Top-Rated 2021 Coupes and Convertibles in Quality According to Consumers
When it comes to coupes and convertibles, you can leave practicality behind. What you’re seeking is style, and perhaps a bit of a thrill. Whether it’s cruising down a coastline with the top down, garnering attention from the crowd waiting at the valet station, or rushing down a road to conquer a sweeping curve, coupes and convertibles radiate fun and are sure to deliver a smile to the driver’s face.
But while you might choose a car like this for emotional reasons, you likely still want one that exudes quality.
J.D. Power knows which new coupes and convertibles offer the highest levels of quality, according to the people who own them. Each year, J.D.Power surveys tens of thousands of verified new vehicle owners who have owned their new cars for at least 90 days. In response to the survey, the owners report issues they’ve had with their vehicles, whether minor annoyances or major problems. J.D. Power compiles this data and publishes the results in its annual Initial Quality Study (IQS).
As part of this process, J.D. Power assigns each car a “problems per 100 vehicles” (PP100) score, and the lower the PP100 score, the higher a model’s quality. Based on these PP100 scores, the coupe and convertible models listed below in descending order by PP100 score are the 10 models with the highest quality, according to the people who own them.
10. 2021 Audi A5 - Find the best Audi deals!
Audi bases the A5 lineup on the popular A4 platform, and it comes in two-door coupe, two-door convertible, and 5-door Sportback body styles. Here, we’re talking about the coupe and convertible.
Each is beautifully rendered inside and out, and is available in A5 (turbocharged 4-cylinder) and sport-tuned S5 (turbocharged V6) model series. Additionally, you can choose a high-performance RS 5 Coupe (twin-turbocharged V6). Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is standard, and beyond these powertrain-based model selections, you can select between Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige option packages.
For 2021, Audi adds mild-hybrid powertrain technology to the A5’s engine while increasing standard and package equipment.
The PP100 score for the 2021 Audi A5 is 196.
9. 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class - Find the best Mercedes-Benz deals!
Four versions of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class exist, but here we are focused on the coupe and convertible versions of the car, which are available in E 450 and AMG E 53 model series. Both use a mild-hybrid turbocharged V6 engine equipped with the automaker’s EQ Boost technology, but the AMG-tuned version makes substantially more power for better performance.
Standard EQ Boost power in the E 450 is new for 2021, and both cars get a light styling refresh and more standard equipment.
The PP100 score for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is 182.
8. 2021 Porsche 911 - Find the best Porsche deals!
The word “iconic” and the Porsche 911 are forever linked. Whether you opt for the Carrera, Carrera S, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Targa 4, Targa 4S, Turbo, or Turbo S, you know you’re in for a world of adrenaline-fueled exhilaration.
All but the Targa models come in coupe and convertible body styles. The Targa is new for 2021, equipped with a power sliding roof panel that opens the car up without losing the appearance of a coupe. Likewise, 2021 is the first year for the return of the 911 Turbo as a part of the current-generation 911 family.
The PP100 score for the 2021 Porsche 911 is 168.
7. 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class - Find the best Mercedes-Benz deals!
Though the Mercedes-Benz C-Class family isn’t quite as diverse as the E-Class lineup, it does offer a coupe and a convertible in addition to a sedan. It also comes with more powerful engine options in the range-topping AMG C 63 and C 63 S variants. If you’d rather not spend as much as $95,000 on a C-Class, you can also select the C 300 and AMG C 43 versions of the cars. They all have AWD as standard or optional equipment, too.
For the 2021 model year, the C-Class coupe and convertible get new digital instrumentation, while the coupe now includes standard heated front seats (already standard for the convertible).
The PP100 score for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 163.
6. 2021 BMW 2 Series - Find the best BMW deals!
The BMW 2 Series is proof that tiny can be mighty, as well as quite amusing to drive. It’s available in both coupe and convertible form, and in two model series, the 248-hp 230i or 335-hp M240i. Both are rear-wheel drive (RWD) but can be equipped with optional AWD. And if these don’t scratch your itch, ascend to greater performance with the purchase of the M2 Competition Coupe, which offers 405 hp just waiting to be unleashed.
There is one more version of the 2 Series, and it’s called the Gran Coupe. But this model is actually a four-door sedan sitting on the same front-drive platform that forms the basis of the BMW X1 and X2 SUVs. It is something else altogether.
BMW makes few changes to the 2 Series coupe and convertible, which are getting a redesign for 2022.
The PP100 score for the 2021 BMW 2 Series is 151. The 2 Series receives a quality award from J.D. Power in the Small Premium Car segment.
5. 2021 Lexus LC - Find the best Lexus deals!
Gorgeously refined on the inside and exuberantly styled on the outside, the Lexus LC impresses whether in coupe or new-for-2021 convertible form. The LC 500 boasts a 471-hp V8, while the LC 500h is a hybrid that pairs a gas V6 with two electric motors to deliver 354 horsepower and about 29 mpg in combined driving. Every LC has RWD.
In addition to the new convertible body style, the 2021 Lexus LC gets transmission updates, improved handling characteristics, and Android Auto smartphone integration.
The PP100 score for the 2021 Lexus LC is 132.
4. 2021 BMW 4 Series - Find the best BMW deals!
Whether in coupe or convertible form, the BMW 4 Series delights driving enthusiasts with its world class dynamics and handling. And for 2021, the 4 Series is completely redesigned, with a new look led by a decidedly oversized grille.
The new 4 Series comes in 430i, M440i, and M4 model series. A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine powers the 430i, while the M440i gets a turbocharged inline-six. Both come with RWD but BMW’s xDrive AWD system is an option. For jaw-dropping fun, explore the world of the M4, which supplies up to 503 hp in Competition form.
The PP100 score for the 2021 BMW 4 Series is 125.
3. 2021 Lexus RC - Find the best Lexus deals!
A blend of old Lexus GS and IS sedan bits and pieces, the Lexus RC coupe is available four model series, each with a specific powertrain.
The RC 300 has a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, while the RC 300 AWD features a 3.5-liter V6. A more powerful version of the 3.5-liter V6 is standard in the RC 350, while the performance-tuned RC F comes with a rip-rorting 5.0-liter V8. The power flows to the rear wheels in all but the RC 300 AWD.
Changes for 2021 include standard blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning systems, a new Black Line model with blacked-out trim, and a limited-production Fuji Speedway Edition.
The PP100 score for the 2021 Lexus RC is 118. The RC receives a quality award from J.D. Power in the Compact Premium Car segment.
2. 2021 Chevrolet Corvette - Find the best Chevrolet deals!
When General Motors redesigned the eighth-generation Chevrolet Corvette and transformed it into an affordable mid-engined sports car with supercar levels of performance, it didn’t stop with the mechanical bits and pieces. The car’s interior got a thorough upgrade, too, and in top-level trim it boasts Cadillac-quality materials.
For 2021, aside from cosmetic modifications such as new paint colors, interior treatments, and stripe packages, the Corvette includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Chevy also offers the adaptive suspension on more versions of the car.
The PP100 score for the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette is 117.
1. 2021 Porsche 718 - Find the best Porsche deals!
If you’re looking for a Porsche Boxster or Cayman, you need to add a “718” in front of the name. Porsche made this change a few years ago, and today the 718 lineup includes both the Boxster convertible and the Cayman coupe.
For 2021, Porsche made numerous features standard instead of optional, debuted a new Python Green paint color, and introduced high-performance GTS variants of both the Boxster and the Cayman. The GTS models boast 394 hp from a 4.0-liter 6-cylinder engine.
The PP100 score for the 2021 Porsche 718 is 115. The 718 receives a quality award from J.D. Power in the Premium Sporty Car segment.
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