Best convertibles of 2024 and 2025

Everyone should own a convertible at least once in their life. When the weather is right, there’s nothing quite like driving top down and enjoying the elements. 

While there are only a few convertible options on the market, here are a couple of new ones to tempt you.

The MG Cyberster marks the brand’s bold entry into the luxury electric convertible market, carrying a surprising value proposition despite its $130k price tag. First teased in 2017 with the E-Motion concept and evolving through the 2021 Cyberster concept, the production version blends retro cues like a long bonnet with futuristic touches such as scissor doors and a triple-screen cockpit.

Powered by a dual-motor setup delivering 375kW and 750Nm, it rockets from 0–100km/h in just over 3 seconds, rivaling far more expensive performance EVs.

Although nearly twice the price of any previous MG, the Cyberster remains relatively affordable for the power and design offered.

Practicality includes a 250L boot, decent range, and home or fast charging options, while the interior features synthetic leather, Alcantara, and a stylish, albeit slightly flawed, digital interface.

Handling is composed thanks to a low-mounted battery and 50/50 weight distribution. While the ride can be unsettled over rough terrain, it’s agile, fast, and enjoyable on winding roads. Some initial quality glitches such as door operation quirks, infotainment typos, and a few system bugs do tarnish an otherwise solid first impression. Yet the Cyberster lives up to MG’s value-oriented DNA delivering eye-catching design, thrilling performance and practicality.

The Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet builds on the coupe’s elegant styling, delivering open-top driving with a refined, well-executed design. Its acoustic soft-top retracts in under 15 seconds and can operate while driving up to 60km/h. With the roof down, wind buffeting is minimal, especially with the optional wind deflector though its appearance is somewhat unsightly.

Ride quality is smooth and composed, with minimal body wobble or noise, and the roof provides strong insulation when closed. While rear seating in the coupe is roomy, the cabriolet is less accommodating due to upright backrests and tighter legroom. The boot shrinks from 420L in the coupe to 385L (295L with roof stowed), but the rear seats fold for added practicality.

Priced at $137,700, the CLE Cabriolet carries a typical convertible premium over the coupe ($126,700). It shares the same powertrain; a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with 190kW/400Nm, mild-hybrid assistance, and all-wheel drive via a 9-speed auto. Fuel use hovered around 11L/100km in city driving, though claimed figures are lower. Performance is decent, with 0–100km/h in 6.6 seconds, aided by strong midrange torque. Handling is safe and composed, though slightly less agile than the coupe due to added weight and a touch of understeer.

Inside, it mirrors the coupe’s tech-rich layout, though touchscreen glare with the roof down can be an issue. Overall, the CLE Cabriolet offers a stylish, competent, and rare four-seat convertible experience for those seeking a premium drop-top that turns heads.

Now in its ninth year, the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 (ND) remains a lively, engaging roadster despite its age, though its popularity is waning. Global and local sales have dropped significantly due to both its age and rising costs. Originally priced at $46,995 in 2016, the manual soft-top Roadster now costs $60,490.

Despite minimal visual updates, the MX-5 still looks sharp. Mechanically, the main 2024 update is a new asymmetric limited-slip differential and a "track" stability control mode, exclusive to the manual Roadster. These changes subtly enhance its dynamic capabilities, especially in curves, where reduced body roll and Bilstein dampers help deliver improved control and confidence.

The chassis continues to offer exceptional feel, aided by tweaked steering for more natural feedback. On road the MX-5 still shines with precise steering, excellent balance, and communicative handling. Its 2.0L engine (135kW/205Nm) offers lively performance, complemented by a slick six-speed manual and well-weighted pedals. Fuel efficiency remains respectable at 7.6L/100km (WLTP).