Practicality and versatility are often secondary concerns when purchasing a convertible. These cars are typically acquired for their stylish designs and luxurious appointments. That’s still true of the cars on this list, but the addition of all-wheel drive also makes them suitable for use in a wider variety of conditions. In winter, you can head out with the assurance of added grip, while the ability to lower the roof is a joy during the summer months. These are the best AWD convertibles you can buy for the 2024 model year.
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Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
There’s an abundance of Porsche 911 configurations, whether you’re looking for an everyday sports car or a track-day superstar. Regardless of which one you go for, every Porsche 911 exhibits class-leading handling, rock-solid build quality, timeless design, and outstanding reliability for a sports car. The AWD 911 Carrera Cabriolet is no different. The cheapest AWD model is the Carrera 4, which costs a couple of thousand dollars more than the rear-wheel-drive variant but has the same twin-turbo six-cylinder engine that delivers thrilling acceleration. The back seats may be tiny, but this is a special AWD convertible in all other respects.
“The 992 Cabriolet dives for apexes and jumps out of corners with even more confidence than before. Unlike some mid-engine rivals, its limit handling is more linear and predictable and less upset by having the top down.”
– CarBuzz First Drive Review of the 992-generation Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet
If the standard Carrera 4S Cabriolet’s 379 horsepower isn’t enough for you, the 911 Turbo Cabriolet will surely do the job. The six-cylinder engine produces a brawny 640 hp in the Turbo S, which equates to eye-popping acceleration; with the roof down, you better hold on to your hat in this car. Despite its shattering pace, the Turbo Cabriolet is comfortable enough for daily use, and you can send the price soaring close to $300,000 by opting for one of the many tempting options.
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Jaguar F-Type Convertible
This is the last model year for the Jaguar F-Type Convertible, and it will be sorely missed. Although its age is given away by aspects like a claustrophobic interior, it’s a feast for the senses with its gorgeous engine note and striking design. The supercharged 5.0-liter V8 is available in two states of tune and produces up to 575 hp, so power isn’t lacking. The Jag isn’t as precise as the 911, but its steering is good and you can’t help but be enamored by its charismatic engine.
BMW M4 Convertible
Base MSRP $93,300
Fuel Economy 16/23 MPG
Horsepower 503 hp
Engine 3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 Gas
With aggressive styling, a hard edge to its suspension, and one of the most powerful iterations of BMW’s classic six-cylinder engine, there’s nothing subtle about the BMW M4 Convertible. Available solely in Competition guise, the 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine delivers 503 hp and is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. AWD helps it launch cleanly, and it handles almost as well as the M4 Coupe. The interior layout will be familiar to anyone who has sat inside a 3 Series, with crisp digital displays. There are multiple M-specific touches to remind you of this car’s place in the range, though.
Audi A5 Convertible
So far, most of the AWD convertibles here have thunderous engines and dramatic outputs. The Audi A5 Convertible is a much more subdued package, encouraging a lazier approach from behind the wheel and functioning well as a boulevard cruiser. Producing 261 hp from a 2.0L turbo-four, acceleration is useful rather than shockingly quick. The Audi’s laidback driving demeanor is complemented by attractive yet reserved styling. It’s perfect for the individual who wants a stylish drop-top without shouting about it.
BMW 4 Series Convertible
The non-M 4 Series makes for a very good convertible, too. In fact, the smoother ride and less aggressive tuning of the standard 4 Series is perhaps a better fit for a convertible. The 255-hp base 430i has a four-cylinder, whereas the M440i has 382 hp from its six-cylinder. Both deliver rapid acceleration and smooth shifts from the eight-speed automatic. There isn’t much space in the back seats, but smaller adults can fit in there for shorter trips. A little more engaging to drive than its Audi A5 rival, the 4 Series Convertible is a top choice in its segment if you can live with the controversial styling.
Bentley Continental GT Convertible
There isn’t a grander convertible here than the Bentley. Its brand recognition and respect are up there with Rolls-Royce, and it lives up to that with an overpowering presence, a stunningly crafted interior, and remarkable refinement. Twin-turbo V8 and W12 engines are available, each delivering their ample power in a most dignified manner. However, the Bentley is surprisingly enjoyable to drive when the road begins to twist. At over $250,000, the Bentley commands a hefty premium, but it’s a deeply impressive car.
Porsche 911 Targa 4
Yet another Porsche 911 finds itself on this list. Not a traditional convertible like the Carrera Convertible, the Targa 4 offers something between that and the normal coupe. It’s probably got the most unique silhouette of any modern 911, but it drives as well as the others. The combination of a powerful flat-six engine, ample AWD grip, feelsome steering, and the quick dual-clutch automatic add up to a car that just begs to be pushed hard. It’s a 911 that’s perfect for any season.
Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible
As the name suggests, this is the fastest and most powerful Continental GT Convertible. Bentley employs the services of the 6.0-liter W12 engine here, but it’s been tuned to make 650 hp. The 0-60 mph time is 3.6 seconds, while the top speed is well beyond 200 mph. Rear-axle steering and a torque-vectoring rear differential help to disguise the GT Speed’s size and weight, so it can be surprisingly fun to hustle this large drop-top, as we found when we drove it in Sicily. Of course, the ritzy Bentley interior is as comfortable and immaculately trimmed as ever. You’ll need deep pockets, but this is as opulent as convertibles get.
Expert Opinion
“Unlike supercars that feel visceral and raw, the GT Speed feels effortless. While launch control might catapult you off the line in a way that completely belies the car’s weight and size, overtaking acceleration is where the Speed lives up to its name. All it takes is a thought. There’s a softness to its demeanor, yet it resists body roll like a seasoned sports sedan”
BMW M8 Convertible
Like the Porsche 911 Turbo Convertible, the BMW M8 Convertible is a drop-top with crushing performance. The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 develops 617 hp, so the 0-60 time is just over three seconds. While it isn’t particularly nimble due to its size and weight, the M8 Convertible has oodles of grip, and you can loosen the rear end thanks to the rear-biased xDrive AWD system. Rear-seat space is poor, but those in front have plenty of toys to play with. This is also one of the more attractive modern BMWs on sale.
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Best Of The Rest
Below are several other accomplished AWD convertibles, including a few unrated ones that we have yet to subject to a comprehensive review.
2024 Mercedes-AMG SL55
Base MSRP $144,500
Engine 4.0-liter Twin-Turbo V8
Horsepower 469 hp
2024 Mercedes-AMG SL63
Base MSRP $187,000
Engine 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8
Horsepower 577 hp
Drivetrain All-Wheel Drive
Characteristics Of AWD Convertibles
There are a lot of different types of drop-tops out there. Some are built purely for laidback driving, while others have sportier inclinations. Similarly, luxury and comfort may take a back seat at times. All offer open-top driving, but what other similarities should you expect?
Style: By design, these are sensuous cars, with lines that are only accentuated further when the top is down. The interior is generally quite well-appointed, with between two and four seats available. Those with the latter are usually quite cramped in the rear, though larger models do supply enough space for larger passengers. Performance: Often based on popular sedans or coupes, many convertibles come with a powerful engine that should make them pretty fast. However, replacing a solid hardtop with a retractable roof does have an impact on aerodynamics, and this is exacerbated when the roof is down. Having AWD instead of rear- or front-wheel drive helps to improve handling if you enjoy driving a little harder, but very few models have a manual transmission, so engagement is not always the best. Price: Most convertibles with AWD are produced by premium brands, so you can expect the price tag to reflect as much. When you add the low mpg figures because of all the extra weight convertibles suffer from, the total cost of ownership is quite high. This is true even of cheaper models.
Bentley
What To Consider When Buying All-Wheel-Drive Convertible Models
Anyone that owns a convertible car will certainly tell you all about the benefits, though they may forget the downsides in their excitement. So, here we list some of the obvious advantages and disadvantages of AWD convertibles:
Pros
Stylish design Drop-top driving is ideal for summer months Added grip and security of AWD Most models in this segment offer impressive performance Many feature all-weather comforts such as neck warmers
Cons
Most AWD convertibles are expensive Structural integrity is compromised, sometimes hindering handling dynamics Most convertibles lack generous rear passenger and trunk space Poorer gas mileage of AWD
What’s the best AWD convertible?
The Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet is our top-rated AWD convertible, due to its consistently excellent showings in areas like design, performance, build quality, and handling. It’s expensive, though, so we’d recommend the Audi A5 or BMW 4 Series convertibles for something a little more affordable.
Are there any AWD cabriolets available with a manual transmission?
Manual transmissions are quite rare in this day and age, and among convertibles with all-wheel drive, they are non-existent.
Are AWD convertibles less economical on fuel?
All-wheel-drive convertibles do often return lower mpg figures than their FWD and RWD counterparts because of the extra weight that AWD adds to the vehicle. Their poorer aerodynamics when driving with the top down also impact fuel economy.
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