I’ve always loved the idea of open-air travel — the way a breeze changes a commute into a small adventure. Yet when friends ask for a convertible recommendation, most expect two doors and a small back seat.
That’s why I wanted to put together something different: a guide focused on convertible options that work for real life — seats for adults, room for a weekend bag, and doors that make daily use easy.
True four-door drop-tops are rare, but manufacturers and off-road designers have delivered useful alternatives: roomy luxury cabriolets, sporty 2+2 convertibles with usable rear seats, and modern SUVs with removable tops that open the whole cabin.
I’ll walk you through the models I’d consider if I wanted open-air motoring without sacrificing practicality. For each car I cover what it feels like, the realistic costs, what to check before buying, and who it’s best for.
Let’s start with the ones that make sense when you want wind in your hair and space to live with.
Note on Sources & Accuracy
I’ve researched manufacturer specifications, reliable auto publications, dealer listings, and trusted automotive archives. Examples include Bentley’s official site for new GTC specs, KBB & Edmunds for pricing on convertibles and four-door open models like Wrangler Kbb.com, and automotive review outlets.
Because convertible models and trims shift across years, variations exist — always verify details against your specific model, VIN, or factory documentation.
How I chose the list
A quick note on method: I focused on vehicles that offer real-world usability — convertible cars with rear seats you can sit in for more than a short trip, and modern open-top SUVs that keep four doors.
I prefer models that are well built, fairly easy to maintain, and that offer clear pros and cons. I’ve driven, inspected, or worked on many of these types of cars and also looked at owner reports and maintenance patterns to form practical advice.
1. 2025 Bentley Continental GTC
Price: For 2025, starting MSRP ~ $323,550 for base GTC (Black Edition)
Key Specs:
• Powertrain: 4.0L V8 hybrid in newer models, producing ~771 hp / 738 lb-ft torque
• Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
• 0–60 mph time: ~3.1 seconds (for top variants)
• Top Speed: ~208 mph (335 km/h)
• Seating: 4 adults (with rear seats suitable for shorter journeys)
If your definition of carefree driving includes plush leather, cathedral-quiet cabins and a soundtrack that’s velvety rather than raw, the Bentley Continental GTC is a standout. It’s a true four-seat convertible that competes with yachts in terms of comfort.
Most models pair a twin-turbo W12 or a V8 with sophisticated suspension, making long highway stints effortless.
Why I like it: the GTC turns long trips into a relaxed experience. With the roof down the cabin remains stable and civilized; with the top up it becomes a quiet cocoon. The back seats are genuinely usable for adults on shorter journeys.
What to watch for: maintenance costs are high — servicing, tires, and replacement parts demand a wallet that accepts luxury. The W12 models are thirstier; V8 variants offer a nicer balance of performance and economy.
Who should consider it: someone who wants the ultimate grand-touring convertible that seats four, and who accepts higher running costs for exceptional comfort and presence.
2. 2021 Rolls-Royce Dawn
Price: $359,250 (luxury ultra-premium segment)
Key Specs:
• Engine: V12 twin-turbo, displacement ~6.6L (Rolls-Royce specification)
• Power & torque: High output with smooth delivery (Rolls does not always publish raw hp in consumer marketing)
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
• Seating: Four true seats, rear very comfortable
• Features: Rolls luxury touches — advanced insulation, bespoke options
The Dawn is about ceremony: it’s a car that announces every arrival. Like the Bentley, the Dawn provides true four-seat accommodation with rear seats designed for comfort rather than token space.
The V12 engine is silken and strong, but the real appeal is the cabin’s serenity and the bespoke options Rolls-Royce offers.
Why I like it: open-top motoring here is quiet and refined — conversations remain normal even at highway speeds. The craftsmanship sets a tone that few cars match.
What to watch for: extremely high purchase price and maintenance bills. Insurance and upkeep are major considerations. Also, very low production volumes mean buying used can present unique valuation questions.
Who should consider it: buyers who prioritize tradition, exclusivity, and a convertible that’s more about presence than sporty handling.
3. 2026 BMW 8 Series Convertible (G14)
Price: $101,675; used models vary widely depending on trim
Key Specs:
• Engines: Options often include a twin-turbo inline-6 or V8 in higher trims
• Power: ~335–523 hp depending on variant
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel or optional all-wheel drive
• Seating: 2 + 2, with rear seats usable for shorter trips
BMW’s 8 Series convertible blends athletic poise with usable rear seats. The modern 8 is a proper two-plus-two: the front row is driver-centric, the rears are comfortable enough for adults on shorter trips. Choose between a potent twin-turbo V8 or a smoother six-cylinder for balanced power.
Why I like it: the 8 convertible nails the blend of performance and luxury. With the top down the chassis remains sure-footed and the car feels planted. Interior tech is modern and materials are premium.
What to watch for: like any high-end grand tourer, maintenance can be expensive when things go wrong. Rear-seat space isn’t as generous as in big-luxury convertibles. Also, beware of optional packages that drive price up.
Who should consider it: someone who wants firm handling and a sporting personality while retaining the ability to seat friends or family.
4. 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet
Price: Pre-owned values often in the $140,000
Key Specs:
• Engine options: V8 / V12 in top trims
• Power: ~463–630 hp depending on variant
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
• Comfort features: Air-scarf, multi-layer insulation, rear comfort features
The S-Class cabriolet represents the Mercedes approach to top-level open-air driving: quiet, technological, and composed. The S-Class convertible is intended for passengers who want a sumptuous environment and automated comforts such as air-scarf neck heaters and multi-layer insulation.
Why I like it: the ride quality is remarkable. It feels like a flagship saloon that happens to remove its roof on command, and its rear seats are genuinely comfortable for adult passengers.
What to watch for: expensive maintenance and repairs; complex electronics can be costly to diagnose. The S-Class cabriolet is heavy, so handling is poised rather than sporty.
Who should consider it: buyers seeking the most comfortable open-top cabin with technological polish and rear-seat comfort on long trips.
5. 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
Price: Many used examples in the $73,250 (depending on specs)
Key Specs:
• Engines: Options from turbo four cylinders to V6 / V8 in AMG variants
• Power: ~241–429 hp in AMG versions
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (some AWD in AMG or special trims)
• Seating: 2 + 2 with usable rear seats for short durations
The E-Class cabriolet is a more attainable alternative to the S-Class: it blends comfort and refinement with better day-to-day usability. It seats four in reasonable comfort and offers a range of engines from economical four-cylinders to punchy sixes.
Why I like it: it’s capable and civilized. The E-Class is easier to live with than the giant S-Class and offers many of the same features in a smaller package.
What to watch for: convertibles of this class still carry premium maintenance costs, and soft-top mechanisms should be checked for wear. Rear-seat headroom with the top up can be tighter than in a sedan.
Who should consider it: people who want a mix of comfort, style, and technology without going to full-blown flagship prices.
6. 2025 Audi A5 / S5 Cabriolet
Price: Starting from $47,595
Key Specs:
• Engines: Turbocharged 2.0L engines in many trims, higher performance variants (S5) with V6 or turbo V6
• Power: ~220–354 hp (S5)
• Drivetrain: Quattro (AWD) becomes available in many variants
• Seating: Four seats, decent rear for shorter trips
Audi’s A5 Cabriolet is an understated and practical four-seat option. It’s less showy than some competitors but excels at providing quality materials, a precise feel, and strong all-weather performance in quattro forms.
Why I like it: the A5 offers everyday usability. Rear seats are usable for adults, build quality is solid, and the cabin layout is simple and driver-friendly.
What to watch for: some owners report maintenance of the soft top and occasional electronics quirks. If you’re focused on sharp handling, pick an S5 and ensure the chassis options suit your tastes.
Who should consider it: drivers who want a well-made convertible that’s comfortable on long trips and easy to live with.
7. 2026 BMW 4 Series Convertible (G23)
Price: Starting from $74,225
Key Specs:
• Engines: Turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 and 3.0L inline-6 in some markets
• Power: ~255–382 hp
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel or all-wheel drive (xDrive in some markets)
• Seating: Small rear, useful for short trips
The 4 Series convertible offers engaging driving dynamics with practical seating for two adults in the back for short trips. It’s lighter and more focused than bigger grand tourers, making it attractive if you favor cornering ability.
Why I like it: the 4 Series is playful and responsive. It’s available in several trims, and a midrange engine yields a satisfying balance of power and refinement.
What to watch for: rear seats are not as roomy as larger convertibles. Maintenance costs for turbo BMW engines should be factored in.
Who should consider it: enthusiasts who want a convertible that’s lively on back roads but still acceptable for everyday errands.
8. 2025 Ford Mustang Convertible
Price: Starting from $41,615
Key Specs:
• Engines: Options include 2.3L turbo 4, 5.0L V8, and special variants
• Power: ~310–760 hp in highest variants
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
• Seating: 2 + 2 (rear usable short distances)
The Mustang remains one of the best value convertibles you can buy. The modern Mustang offers four seats (rear seats suited for adults on short trips), varied engines from efficient four-cylinders to screaming V8s, and a broad ecosystem of aftermarket support.
Why I like it: you can get an energetic convertible for far less than European rivals. The Mustang’s V8 is gratifying, and rear seats are handy when needed.
What to watch for: ride quality on base models can be firm. Fit and finish aren’t always at European levels, but the package is excellent for the money.
Who should consider it: buyers who want muscle-car character, straightforward ownership costs, and a convertible that doubles as a practical family runabout on weekends.
9. 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (4-door)
Price: Used 4-door Wrangler ~ $14,090 (though prices vary widely).
Key Specs:
• Engines: V6, turbocharged 4, hybrid options in modern years
• Seating: 5 seats, four doors, open-top via removable roof / soft top
• Drive: 4WD (off-road capable)
• Cargo: robust cargo capacity depending on roof removed or closed
If “convertible” means “open air” to you and you need four full doors, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited stands out. It offers removable roof panels or a full soft top and carries four doors and usable rear seats. The Wrangler trades finesse for freedom: it’s capable off-road and utterly practical for gear and passengers.
Why I like it: it’s the only mainstream, mass-market vehicle that delivers true four-door open-air motoring and serious off-road capability.
What to watch for: road manners and ride comfort compromise refinement; fuel economy is modest. Soft top seals, sound insulation, and roof latches deserve inspection if buying used.
Who should consider it: adventurers who value openness and capability over refined road manners, and who want four doors for family practicality.
10. 2025 Ford Bronco (4-door)
Price: Starts in the $40,000–$60,000 range depending on trim and features
Key Specs:
• Roof: Removable panels / modular roof system
• Drivetrain: 4WD with off-road capability
• Seating: 5 seats, four doors
• Powertrains: Turbo engines (2.3L, 2.7L V6)
• Off-road features: G.O.A.T modes (Go Over Any Terrain)
The Bronco revived the classic format with modern engineering. The four-door Bronco can be specified with a modular roof system and removable panels, transforming it into a day-to-day vehicle that can also be an open-air machine.
Why I like it: modern tech, strong off-road ability, and thoughtful design for those who actually use their SUVs off the beaten track.
What to watch for: early production cars faced some minor quality snags; verify build and option fitment on used examples. Like the Wrangler, open-top use exposes interior to the elements — check for water ingress and wear.
Who should consider it: drivers who want a contemporary, capable 4-door vehicle that’s also an honest open-air experience.
How to pick the right four-seat, practical convertible for you
- Decide how you’ll use it — weekend touring, daily commuting, towing, family trips or off-road? Comfort choices differ widely between a Bentley and a Wrangler.
- Rear-seat needs — test the rear seats for adults on a 30-minute trip. Some “four-seat” cars only work for children on longer journeys.
- Budget realistically — factor in insurance, tires, and maintenance. Luxury convertibles have higher running costs.
- Check the roof mechanism — soft tops, fabric roofs, and complex folding metal tops all wear. Look for smooth operation, water seals, and service history.
- Look for corrosion or interior water damage — open-top use can accelerate wear. Check carpets, trunk seals, and electronics for signs of moisture.
- Verify replacement roof costs — whether fabric or multi-panel hardtop, repairs can be costly.
- Test with the top up and down — noise, drafts, and rattle levels change dramatically. Try a highway run both ways.
If you want an open-air car that still fits real life, there are excellent choices across budgets and tastes. For pure luxury and four adult seats, cars like the Bentley Continental GTC or Rolls-Royce Dawn are unmatched.
The BMW 8 Series and Mercedes cabriolets carve the middle ground between sporty intent and comfort. The Mustang gives you muscle for a sensible price, and the Wrangler or Bronco are modern reinventions of what a convertible can be — doors, rear seats and genuine outdoor capability.
At the end of the day, pick the one that fits how you intend to live with it. I always recommend a test drive with passengers and luggage, both with the roof up and down. Open-top motoring should add a bit of delight to your week; choose a car that keeps that feeling alive every time you press the starter.
