Subscribe
- Motoring
- Yachting & Aviation
- Style
- Home & Design
- Travel
- Food & Drink
- Specials
Convertibles offer a more visceral driving experience than their coupe counterparts, with more exposure to the environment around us, plus getting to hear the sonorous powertrain even better. Gone are the days when convertibles used to be structurally challenged since losing the roof compromised the integrity, but not anymore with advancements in technology plus lighter materials; a convertible is now almost as quick as a fixed-roof car. Hence, get ready for some "wind in your hair” with our list of the best luxury convertibles around.
At Rs 4 crore plus, the Maybach SL is not for the faint-hearted, and neither is its bold exterior, which is dripping in chrome. With the ultra-luxurious Maybach brand taking an SL to the extreme, the result is an intriguing mix of performance and luxury. While the twin turbo V8 powertrain continues, the devil is very much in the details with the special Maybach wheels, bespoke shades for the roof, and the different bonnet design. The interior has been overhauled too, with traditional Maybach flair, including a striking colour for the upholstery along with special Maybach dials. Unlike the racier standard SL, the Maybach iteration is toned down in terms of its exhaust noise while being prepped for a more comfort-oriented driving experience. With only a handful imported into India, this is the rarest convertible out there.
The GTS badging denotes that this 296 loses its roof but gains more in the process, with the driver having access to its powertrain even more in terms of engagement. The Ferrari 296 GTS maintains the fiery personality of the GTB coupe but adds more character with its softer but more appealing driving experience. The roof also takes a mere 14 seconds to operate, and with being a hard top, the transformation from convertible to coupe is striking to say the least.
Priced at Rs 6.2 crore, the 296 GTS may lose out on two cylinders when compared to its predecessors, but it is the most complete open-top Ferrari till now. On one hand, you have a hybrid supercar with huge performance, while on the other lies a stylish convertible Prancing Horse with more charm.
Maserati is all about style and elegance blended with ample Italian exuberance, but the GranCabrio adds a dollop of excitement further with the roof taken off. The styling is gorgeous without being too extreme, and the interior has ample space for four passengers travelling in luxury. The focus here is on wafting rather than cornering at a race track, but the big GranCabrio is also quick enough with its 6-cylinder 'Nettuno' powertrain.
The other crucial styling element is the fabric roof, which adds a layer of desirability in terms of appearance and helps reduce weight.
The Z3 was an iconic car starring in the famous James Bond movie GoldenEye, but its claim to fame was more than that since it kick-started a genre of fast but involving roadsters. The compact dimensions plus the lightweight nature helped the Z3 gain a massive fan following when launched, but the latest iteration now grows into a more serious performance car.
The Z4 is sleeker, faster, and more practical while being a better driver's car. The in-line six-cylinder engine is fun at the limit, and the car encourages you to explore its dynamic abilities as well. The quick steering and the keen handling are further hallmarks of a sporty BMW. The Z4 is also priced well and offers a lot of value with exotic looks coupled with ample performance. The Z4 is priced starting Rs 1 crore.