Top 10 New Convertibles

Once upon a time, nearly every automobile was open to the sky. In the early days of motoring, especially around 1909, closed cabins weren’t exactly desirable—there was no air-conditioning, ventilation was crude, and the idea of being sealed inside a metal box wasn’t appealing. Open cars weren’t luxury items; they were simply how driving worked.

Fast-forward to today, and convertibles have become pure indulgence. They’re not about practicality anymore—you can commute in them, sure, but that’s missing the point. A convertible is about emotion. Drop the roof, and suddenly the world feels different: traffic feels lighter, roads feel longer, and even an ordinary ride can feel cinematic.

Modern convertibles aren’t judged like normal cars. They’re not about trunk space, lap times, or efficiency. They’re about mood, presence, and the kind of joy that’s hard to quantify. With that in mind, here’s a journey through some of the standout convertibles across different price brackets, starting under $20,000 and climbing into the stratosphere.

Under $20,000
2012 Fiat 500C Pop
Base Price: $19,500

The Fiat 500C sneaks into this bracket only just, but it earns its place with charm rather than performance. It doesn’t try to compete with serious sports cars—instead, it focuses on style and simplicity. The fabric roof can slide back in multiple stages: fully closed, partially open above the front seats, or completely retracted. Fiat even claims it can be operated at cruising speeds, which adds to its playful personality. It’s not fast or powerful, but it delivers a cheerful open-air experience at an accessible price.

$20,000–$30,000
2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Base Price: $24,265

This price range is crowded with contenders, but the Mazda MX-5 Miata remains the benchmark. Lightweight, rear-wheel drive, and built around pure driving enjoyment, it’s one of the most beloved convertibles ever made. While rivals like the Mini Convertible or entry-level Mustang offer different flavors, the Miata is laser-focused on balance and fun.

It’s offered with a soft top or a retractable hardtop version, both staying under $30,000 in base form. The real magic comes from its manual gearbox paired with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine. It’s simple, responsive, and endlessly entertaining—especially when you avoid the automatic, which dulls the experience.

$30,000–$40,000
2012 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
Base Price: $31,080

Options are limited here, but the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible stands out with bold styling and strong performance. Even the base V6 model delivers serious punch, but the real highlight is the SS version, which keeps its V8 power and still manages to stay under the threshold—at least before options pile on.

With aggressive looks that seem lifted from a concept car, the Camaro delivers drama even before you start the engine. Roof down, V8 roaring, it’s pure American muscle in open-air form.

$40,000–$50,000
2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet
Base Price: $44,245

At this level, the field becomes much more competitive, but the Audi A5 Cabriolet stands out for its design and refinement. It blends elegant styling with a comfortable, well-built interior that feels more premium than most rivals.

It’s not the most powerful option in the class, but its turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers smooth, usable performance. With quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic, it becomes a relaxed yet capable grand tourer. Its weight is noticeable, but its composure and design make it a standout cruiser.

$50,000–$60,000
2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
Base Price: $58,595

The Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet focuses on comfort above all else. It’s one of the few convertibles that can genuinely carry four passengers in comfort, while maintaining a refined, quiet ride even with the roof down.

Its air management system reduces wind turbulence, allowing conversations at highway speeds without shouting. The 3.5-liter V6 delivers smooth, predictable power rather than excitement, paired with a polished automatic transmission. Options can push the price well beyond its base figure, but the core experience is all about effortless luxury.

$60,000–$70,000
2013 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible
Base Price: $60,575

As the C6 Corvette nears the end of its run, it goes out on a high note with the Grand Sport Convertible. It may not be the most extreme version—that title goes to the Z06-based models—but it strikes an ideal balance between performance and usability.

Its 6.2-liter V8 delivers strong acceleration, with 0–60 mph times in the mid-4-second range. More importantly, it combines that power with everyday drivability, making it one of the most well-rounded American sports cars of its era. With the roof down, it delivers exactly what a Corvette should: noise, speed, and simplicity.

$70,000–$80,000
2012 BMW M3 Convertible
Base Price: $68,750

This generation of the BMW M3 is one of the last to feature a high-revving V8 engine, and in convertible form it becomes even more engaging. The 4.0-liter engine revs to over 8,000 rpm and produces a signature sound that defines the experience.

However, ownership costs rise quickly, especially with fuel consumption and taxes. Even so, it remains a deeply emotional performance car, especially with the roof down, where the engine’s character becomes fully exposed.

$80,000–$90,000
2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible
Base Price: $82,795

The BMW 6 Series Convertible in 640i form occupies a rare price window. It combines luxury and performance in a long, elegant body powered by a turbocharged inline-six engine producing strong torque.

While it’s heavier and more comfort-oriented than earlier 6 Series generations, it still offers precise handling and a premium driving feel. The rear seats are tight, but the overall experience is focused on smooth, effortless grand touring.

$90,000–$100,000
2013 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
Base Price: $94,650

At this level, the Porsche 911 Cabriolet represents engineering purity. The 991-generation model refines everything the 911 has always stood for: rear-engine balance, precision steering, and everyday usability.

The base Carrera’s flat-six engine produces around 350 horsepower, paired with either a manual or Porsche’s PDK transmission. It’s fast, composed, and remarkably easy to live with, making it one of the most versatile performance convertibles ever built.

$100,000–$200,000
2012 Audi R8 Spyder 4.2
Base Price: $131,950

This is where convertibles start to feel truly exotic. The Audi R8 Spyder combines supercar performance with surprising usability. Its aluminum construction, all-wheel drive system, and mid-mounted V8 create a balanced, accessible driving experience.

With 430 horsepower and a soundtrack that sits just behind the driver, it delivers both drama and control. Even years after its debut, it still looks futuristic and feels special.

$200,000 and above
2013 Ferrari 458 Spider
Base Price: ~$275,000

At the top of the pyramid sits the Ferrari 458 Spider, a machine that prioritizes emotion above all else. Its 4.5-liter V8 revs to 9,000 rpm, producing an unforgettable soundtrack that defines its character.

Performance is extreme, but what makes it special is the combination of speed, steering precision, and open-air sensory overload. Roof down, it becomes an experience rather than just a car—one of the most desirable convertibles ever built.

From humble city runabouts to near-racing machines, convertibles remain less about logic and more about feeling. And that, more than anything, is why they still matter.