Five of the best 2+2 convertibles for a weekend getaway
There are a surprising number of options when it comes to picking a drop-top to enjoy with three of your friends. Here are the best ones.
There's nothing like driving a convertible. It doesn't matter if you're out for a leisurely Sunday drive, or blasting down your favorite back roads, doing it with nothing but sky above you makes it a little bit better. It's for that reason that our long-term Mazda MX-5 Miata rarely goes anywhere with its top up.
With fall upon us, getting in any last road trips before winter arrives is surely on many people's minds. Maybe one more run up to the family cabin or a fall color tour to witness vibrant red, orange and yellow leaves is on the docket for you and three others. Whatever the case, the journey will be better in a convertible.
Unfortunately, with three passengers the Miata is out of the question, but there's a healthy list of four-seater drop-top vehicles on the market for you to choose from. Here are five great road trip-worthy 2+2 convertibles for you to check out.
Roadshow pro tips
- In many cases, drop-top backseats are smaller and best for small adults or children.
- Make sure passengers travel light, as cargo space is usually tighter in convertibles.
- Bring hats to prevent hairdos from getting too wild during top-down motoring.
- Don't forget sunglasses. Driving or riding in a convertible on a sunny day while squinting isn't very fun.
- Wear sunscreen to prevent nasty sunburns later.
BMW 6 Series Convertible
BMW M6 Convertible
While the BMW lineup does feature a number of drop-top options including the 2 Series and 4 Series convertibles, the biggest and plushest option is the 6 Series. The rear seats are serviceable for two adults, while the 10.6 cubic feet trunk provides enough space for small weekend bags.
Base 640i models are powered by a 3-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with 315 horsepower, while the midgrade 650i get a 4.4-liter turbo V8 producing 445 ponies. Both are available in rear- or all-wheel drive. For maximum thrills, opt for the 560-horsepower M6.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet
On the more affordable end of the luxury convertible spectrum is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet, which is new for the 2017 model year. More compact dimensions mean the backseats are best used for children. If weather changes drastically without warning, the three-layer acoustic soft top can go up in less than 20 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph.
The lineup begins with a C300 Cabriolet featuring a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, which is offered with a rear- or 4Matic all-wheel drive. If you really want to give the kids a thrill ride, the C63 Cabriolet with 469 horsepower and the C63 S Cabriolet with 503 horsepower are also available.
Ford Mustang Convertible
Ford Mustang Convertible
There's a distinct engine note from a Ford Mustang's V8. It's a glorious noise that can be heard even clearer with the top down in convertible versions of the Blue Oval's pony car. To top things off, the Mustang's move to an independent rear suspension provides a more comfortable ride for you and your passengers during those top-down jaunts.
In addition to the 435-horsepower V8 engine, the Mustang convertible can be had with a base V6 with 300 horsepower, or a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder packing 310 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque.
Range Rover Evoque Convertible
Range Rover Evoque Convertible
For those still mourning the demise of the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet, you'll be glad to know that the void for an odd-looking convertible crossover has been filled by the Range Rover Evoque Convertible. It'll seat four and not only be able to shuttle folks in top-down style on paved roads, but also off-road with its standard four-wheel-drive system with electronic locking differential and Land Rover's Terrain Response System.
Powering the Evoque Convertible is a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 240 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. That works with a nine-speed automatic transmission to return a fuel economy of 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
Rolls-Royce Dawn
Rolls-Royce Dawn
For maximum luxury, comfort and space in a four-seater convertible, nothing compares to the Rolls-Royce Dawn. High-grade leathers, handmade wood trim, a spacious backseat and a beastly 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 engine with 563 horses and 575 pound-feet of torque all help the Dawn deliver topless motoring perfection.
Of course, all of that comes at a price of $335,000 for a base Dawn model, but Rolls-Royce says most of these bespoke cars come in at around $400,000 after options.
