Home > Buying Guides >  

Best 4 Seat Convertibles of 2021

Soak Up Some Sun With the Best 4 Seater Drop-tops on the Road

4 seat convertibles - BMW 4 series on road

Perhaps when you think of a convertible, a sleek roadster comes to mind. And while these iconic 2-seaters are very popular with drop-top and sports car enthusiasts, sometimes you might simply need a bit more space. Luckily with the best 4 seat convertibles, you don’t have to sacrifice your sunny day soft-top fun if you happen to have the family in tow.

10 Best 4 Seat Convertibles of 2021 — Plus a Few to Look Forward to in 2022

Sure, you might have trouble convincing your significant other that a convertible is a strictly practical car, but with a 4 seat convertible, you will get some added benefits that make these cabriolets a bit more utilitarian, whether you need a daily driver or a weekend road trip machine that can hold more than just your plus one.

We’ve rounded up the best 4 seat convertibles on the market today, from budget-friendly options to high-dollar luxury models so you can pick the perfect drop-top for you.

2021 Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

Mercedes ups the drop-top ante with their award-winning E-Class cabriolet. This hybrid 4-seat convertible gives passengers the best of all worlds with ample headroom, a full leather interior with comfortable back seats, and 34.1 inches of rear legroom. And behind the wheel, you’ll find the convertible is no slouch either.

You can opt for either the E 450 (available with either 4MATIC all-wheel drive) or AMG E 53 Cabriolet. The E 450 comes standard with a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six with EQ Boost that makes 362 hp. The AMG E 53 also has a turbocharged 3.0L inline-six with EQ Boost and an electric auxiliary compressor that bumps power to 429 hp. The three-layer, insulated soft-top can be automatically stowed away in under 20 seconds.

The E 450 starts at $71,950 while the AMG E 53 will set you back $82,850 for the base model. But for the price tag, you’ll find the E Class comes decked out with a long list of luxury features including some convertible-specific nice-to-haves like the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system which means you can drop the top in comfort even in cooler weather.

2021 BMW 4 Series Convertible

Since the 4 Series debuted in 2014, it’s seen its share of major upgrades. For the 2021 model year, BMW offers two versions of the two-door, RWD 4 Series drop-top — the sporty 430i and the performance-oriented, M-badged M440i. And yes, both have the controversial front grill, but they also have sleek styling, a redesigned soft top to reduce road noise, and classic BMW handling.

And both have second-row seating that, while not exactly roomy at 32.5-inches of legroom, at least gives your rear passengers amenities like headrests, a center armrest, full leather seats, and rear ventilation. Though you won’t want to plan an extended road trip with three adults in tow, at least your passengers won’t feel like they are an afterthought thanks to the 4 Series all-over polished interior.

If you’re on a budget and looking for an open-air cruiser with a little extra luxury, the compact 430i delivers both sophistication and a sporty behind-the-wheel experience. The base model, which has a starting MSRP of $53,100, comes with a 2.0L twin-turbo inline-four that makes 255 hp. You can add the M Sport Package for more performance upgrades.

Or you can jump to the M440i for a 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six good for 382 hp and additional M-Sport goodies like bigger brakes and a performance-tuned suspension. Alternatively, if you don’t mind waiting, 2022 should bring a soft-top M4 Competition to the U.S. market — with more ponies and a bigger price tag, of course.

2021 Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet

Mercedes claims their C-Class cabriolet is designed to deliver “coupe-like comfort” for drivers and passengers alike. The 4 seater boastes 32 inches of legroom in the rear. The soft-top 4 seat convertible is also available with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, making it even more practical for year-round use. At the touch of a button, the three-layer fabric top can be up or down in under 20 seconds. 

The base C 300 Cabriolet has plenty to like with a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four and a starting MSRP of $54,700. Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, this peppy little engine makes 255 hp and is good for 32 mpg on the highway. 

Naturally, if you want to bump up the power (and don’t care so much about the mpg), look to the AMG line-up where the 4 seat cabriolet comes as the AMG C 43, AMG C 63, and the range-topping AMG C 63 S. You’ll pay a little more (base MSRP ranges from $65,500 to $85,600), but with that, you get all the performance upgrades that the AMG badge entails. The C 43 comes with a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 making 385 hp, while the C 63 and C 63 S bump up to a 4.0L twin-turbo V8, good for 503 hp.

2021 Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet

If you want a do-everything 4 seat convertible that your rear-row passengers will enjoy just as much as the driver up front, look no further than the Audi A5 or S5 Cabriolet. With a full leather interior, all-wheel drive, and plenty of luxury features, this convertible can easily be your go-to daily driver. The A5 has 33.1 inches of rear legroom while the slightly larger S5 has 33.3 inches.

From the outside, these two cabriolets might look nearly identical, but under the hood is where the S5 gets a little performance boost over the A5. The 2.0L turbocharged 4 cylinder in the A5 is good for 261 hp and has a top speed of 130 mph. The S5 gets a twin-turbo 3.0L 6 cylinder that bumps power output to 349 hp with a top speed of 150 mph.

Both cabriolets have a relatively budget-friendly price tag with the A5 starting at $50,400 while the S5 bumps the starting price to $60,600. And for the price, both drop-top cruisers offer plenty of luxury features that make these Audi convertibles a smart package.

2021 Lexus LC Convertible

Lexus’ take on the 4-seater soft top, the LC Convertible, is a sleek and sporty package designed with the driver in mind but without sacrificing too much passenger comfort. The back seat comes with 28 inches of rear legroom.

Even though it’s not the most spacious 4 seat convertible, Lexus delivers on its trademark upscale interior with additions like the optional touring package which comes with climate concierge which features dual-zone climate control and upper body heating. Additional features like the full leather interior and 12-speaker audio system add to the luxury of the cabin whether you have the top up or down.

In terms of performance, the LC comes with a 5.0L V8 that makes 471 hp and 398 lb.-ft. of torque. The rear-wheel-drive convertible comes with a 10-speed electronically controlled direct-shift transmission. Add on the Sport Package and Dynamic Handling package for some carbon fiber bits, upgraded brake, and performance suspension components. The LC Convertible starts at $101,100.

2021 Jeep Wrangler

Though most people might not think of the Wrangler as a 4 seat convertible, it actually is. Sure, it’s not going to be as sporty on the tarmac as the more traditional convertibles, and it’s not the most powerful option in terms of horsepower. But with its iconic style and rugged ability, the Wrangler is the convertible of choice for the off-road enthusiast.

For the 2021 model year, you have the option to purchase either a two-door or four-door Wrangler, both of which have seating for four. And your passengers will thank you as the second row is roomy enough for adults to be comfortable on longer drives. The Wrangler can be optioned with either a hard-top or soft-top, and you even have the option for a fully electric Wrangler 4xe.

All models come with four-wheel-drive and superior off-roading ability. If you want a stock convertible that can also hit the trails, the Wrangler is your only option. Plus, with the many options for aftermarket parts, you’ll have exceptional versatility to customize your convertible Jeep exactly how you like it. If you want a fun, non-traditional convertible, the Wrangler is the way to go.

2021 Ford Mustang Convertible

The convertible Ford Mustang has long been a staple of drop-top sports cars. And, yes, in the world of 4 seat convertibles, the rear row on the Mustang is decidedly not spacious with 29.2-inches of legroom in the rear, but the bucket seats can be used in a pinch if you’re transporting more than one passenger.

For 2021, you can get the soft-top Mustang as either an Ecoboost Premium or GT Premium convertible. The Ecoboost convertible comes standard with a 2.3L engine that delivers 310 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. With a starting MSRP of $37,725 and an EPA estimated 20 city/ 28 highway, you can almost sell this convertible as a downright practical daily driver.

Of course, if smiles per mile are more your style, the RWD Mustang can be had with a 5.0L V8 which bumps the power up to 460 hp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. For American muscle car purists, the V8 will always be the way to go. With a starting MSRP of $45,785, the GT Premium is still relatively affordable in the world of high-end drop-tops.

2021 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

It wouldn’t be fair to pick a Ford Mustang for our list of 4 seat convertibles without also giving a nod to the 2021 Chevy Camaro. The soft-top Camaro brings all the big, bold, brashness of Chevy’s muscle car into the convertible world. Similar to the Mustang, the rear seats are tight, but functional for short drives or outings with your kids in tow. You can operate the fully automatic top, going up or down, while driving up to 30 mph.

The base Camaro comes with a 2.0L turbo that is good for 275 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. For power hounds, the supercharged 6.2L V8 of the ZL1 trim package bumps the Camaro up to a whopping 650 hp and 650 lb.-ft. of torque and also gives you other goodies like Brembo disc brakes and 20-inch forged aluminum wheels.

You even have the option of a 6-speed manual if you want some old-school control of this RWD beast.
With a starting MSRP of $32,695 for the 1LT and $71,790 for the ZL1, you can build and customize your Camaro convertible into everything from a pleasant country-side cruiser to a high-performance, adrenaline-inducing 4-seater. Tell your passengers to hold on.

2021 Rolls Royce Dawn

Looking to commission a bespoke 4 seat convertible? 2021 marks the last year of ultra-luxurious Rolls Royce Dawn. True to its badge, the Dawn is all about luxury with a touch of drama. Costing upwards of $350,000, the Dawn can be customized in nearly limitless ways.

The interior is marked by high-end leather and wood trim, and even your rear passengers will feel pampered as the back row gets plenty of luxurious touches. And with nearly 37 inches of rear legroom and a butter-soft ride, your passengers will find that the back row might be one of the best seats in the house.

The rear-wheel-drive convertible comes standard with a 6.6L twin-turbo V12 that makes 563 hp. Though that’s plenty of power and the convertible is still quite quick, the Dawn doesn’t exactly handle like a sports car thanks to its hefty curb weight of over 5,000 lbs. But this drop-top Rolls Royce isn’t about being the fastest off the line. It’s about making a statement when you enter the room.

2021 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante

The 2021 Aston Martin DBS Volante is a 4 seat convertible with a tidy back seat that you can use in a pinch. The stitched leather interior and dual-zone climate control make the ride comfortable whether you have the top up or down. Due to the small rear seats, be prepared for your passengers to put up a bit of a fight to ride shotgun.

Kids will fit just fine if you are carting your family around on the weekend though adults will likely find the back seats a bit cramped. But good friends will understand that driving an Aston Martin is worth a little inconvenience — sometimes it’s okay to be a little selfish.

The rear-wheel-drive Volante is powered by a 5.2L twin-turbo V12 that makes 715 hp. Along with all that power, you get Aston Martin’s finely tuned aerodynamic and suspension package which makes the behind-the-wheel experience of this drop-top decidedly good fun. With a price tag north of $330,000, the DBS doesn’t fall into the “affordable” 4 seat convertibles category, but it does still win points for perhaps the most coveted.

2022 Mini Cooper Convertible

There’s no denying that the Mini Cooper Convertible is cute and fun to drive. And with a roomy rear row and lots of value for its affordable base price of $27,900, the Mini is a great way to mesh the fun of a convertible with the practicality of a daily driver.

When it comes to handling, there’s nothing quite like a Mini. It offers a go-kart feeling, taking tight turns with ease. Inside the cabin, you’re met with even more style. And because BMW runs the show, you are also right to assume some luxury inside. This includes the availability of heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a Harmon Kardon premium sound system.

For 2022, you can get the convertible in the base Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works configurations. The base model comes with a twin-turbo 1.5L inline 3-cylinder engine that makes 136 hp. A twin-turbo 2.0L inline-four bumps the power up to 192 hp and 231 h on the Cooper S and John Cooper Works, respectively. No matter the ponies, this sporty 4 seat convertible promises plenty of open-air excitement.

2022 BMW 8 Series Convertible

Are you looking for a big, bold 4 seat convertible that still delivers on a sporty driving experience? The 2022 BMW 8 Series convertible might be the perfect match between the luxury and performance driving experience you are looking for. This two-door soft-top seats four and does it in style. All it takes is 15 seconds to drop the top and feel the wind in your hair.

You have three models to choose from. The sporty 840i can be had in either rear-wheel-drive or BMW’s trademark xDrive all-wheel-drive platform. Bumping up into the M world, the M850i xDrive comes with all-time, all-wheel-drive while the range-topping M8 Competition has an M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with rear-wheel drive capability.

The 8 Series does come with a bigger price tag than its smaller 4 Series sibling, with an MSRP starting at $94,400 for the 840i and $139,500 for the M8 Competition. You do get a good bang for your buck with the 840i coming equipped with a 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six good for 355 hp.

The M850i xDrive and M8 Comp both come with a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 that bumps power output to 523 hp and 617 hp, respectively. And the 8 Series isn’t just about go-fast fun — with options like bespoke interior and exterior additions and the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, this 4 seat convertible is about the full driving experience.

2022 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible

This dramatic grand tourer brings Bentley flair to a 4 seat convertible. From the distinctive styling to the athletic performance, you won’t mistake the GT Speed for any other convertible on the road.

With just over 650 hp and a top speed of 208 mph, the GT Speed lives up to its name. The 8-speed DCT delivers power to Bentley’s active all-wheel-drive system. Flip the convertible into sport mode to put the 6.0L twin-turbocharged W12 through its paces and really get the wind whipping through your hair.

On the inside, you get distinctive Bentley touches, like the diamond-stitched leather seats and the option to customize your GT to high heaven. Bentley also offers the GT Convertible in two different V8 configurations, but if you’re going Bentley you might as well go big with the W12 — if you can afford the hefty price tag, that is. The 2022 GT Speed is slated to sell for around the $300,000 mark.

Drop the Top, Hit the Road, and Enjoy The Best 4 Seat Convertibles

If you need more room in your daily but want the drop-top lifestyle, these 4 seat convertibles might be the answer you’ve been looking for. Now you can soak up the sun and have enough room to take your kids, gear, and friend along for the drive.









About Kristen Arendt

Kristen is a writer and editor based in Colorado. She came to motorsports by way of her husband's passion for track days, autocross, and fast cars and is now the proud co-driver of two E36 325s and an overland-in-the-making Lexus GX470. She is a volunteer driving instructor with the BMW CCA Rocky Mountain Chapter and enjoys any event that involves getting behind the wheel or navigating from the passenger's seat.

×