With these 10 convertibles you will cruise cool through the summer

Cruising through Switzerland in an open-top convertible is the most original form of driving. After all, the first automobiles rolled along over 120 years ago without a roof and side windows. Here are ten fresh-air gliders with a good weather guarantee.

Ferrari SF90 Spider

The SF90 Spider is the first open-top Ferrari with plug-in hybrid drive. At the heart of the project is, of course, a V8 turbocharged petrol engine. Its 780 hp drive the rear wheels and is supported by three electric motors with a total output of 161 kW (220 hp). Two electric motors drive the front axle and take over pure electric operation as well as reverse gear. This makes the transmission three kilos lighter. The third electric motor is flat and round and positioned between the V8 combustion engine and the transmission. This made it possible to create a short wheelbase, which helps the super sports car with a total of 1,000 system hp to achieve insane cornering speeds. It takes only 2.5 seconds for the SF90 Spider to reach 100 km/h, after 6.7 seconds you already have 200 km/h on the speedometer - and the top speed is 340 km/h.

The Ferrari SF90 Spider basically has a plug-in hybrid drive, but not one for saving, but one for sprinting. The electric motors elegantly bridge the torque gaps of the gasoline engine. Of course, the SF90, whose metal folding roof opens in 14 seconds, also drives purely electrically. But for the 25 kilometers of purely electric range promised by Ferrari, you are hardly allowed to drive much faster than walking pace. The SF90 Spider is therefore the ideal vehicle for those who want the highest technical level, but do not want to miss out on the versatility and thrill of open-top driving.

• Price: from CHF 535'481.-
• Drive: Petrol + 3 electric motors 574 kW/780 hp + 161 kW/220 hp
• Boot capacity: 74 litres
• Consumption: 6.9 l/100 km
• CO₂ emissions: 156 g/km
• Efficiency class: F
• Total emissions (at 200,000 km): approx. 60.7 t CO₂
• Cost/year (for 15,000 km): approx. CHF 70,836

BMW 430i xDrive Convertible

If you're looking for a four-seater convertible, you'll quickly come across the BMW 4 Series. This was completely relaunched in 2021, is based on the current BMW 4 Series Coupé and enriches the ever-thinning range of convertibles in our country with an active driving model.

Compared to the previous generation with a retractable steel roof, the current 4-series convertible grew by 13 centimeters to 4.77 meters in length and was also three centimeters wider. This makes the whole car look more stretched and elegant. Not least thanks to the return to the much more aesthetically pleasing fabric top. But the fabric roof not only looks prettier, it is also 40 percent lighter than the earlier hardtop and, when it folds flat behind the rear seats in 18 seconds, takes up less space than the more elaborate steel construction. The trunk, which has grown to 385 liters, benefits from this.

With the latest model update, the curved display already known from other model series with a 12.3-inch display behind the steering wheel and another 14.9-inch monitor in the dashboard is now available as standard. All available engines are combined as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, which can now also be operated via shift paddles on the steering wheel.

• Price: from CHF 67'590.-
• Drive: Petrol 180 kW/245 hp
• Boot capacity: 385 litres
• Consumption: 7.3 to 8.0 l/100 km
• CO₂ emissions: 166 to 182 g/km
• Efficiency class: E
• Total emissions (at 200,000 km): approx. 59.4 t CO₂
• Cost/year (for 15,000 km): approx. CHF 13,979

Ford Mustang V8 Convertible

Since the beginning of this year, the latest generation of the popular US muscle car Ford Mustang has been available to order in Switzerland – as a fastback or open-top convertible. What should particularly please die-hard petrolheads is that Ford remains true to the booming V8 under the mighty hood: In the seventh edition of the pony car, the five-liter naturally aspirated engine produces 328 kW/446 hp and 540 Newton meters of torque and heaves the almost two-ton convertible to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The new Mustang is no longer a bargain, but the price from 70,800 francs is still more than fair.

While US competitor Dodge is switching to electric drives for the new edition of the Charger and is the only combustion engine to offer only a twin-turbo in-line six-cylinder, Ford could even consolidate its position as a muscle car manufacturer with the new V8 Mustang - despite the global electric strategy. Ford has also been using the Mustang name as a driver in the electromobility business for years. However, the electric crossover Mustang Mach-E is only moderately popular with real pony car fans, as it has few similarities to the original apart from the name - and is not offered as an open convertible.

• Price: from CHF 70,800
• Drive: Petrol 328 kW/446 hp
• Boot capacity: 332 litres
• Consumption: 12.3 l/100 km
• CO₂ emissions: 280 g/km
• Efficiency class: G
• Total emissions (at 200,000 km): approx. 90.0 t CO₂
• Costs/year (for 15,000 km): approx. CHF 16,697

Fiat 500e Cabriolet

So sehr elektrisiert kein anderes Cabrio: Wer offen mit einem zukunftsweisenden Elektroantrieb unterwegs sein will, kommt kaum um Fiats kultigen Cinquecento herum. Denn es gibt schlicht und ergreifend noch immer kaum weitere offene und bezahlbare Stromer als Alternative. Zudem macht das italienische Cabrio seine Sache auch prima.

Im Unterboden steckt ein Fahrakku mit 42 Kilowattstunden Kapazität – das sollte im Schnitt für 320 Kilometer reichen. Wenn Sie nur durch die Stadt flitzen, könnten es sogar bis 450 Kilometer werden, weil der 500e dann viel Energie wieder per Rekuperation zurückholt. Ohne Endrohr und Emissionen macht das Offenfahren nochmals mehr Spass – auch wenn sich die Öffnung im Dach auf den elektrisch zurückfahrbaren Stoffhimmel beschränkt. Dafür kann dann auch kein Fahrtwind-Sturm die frisch gefönte Frisur zerzausen.

• Preis ab CHF 39’000.-
• Antrieb: Elektro, 87 kW/118 PS
• Kofferraum: 185 – 460 l
• Verbrauch: 13,9 kWh/100 km (entspricht 1,5 l/100 km Benzin)
• CO2-Ausstoss: 0 g/km
• Effizienzklasse A
• Gesamtemissionen (bei 200’000 km): ca. 21,9 t CO2
• Kosten/Jahr (bei 15’000 km): ca. CHF 8’646.-

MG Cyberster

The electric drive seems to be dealing the death blow to the convertible segment. Many convertibles with combustion engines have now been cancelled without replacement. And open electric cars are hardly in sight. The only exception is the Cyberster from the Chinese brand MG. On the market in Europe since spring, the two-seater roadster with the casual scissor doors will also come to Switzerland in the fall. Prices have not yet been determined, but in Germany, for example, the rear-wheel drive is offered from 56,000 euros and the top version from 70,000 euros.

There is then a choice of a rear-wheel drive with 250 kW/340 hp and an all-wheel-drive vehicle weighing just under two tons with 375 kW/510 hp and 700 Nm of maximum torque. The latter sprints to 100 km/h in a breathtaking 3.2 seconds and its forward thrust is only locked off at 200 km/h. MG specifies the range for the Cyberster with a 74 kWh battery at around 440 kilometres. Prices for Switzerland have not yet been definitively calculated, but in Germany the rear-wheel drive is available from around 56,000 euros and the top version from 70,000 euros.

• Price: from approx. CHF 60,000
• Drive: Electric 250 kW/340 hp
• Boot capacity: n/a
• Consumption: 17.9 kW/h/100 km (corresponds to approx. 5.7 l/100 km petrol)
• CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km
• Efficiency class: A
• Total emissions (at 200,000 km): n/a
• Costs/year (at 15,000 km): n/a

Porsche 911 Carrera Cabrio

The Porsche 911 is a phenomenon. Hardly any other car is built and sold over such a long period of time – exactly 60 years – with the same technical concept under the same type designation. Each new model generation has remained true to the DNA of the original. Typical features are the curved front fenders, a wedge-shaped hatchback, the ignition key to the left of the steering wheel and a central rev counter behind it. And the drive is always a rattling six-cylinder boxer engine, which usually pushes the rear powerfully.

Doch bald wird auch beim 911er ein neues Zeitalter eingeläutet. Mit dem Facelift erhält Porsches Markenikone für die Variante GTS auch ein Hybridmodul. Und bald dürften wohl weitere Varianten ebenfalls elektrifiziert werden. Das muss ein echter Porsche-Fan erst einmal verkraften. Und viele decken sich jetzt wohl deshalb noch schnell mit einem klassischen 911 Carrera Cabrio ein. Diesen Schluss lassen jedenfalls die äusserst positiven Verkaufszahlen in der Schweiz in diesem Jahr zu.

• Preis: ab CHF 162’700.-
• Antrieb: Benzin 290 kW/394 PS
• Kofferraumvolumen: 132 Liter
• Verbrauch: 10,3 bis 10,6 l/100 km
• CO₂-Ausstoss: 235 bis 242 g/km
• Effizienzklasse: G
• Gesamtemissionen (bei 200’000 km): ca. 82,5 t CO₂
• Kosten/Jahr (bei 15’000 km): ca. CHF 26’381.-

Mazda MX-5

Cabriolets tragen immer eindrucksvolle Preisschilder? Hier kommt eine Ausnahme: Mazdas MX-5 reanimierte Anfangs der 1990er-Jahre das siechende Segment der kompakten, preiswerten Spass-Roadster. Aber während um ihn herum die Autos immer grösser und schwerer wurden, hielt der japanische Autobauer das Gut-und-Günstig-Konzept des flotten Zweisitzers bis heute durch.

So günstig wie in der Basisversion des MX-5 lässt sich nirgendwo sonst offen fahren. Mit 132 PS wird die zwar von manchem Kleinwagen auf dem Papier übertroffen. Aber Hinterradantrieb, hohe Drehzahlen und Mazdas Leichtbau machen das mehr als wett. Jede Passfahrt wird so zur Zeitreise, wenn man vorher – natürlich mit einer lässigen Handbewegung nach hinten – das Verdeck zurückwirft und dann die Strasse und die Umgebung so unmittelbar erlebt wie in keinem anderen Cabrio. Schön, dass es solch einen Zweisitzer noch gibt.

• Preis ab CHF 35’600.-
• Antrieb: Benzin, 97 kW/132 PS
• Kofferraum: 130 l
• Verbrauch: 6,2 l/100 km
• CO2-Ausstoss: 140 g/km
• Effizienzklasse D
• Gesamtemissionen (bei 200’000 km): ca. 47,6 t CO2
• Kosten/Jahr (bei 15’000 km): ca. CHF 9’537.-

Mercedes CLE 200 Cabriolet

Wer Cabriofan ist und mehr Wert auf eine hübsche Optik als auf Top-Fahrleistungen setzt, hats schwer. Weil sich das Segment der Cabrios zunehmend auf PS-starke Boliden und Modelle aus deutlich sechsstelligen Preisregionen konzentriert. Aber während sich andere Hersteller immer mehr aus dem Cabriogeschäft verabschieden, bleibt Mercedes zumindest mit dem SL und dem neuen CLE den Sonnenanbetern treu – von denen viele wohl den kompakten, aber aus dem Programm gestrichenen Roadster SLK vermissen.

The elegant CLE is actually the amalgamation of the two earlier convertible variants of the Mercedes C- and E-Class. However, it is positioning itself more in the direction of the larger E-Class in order to also pick up customers from the higher segments. Visually, the Benz also looks good for summer weather – with angled headlights, a long bonnet and a short rear. The latter is probably the reason why Mercedes has avoided a voluminous tin folding roof: The classic fabric roof folds electrically into the rear within 20 seconds. For the budget-conscious, the open-top four-seater is available as an entry-level CLE 200 version with "only" a two-litre four-cylinder engine and 150 kW/204 hp from a reasonable 74,200 francs – without options, of course.

• Price: from CHF 74'200.-
• Drive: Petrol 150 kW/204 hp
• Boot capacity: 295 to 385 litres
• Consumption: 7.6 l/100 km
• CO₂ emissions: 172 g/km
• Efficiency class: E
• Total emissions (at 200,000 km): approx. 61.1 t CO₂
• Cost/year (for 15,000 km): approx. CHF 14,624

Mini Cabrio S

The city centre is just as much your territory as the winding mountain road? Then you should risk more than just a look at Mini's open-top convertible S. Because with compact dimensions, it is at least as much fun in parking spaces as it is with the roof folded back electrically on a Sunday joyride. Typical Mini: the trunk with flap à la bread box, which still holds 215 liters.

It's hard to believe how the engineers were able to fit the necessary stiffeners into this tight body with a rear children's bench. Because even with the soft top open, the Cabrio S feels as nimble as the Mini version with a firmly welded roof when winding around corners. Inside there may be a little much plastic, but also funny retro design. The former central speedometer now houses an entire infotainment system including navigation. This city runabout cuts a fine figure everywhere. And if the basic variant is not enough, take the more powerful and expensive Cooper S version.

• Price: from CHF 44'500.-
• Drive: Petrol 100 kW/136 hp
• Boot capacity: 215 litres
• Fuel consumption: 6.0 l/100 km
• CO₂ emissions: 137 g/km
• Efficiency class: C
• Total emissions (at 200,000 km): approx. 52.7 t CO₂
• Costs/year (for 15,000 km): approx. CHF 10,758

VW T-Roc Cabriolet

An SUV with a convertible top? It sounded like a crazy idea, which Land Rover once tried to do with the open-top version of the Evoque. That may be long gone, but the concept still attracted the market leader Volkswagen. It cut off the roof of its successful T-Roc model without further ado, replaced the four with two doors – and the off-roader with fresh air supply was ready. A rolling high seat, so to speak, for the perfect overview of forest and field.

VW had to save on the all-wheel drive otherwise available in the T-Roc for technical reasons, but the four-seater with the large fabric top is still perfect for experiencing nature. Within just nine seconds, the roof folds into the short stub rear. Then nothing but the windshield separates you from light, air and mood. Propulsion is provided by fast turbocharged gasoline engines with up to 150 hp.

• Price from CHF 42'600.-
• Drive: petrol, 81 kW/110 hp
• Trunk: 280 l
• Consumption: 6.7 l/100 km
• CO2 emissions: 152 g/km
• Efficiency class D
• Total emissions (at 200,000 km): approx. 56.1 t CO2
• Cost/year (for 15,000 km): approx. CHF 10,312