Shereen Shabnam
There’s a certain magic to driving a convertible — the blend of wind-in-your-hair freedom and unfiltered connection to the road is unmatched. As a motoring jury member and proud owner of an Audi TT convertible, I’ve spent many serene winter mornings cruising through Dubai’s sweeping highways and cityscapes. It’s this very experience that inspired me to dive deeper into the world of drop-tops, from icons of heritage to modern masterpieces of speed and style. Here’s my verdict on the crème de la crème of convertibles — machines that don’t just turn heads, but stir souls.
Mercedes-Maybach SL
The rebirth of the SL under the Maybach badge is nothing short of regal. This isn’t just a convertible – it is a rolling statement of exclusivity. With its 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine producing effortless power and a finely tuned suspension for supreme comfort, the Mercedes-Maybach SL transforms open-top driving into a lavish retreat. The cabin, trimmed in the highest-grade leathers and bespoke finishes, envelops you in luxury, reminding you that this is where performance meets pure indulgence.
More than a roadster, the Maybach SL is a showcase of technology and sophistication. It features rear-axle steering for remarkable agility and a folding soft-top that operates in silence. While many convertibles lean toward sportiness, the Maybach SL is unapologetically grand — designed for those who prefer a symphony of refinement with their sunshine.
Rolls-Royce Droptail
If the open road had a throne, the Rolls-Royce Droptail would surely be it. This coachbuilt marvel is a bespoke convertible in its purest form — only four will ever be made. With a silhouette inspired by yachts and Art Deco design, the Droptail is a celebration of craftsmanship and legacy. Under the bonnet lies a powerful twin-turbocharged V12 engine, but it’s the whisper-quiet grace with which it moves that leaves an impression.
Every detail of the Droptail exudes artistic excellence. From the handcrafted wood deck to the removable roof panel that seamlessly tucks away, it’s an engineering triumph. As a motoring jury member, I rarely use the word “flawless” — but the Droptail earns it with poise. This is not just a car, it’s a collector’s dream, a masterpiece that redefines automotive luxury.
Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz (Classic)
You can’t talk about convertibles without paying homage to the American dream on wheels — the Cadillac Eldorado. Specifically, the 1959 Eldorado Biarritz, with its towering tailfins and chrome-laden bravado, remains one of the most iconic convertibles ever built. Cruising in this classic is like driving through a time capsule, one that captures the optimism and design excess of a golden era.
Its massive V8 engine may lack modern finesse, but its road presence is second to none. The Eldorado isn’t about lap times — it is about making an entrance. As someone who’s spent time around the sharpest new releases, it’s refreshing to reconnect with the unapologetic flamboyance and character of a car that was built purely to dazzle.
McLaren 720S Spider
Where emotion meets engineering, the McLaren 720S Spider stands as a marvel of convertible performance. With a carbon fiber monocoque, it delivers supercar-level rigidity even with the retractable hardtop down. The twin-turbocharged V8 launches it from 0–100 km/h in under 3 seconds, all while letting you hear the crescendo of the engine in open air.
As a petrol head, performance benchmarks matter to me and the 720S Spider shatters them. It’s surgically precise in corners, yet comfortable enough for everyday use. The electrochromic roof that tints at the push of a button adds a touch of futuristic flair. Few convertibles offer this balance of visceral excitement and road-going elegance.
Aston Martin DB12 Volante
Aston Martin’s DB12 Volante brings British grand touring to the open skies. With 671 horsepower from its twin-turbo V8 and a chassis tuned for spirited drives, it retains Aston’s signature blend of sophistication and sport. The folding fabric roof lowers in just 14 seconds, revealing a handcrafted cabin that exudes class without shouting.
But it’s the driving experience that makes the DB12 Volante shine. It glides with composure, roars with charisma, and feels alive in your hands. The DB12 proves that convertibles don’t have to compromise — they can be thrilling, elegant, and deeply personal. For jury members looking for romance without sacrificing control, this Aston is the sweet spot.
Ferrari Roma Spider
Ferrari’s Roma Spider is the epitome of la dolce vita. It is a sensuous, roofless interpretation of Maranello’s grand touring philosophy. Sleek, minimal, and utterly desirable, the Roma Spider is powered by a 612-hp twin-turbo V8 and features Ferrari’s first soft-top convertible in over 50 years. It’s as much a design statement as it is a driver’s car.
From behind the wheel, it’s all precision and poise. The steering is sharp, the acceleration addictive, and the soundtrack unmistakably Ferrari. This is a car built for coastlines, for moonlit drives, and spontaneous escapes. I was lucky to drive this car across three Emirates and I admire how Ferrari retains its soul while evolving for lifestyle buyers — the Roma Spider is a stunning expression of both.
Porsche 918 Spyder (Classic Super Hybrid)
The Porsche 918 Spyder may no longer be in production, but it remains a benchmark in the world of performance convertibles. As a plug-in hybrid hypercar, it delivered over 880 hp and revolutionized expectations for open-top engineering. Its targa-style roof panels preserve rigidity, while its all-wheel drive system ensures relentless grip and control.
Driving the 918 Spyder is an otherworldly experience — precise, brutal, and eerily quiet in electric mode. It is a reminder that performance and sustainability can coexist at the highest level. This convertible didn’t just raise the bar. It redrew the map for what open-air driving could be in the hybrid era.
The Freedom that comes with the top down
Whether it’s the refined elegance of a Maybach, the electric thrill of a McLaren, or the legacy-rich allure of a classic Cadillac, convertibles have a unique way of transforming the drive into something cinematic. Each of these machines tells a different story — of power, passion, heritage, and innovation and yet, they all deliver the same promise: freedom with the top down.
As someone who lives and breathes the motoring world, there’s nothing quite like watching the skyline pass overhead, engine purring, and the open road ahead. These convertibles aren’t just vehicles — they are experiences, designed to be remembered.
“As an international motoring jury, these are more than reviews — they’re reflections of machines that move us, literally and emotionally.”
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