Best Convertibles for Aussie Summer Cruising

Ah, the great Australian summer. There’s nothing quite like it—sun-drenched coastal roads, winding hinterland drives, and the salty breeze of a beach escape. But to truly soak it all in, one vehicle stands above the rest: the convertible. Whether you’re cruising the Great Ocean Road or zipping through the Gold Coast, a drop-top brings the road to life in a way few other cars can.

In this 2025 guide, we explore the best convertibles available in Australia, balancing style, performance, practicality, and price. From budget-friendly options to luxury statement pieces, here are the drop-tops that deserve your attention this summer.

Why Convertibles Still Matter in 2025

While SUVs dominate the roads, convertibles still hold their charm. They are less about practicality and more about the driving experience—freedom, flair, and feeling the world around you. Thanks to improvements in structural rigidity, insulation, and retractable roof tech, today’s convertibles are no longer noisy or wobbly—they’re refined, fast, and as safe as any coupe or sedan.

Plus, in Australia’s climate, convertibles make sense. The long driving seasons, scenic routes, and abundance of sunshine make them ideal for everyday luxury or weekend fun.

Key Factors When Choosing a Convertible

Before we jump into the list, let’s consider what you should look for:

• Roof Type: Soft-top vs hard-top (retractable metal)
• Seating: 2-seater roadsters or 4-seaters for family/friends
• Performance: Turbocharged or naturally aspirated? Rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
• Boot Space: Often compromised in convertibles—important for road trips
• Price: Convertibles can range from $30K to over $300K
• Daily Usability: Suspension comfort, infotainment, and roof operation time
• Resale Value: Some convertibles depreciate faster than others

Top Convertibles in Australia for 2025

Let’s dive into the models that Aussies are loving (and should love) this year.

1. Mazda MX-5 Roadster (2025)

Price: From $41,520 plus on-roads
Best for: Affordable fun and raw driving pleasure

Still the world’s best-selling roadster, the MX-5 is a purist’s dream. The 2025 version keeps its legendary formula intact—lightweight chassis, rear-wheel drive, razor-sharp handling, and a rev-happy 2.0L petrol engine. The soft-top is manually operated and ultra-quick to retract, adding simplicity to its charm.

Pros:

• One of the most fun cars under $50K
• Excellent manual gearbox
• Cheap to run

Cons:

• Limited cabin and boot space
• Not ideal for tall drivers

2. BMW 4 Series Convertible (2025)

Price: From $109,900 (430i)
Best for: Performance and prestige

The BMW 4 Series Convertible offers a refined and luxurious drop-top experience without sacrificing driver engagement. The current-gen model uses a soft-top, reducing weight and improving insulation. The 430i, with its 2.0L turbo engine, is brisk and balanced. The M440i xDrive? That’s pure performance luxury.

Pros:

• Fast and comfortable
• Great tech and infotainment
• Room for four adults

Cons:

• Pricey with options
• Tight rear seats

3. Ford Mustang Convertible (2025)

Price: From $70,390 (GT model)
Best for: Muscle car lovers who want to feel the wind

The Mustang GT Convertible combines American brute force with summertime freedom. With a 5.0L V8 under the bonnet, it roars like few others. It’s a statement piece that turns heads while offering top-down motoring on demand.

Pros:

• V8 power with open-air freedom
• Affordable for its performance
• Iconic looks

Cons:

• Heavy and not the most agile
• Interior quality lags behind Euros

4. Mini Convertible (2025)

Price: From $51,000
Best for: Urban style and quirk

The Mini Convertible is perfect for inner-city summer drives. It retains the classic Mini charm with open-air playfulness. Available in Cooper and Cooper S trims, it balances fun and practicality (as much as a tiny convertible can).

Pros:

• Unique styling
• Fun to drive
• Great for small roads

Cons:

• Limited boot and rear seat room
• Pricey for its size

5. Porsche 718 Boxster (2025)

Price: From $142,000
Best for: Sports car fans chasing precision

The Boxster is a driver’s car first, convertible second. Its mid-engine layout delivers superb balance and agility. The turbocharged flat-four isn’t the most emotional, but performance is crisp. The GTS and Spyder versions bring serious thrills.

Pros:

• Outstanding chassis dynamics
• Strong resale value
• Feels like a baby 911

Cons:

• Expensive to option
• Four-cylinder engine lacks emotion for purists

6. Audi A5 Cabriolet (2025)

Price: From $104,200
Best for: Executive drop-top luxury

With its sophisticated styling and Audi’s quattro AWD, the A5 Cabriolet is a cruiser for those who want comfort, elegance, and performance in one. It’s quiet, smooth, and offers a fast-operating soft-top.

Pros:

• AWD traction
• Premium interior
• Smooth drivetrain

Cons:

• Rear seats are tight
• Expensive compared to rivals

7. Jaguar F-Type Convertible (Final Edition)

Price: From $181,000
Best for: Theatrical sound and style

As Jaguar transitions to an all-EV future, the 2025 F-Type Convertible is the last hurrah of a dying breed—a snarling V8 sports car with timeless design. This is a convertible that’s all about emotion and sensation.

Pros:

• Sounds incredible
• Timeless looks
• Smooth power delivery

Cons:

• Big price for limited practicality
• Tight cabin

8. Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet (2025)

Price: From $120,000 est.
Best for: Classy open-top cruising

Elegant and tech-laden, the C-Class Cabriolet blends refinement and performance beautifully. With its Airscarf neck warmers, adaptive suspension, and MBUX infotainment, it’s the perfect soft-top for mature drivers who don’t want to compromise on luxury.

Pros:

• Comfortable cruiser
• Great tech
• Beautiful cabin design

Cons:

• Pricey
• Not as sharp as BMW 4 Series

9. Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (2025)

Price: From $175,000 (RHD, HSV conversion)
Best for: Supercar thrill without the supercar badge

The new mid-engine C8 Corvette brings Ferrari vibes at half the price. It’s dramatic, fast, and unmistakably bold. Now available in RHD in Australia, it’s a true performance bargain.

Pros:

• Exotic looks
• Blistering speed
• Good value for performance

Cons:

• Limited availability
• Harsh ride for daily use

10. Used Convertibles Worth Buying in 2025

Not all great convertibles need to be brand new. Some used options hold up well in 2025:

• BMW Z4 (2016–2021): Strong engines, classic styling, good value
• Audi TT Roadster: Sophisticated and sporty, great resale
• Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet (pre-2016): Budget-friendly and surprisingly comfy
• Mercedes-Benz SLK/SLC: Compact roadster with folding metal roof

These options can be found well under $50K and offer an excellent introduction to drop-top motoring.

Upcoming Convertibles in 2025

Here are some exciting convertibles expected to arrive (or be revealed) in late 2025:

• Alfa Romeo Spider EV Concept – Could blend Italian passion with electric propulsion
• Mazda MX-5 NE – Rumoured new generation coming with mild-hybrid tech
• Tesla Roadster (if ever launched) – Still on the wish list!

Pros and Cons of Owning a Convertible in Australia

✅ Pros:

• Perfect for coastal and scenic drives
• Enhanced driving sensation
• Status and lifestyle appeal
• Great for short holiday road trips

❌ Cons:

• Less practical than coupes/sedans
• Can get hot under the Aussie sun
• More expensive to insure
• Limited rear-seat/boot space

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy a Convertible?

If you love driving for the sake of driving, there’s no better option than a convertible. Whether you go for a budget-friendly MX-5, a luxury cruiser like the BMW 4 Series, or a wildcard like the Corvette, each delivers its own unique flavour of freedom.

Australia’s sunny weather and epic roads practically beg for a top-down experience. So, if you’re after a second car, weekend toy, or even a primary summer ride—now is the best time to buy a convertible.