As opposed to folding textile-based roof that are often used by the traditional convertible cars, hard top convertibles or better known as “coupe convertible” are cars with self-storing hardtop which are automatically operated. The invention of these retractable-roof vehicles have taken the automobile world to the next level, much thanks to the complex engineering that one might mistake for magic.

Top auto brands have heavily invested in hardtop convertibles and it is in turn paying dividends for them because although they might not be getting all the buzz sport cars or electric cars are getting, they still do great in the market, especially when they’re not as costly as the other two types.

Don’t be scared when you’re trying out one of these cars for the first time and you have the feeling your car is about to transform into one of the transformers’ characters. A New York Times article suggested many years back that the retractable hardtop vehicles could bring about the end of the textile-roofed convertible and that is already manifesting today. Hardtop convertible cars have not only proved to be affordable, they also cost less to maintain and offer greater security than the traditional soft-top convertibles also known as cabriolets.

Below is the list of the top 10 best hardtop convertibles you can buy right now in 2021.

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1. BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series have been in production since 2014 and every year, they come with new features that one can boldly call “tech-inspired”. The small luxury series includes a four-door Grand Coupe and a coupe all coupled with hardtop convertible. The base convertible model of the BMW 4 series (430i) is powered by a 248-hp turbocharged inline-six that allows it accelerate from 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds. The car’s safety features include Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, self-parking assist, and adaptive cruise control. While the newly introduced second generation 4 series now boasts an entirely new design with a soft-top, the first generation still remains one of the best hardtop convertibles you can get your hands on in 2021. Prices for the 2020 BMW 4 Series start from $53,100 USD.

2. Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

The Mercedes-Benz SL model features a retractable hardtop that can be opened or closed while you’re traveling at speed up to 25mph. When this car’s roof is open, a special setting makes the trunk accessible by lifting the roof out of the way. The base trim of this model is known as the SL 450 and it is powered by a 3.0-liter V8 engine that produces 362hp and 369lb-ft of torque. The 2-passenger vehicle is priced at $91,000 USD and its driver assistance package includes the adaptive cruise control with steering assist, blind-spot monitors, active lane control, and many more amazing safety features.

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3. Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class

This particular Mercedes-Benz model was previously known as the SLK and it is the latest Mercedes diesel-powered roadster. The SLC model is smaller and more affordable than the SL and the base trim (SLC 300) is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine which cranks out a whopping 241hp. The car can accelerate from 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds and one amazing thing about the car is that when it’s closed, it reveals a slick pane of panoramic glass. Prices start from $49,950 USD.

4. Chevrolet Corvette

Auto lovers have applauded Chevrolet for switching the Corvette from its traditional front-engine layout to a mid-engine platform, making it more efficient in performance. The car is powered by a powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine which produces 495hp and 470lb-ft of torque. The powerful engine has unleashed the car to accelerate from 0-60mph in a fast 2.8 seconds. Prices for the car start from $58,900 USD.

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5. Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF features a motorized metal and plastic hard top that promises a better refinement and more mature styling. A starting price of $33,045 USD means the two-seater vehicle is powered by a premium unleaded I-4 which produces 181hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0-liter engine obviously manages a high EPA fuel-economy numbers while still being able to achieve the 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.7 seconds.

6. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

The Jeep Wrangler is a non-traditional hardtop convertible SUV that comes fitted with a soft top as standard, and buyers can opt for a manually-removable three-piece hardtop. The base trim of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine which cranks out 285hp and 260lb-ft of torque. The 4-wheel drive vehicle has been making waves in the auto market and has been consistently rated as one of the world’s best SUVs for the past 10 years. It is currently priced at $31,545 USD and the 5-seater SUV is literally a beast on-road and off-road.

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7. Ferrari 488 Pista

The 2021 Ferrari 488 Pista comes in two trims which include the coupe and the convertible variants. It is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 that generates 711hp and 567lb-ft of torque. The vehicle’s exterior amenities include power-folding side-view mirrors, LED taillights, rear fog lamps, sensing windshield wipers and many more. The amazing 2021 Ferrari 488 Pista is priced at $331,000 USD.

8. McLaren 650S

The 2021 McLaren 650S is a powerful hardtop convertible whose 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The car’s engine produces 641hp and 450lb-ft of torque with interior features that include a central tacho that dominates an instrument cluster with color LCD screens at either side. The $286,331 USD convertible can also accelerate from 0-100mph in 6.3 seconds.

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9. Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster

The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster is undoubtedly one of the best high performance convertible vehicles in the market right now. Limited to only 800 units, the luxury sports car features an ultra-light carbon fiber for its bodywork and rigid removable roof. The 2021 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster is powered by a 6.5-Liter V12 Multi-Point Injection engine which cranks out a maximum of 770 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque. The Aventador SVJ Roadster boasts a top speed of 218 mph, and the capability to accelerate from 0-62 mph in just 2.9 seconds. This high performance convertible car will set you back $573,996 USD for the base.

10. Porsche 911 Targa

The roof of the 2021 Porsche 911 Targa can be operated automatically as long as the car is at a full stop and like most hardtop convertibles, the panel slides back and puts itself just behind the rear seats. 911 Targa is powered by a twin turbo premium unleaded H-6 engine that produces 370 hp with the car possessing the ability to accelerate from 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds. The 2021 Porsche 911 Targa is priced at $110,300 USD.

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