The climate in India is not always ideal for convertible cars, with temperature fluctuations and air quality issues often limiting their practicality. However, on those rare days when the weather is just right, experiencing the open road with the top down can be exhilarating. Especially on winding mountain roads, the investment in these vehicles seems justified despite their premium pricing. Currently, the market features a selection of convertibles, including three from Mercedes, two from Ferrari, and one each from BMW and McLaren. Read on to discover the unique attributes of these drop-top beauties.
BMW Z4
Price Range: Rs 92.9 lakh to Rs 97.9 lakh
The recently updated BMW Z4 debuted in May 2023 and stands out as the sole convertible from BMW available in India. Equipped with a soft-top roof that can be opened or closed within 10 seconds, it operates efficiently at speeds of up to 50 kph. This model is available exclusively in the M40i configuration in India and is powered by a 3-liter straight-six turbocharged petrol engine that produces 340 hp and 500 Nm of torque, which is channeled to the rear wheels. A notable feature of the Z4 M40i is the eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission, but the new Pure Impulse edition offers a six-speed manual gearbox, making it unique among its rivals. The car accelerates from 0-100 kph in just 4.6 seconds with the manual and 4.5 seconds with the automatic transmission.
Mercedes CLE 300
Price: Rs 1.11 crore
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The new-generation Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 cabriolet was introduced in August 2024, marking Mercedes’ most budget-friendly convertible option in India. Its soft-top roof can be operated within 20 seconds, even while driving at speeds of up to 60 kph. While the CLE 300 has four seats, the rear seating can be a bit cramped for long journeys. It houses a 2-liter, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that delivers 258 hp and 400 Nm of torque, combined with a 9-speed automatic transmission that distributes power to all four wheels. The CLE 300 can accelerate from 0-100 kph in 6.7 seconds.
Mercedes AMG SL 55
Price: Rs 2.47 crore
The Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 55 roadster has been available since June 2023. This model features a versatile multi-layer fabric roof that can be operated at speeds up to 60 kph and takes 16 seconds to open or close. Similar to the CLE 300, the AMG SL 55 is configured for four passengers. It is equipped with a 4-liter twin-turbo V8 petrol engine that generates 476 hp and 700 Nm of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission that drives all four wheels. The SL 55 can sprint from 0-100 kph in just 3.9 seconds.
Mercedes Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series
Price: Rs 4.2 crore
Launched in March 2025, the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series is the priciest convertible in India, with only three units allocated to the market, all of which have already been sold. This luxury roadster is equipped with a three-layer fabric roof and can open or close in about 16 seconds while driving at speeds of up to 50 kph. Buyers can also customize their vehicles with Maybach logos embossed on the roof. Under the hood, it hosts a 4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 585 hp and 800 Nm, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, allowing it to reach 0-100 kph in 4.1 seconds.
McLaren 750 S Spider
Price: Rs 5.91 crore
The McLaren 750 S Spider made its entrance in India in January 2024. Unlike other convertibles featuring a fabric or hard roof, the 750 S Spider boasts an electrochromic glass roof that can be dimmed with the press of a button. This innovative roof can be raised or lowered in just 11 seconds at speeds of up to 50 kph. It is powered by a 4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces an impressive 750 hp and 800 Nm of torque, accompanied by a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 750 S Spider achieves 0-100 kph in a remarkable 2.8 seconds, making it the quickest model in this segment.
Ferrari 296 GTS
Price: Rs 6.24 crore
The convertible Ferrari 296 GTS has been available in India since May 2023. It features a foldable hardtop that stows itself behind the flying buttresses in just 14 seconds at speeds of up to 45 kph. As a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the 296 GTS combines a 3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with a rear-mounted electric motor, delivering a combined output of 830 hp and 740 Nm. The 8-speed dual-clutch transmission sends power to the rear wheels, enabling the 296 GTS to achieve 0-100 kph in merely 2.9 seconds.
Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider
Price: Rs 8.5 crore
Announced in January 2025, the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider stands as the most extravagant convertible in this lineup. This model is equipped with a retractable hardtop that operates in 14 seconds at speeds up to 45 kph, with the rear glass automatically sliding down when the roof is stowed. Under the hood is a powerful 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine generating 830 hp and 678 Nm, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, which sends power directly to the rear wheels. The 12Cilindri Spider can accelerate from 0-100 kph in just 2.9 seconds.
Bentley Continental GTC
Price: To Be Announced
The newly revealed Bentley Continental GTC has its prices yet to be announced, as listed on the Bentley India website. This 2025 model features a fabric roof that can be deployed in 19 seconds at speeds of up to 30 kph. It comes with a hybrid variant equipped with a 4-liter twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, paired with an electric motor. This powertrain is available in two configurations: 782 hp with 1,000 Nm (0-100 kph in 3.4 seconds) or 680 hp with 930 Nm (0-100 kph in 3.9 seconds), with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission sending power to all four wheels.
