roommate’s 330Ci convertible was our weekend escape vehicle, perfect for coastal cruises with the straight-six singing its metallic melody.
15. Mercedes CLK Cabriolet
Elegance without excess defines the CLK Cabriolet, a model that captured the essence of Mercedes’ design renaissance in the early 2000s.
Based on the C-Class but styled to resemble the E-Class, this tweener model offered prestige without the flagship price.
The pillarless design with all windows down creates a stunning profile that few modern convertibles can match.
Available with a range of engines from sensible six-cylinders to raucous AMG V8s, there was a CLK for every taste.
16. Infiniti G37 Convertible
Japanese luxury with a sporty attitude, the G37 Convertible offered compelling value in the premium drop-top segment.
Based on the same platform as the Nissan 370Z, this stylish four-seater delivered engaging handling with a distinctive personality.
The VQ37 V6 engine produces a unique raspy exhaust note that sets it apart from European rivals.
The three-piece folding hardtop provides coupe-like insulation when raised while preserving most of the trunk space when lowered.
17. Volvo C70
Swedish sophistication meets practical innovation in Volvo’s understated luxury convertible.
The second-generation C70 pioneered the three-piece retractable hardtop that transformed it from secure coupe to open-air cruiser at the push of a button.
True to Volvo’s heritage, safety innovations abound, including roll-over protection that deploys automatically if sensors detect an imminent flip.
The Scandinavian interior showcases the minimalist design philosophy that has since become trendy across the industry.
18. Cadillac Allanté
American luxury meets Italian design in this fascinating collaboration between Cadillac and Pininfarina.
Bodies were designed and built in Italy, then flown 4,600 miles on specially modified 747s (dubbed the “Air Bridge”) to Detroit for final assembly – talk about exclusive production methods!
The Allanté represented Cadillac’s ambitious attempt to compete with the Mercedes SL. Later models featured the impressive Northstar V8 that finally gave the car the performance to match its looks.
Despite its two-seat appearance, the Allanté actually features small rear seats, qualifying it as a 2+2 configuration for those emergency situations.
19. Lincoln Continental Convertible (1960s)
American opulence reached its zenith with the 1960s Lincoln Continental Convertible.
The fourth-generation Continental’s clean slab-sided styling and rear-hinged “suicide” doors created an unforgettable silhouette that still commands respect today.
Spanning nearly 19 feet in length, this land yacht offered space for six passengers to travel in supreme comfort.
The convertible top disappears completely beneath a metal cover for a clean appearance.
Sadly immortalized as President Kennedy’s parade car in Dallas, these magnificent machines represent the height of American automotive prestige before the fuel crises of the 1970s changed everything.
20. Peugeot 504 Cabriolet
French elegance with an Italian twist, the Peugeot 504 Cabriolet featured gorgeous Pininfarina styling that has aged like fine wine.
While the sedan version was praised for durability, the convertible elevated the model to automotive art.
Production numbers were tiny compared to German rivals, making these beautiful machines rare collector’s items today.
The front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout provided balanced handling, while the comfortable suspension soaked up road imperfections in typical French fashion.
21. Chrysler Sebring Convertible
Mainstream American convertible motoring reached its widest audience through the Sebring.
While not as prestigious as European competitors, the Sebring democratized four-seat open-air driving at an accessible price point.
For many Americans, rental Sebrings in Florida or California provided their first convertible experience. The spacious interior and genuinely usable rear seats made it practical for families.
Later models offered a retractable hardtop option that provided coupe-like quietness with the top up.
Despite its critics, the Sebring deserves recognition for keeping the affordable four-seat convertible segment alive during the 1990s and 2000s.
22. Ford Thunderbird Convertible (1955–1957)
Automotive Americana doesn’t get more iconic than the first-generation “Baby Bird” Thunderbird.
Created in response to the Corvette, Ford took a different approach by emphasizing luxury over raw performance, creating the “personal luxury car” segment that would thrive for decades.
The removable hardtop with distinctive porthole windows is instantly recognizable.
Unlike later models that grew in size and seat count, these early T-Birds technically had a bench seat designed for two but could squeeze three in a pinch.
My grandfather still reminisces about the ’56 model he courted my grandmother in – apparently, the V8’s rumble made quite the impression!
23. Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider Veloce
Italian passion in its most accessible form, the long-running Alfa Spider (particularly the 2000 Veloce variant) delivered the romance of Italian motoring without the exotic price tag.
Designed by Pininfarina and immortalized in the film “The Graduate,” this beauty’s timeless lines still turn heads today.
The 2.0-liter twin-cam engine might not set speed records, but it delivers its power with an enthusiasm that encourages spirited driving.
While technically a 2+2 configuration, the rear seats are best reserved for children or additional luggage.
24. Pontiac Bonneville Convertible (1960s)
American muscle meets open-air luxury in Pontiac’s flagship convertible from the 1960s.
The Bonneville represented Pontiac’s premium offering, combining the brand’s performance heritage with upscale appointments and distinctive styling.
Massive V8 engines provided effortless cruising power, while the wide-track stance delivered improved handling compared to competitors.
The spacious interior could accommodate six adults on bench seats front and rear – perfect for double dates at the drive-in theater.