When you buy a coupe or a convertible, you’re throwing practicality and utility to wind. These types of cars are all about style, image, and performance. And because they’re purchased primarily for emotional reasons, they need to satisfy owners in all three of those areas in order to rank high in the annual J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study.
To find out which makes and models are most satisfying in terms of their overall appeal, J.D. Power surveys verified owners of new vehicles. People eligible to respond have owned their new vehicle for at least 90 days, and tell J.D. Power what they like and don’t like about the model they bought. From this consumer-provided information, J.D. Power creates an overall appeal index score. The higher the score, the greater the model’s appeal according to the people who own it.
This list contains the top-rated 2021 coupes and convertibles in appeal according to consumers, and they are listed below in ascending order by index score.
In order to resurrect the Supra, Toyota collaborated with BMW. As in, Toyota did the styling and specific dynamic tuning, while BMW did everything else. As such, the Gazoo Racing (GR) Supra has BMW powertrains, BMW technology, and BMW switchgear wrapped in a decidedly eye-catching package. It shares a platform with the BMW Z4 convertible.
For 2021, the GR Supra lineup adds a new 2.0 model series with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, while the 3.0 model gets a big bump in power and reworked dynamic tuning. A limited-production A91 Edition also arrives, and the standard infotainment screen is bigger than before.
The index score for the 2021 Toyota Supra is 841.
Mercedes-Benz offers the C-Class coupe and convertible in a dizzying array of models. All but the base C 300 variants with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine get AMG tuning and design, and the most expensive model is also the most powerful, cranking out 503 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged V8. Most have the automaker’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
Changes for 2021 are few, amounting to standard digital instrumentation and, for the coupe, heated front seats, which were already included in the convertible.
The index score for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 845.
In its final year before a complete redesign, the BMW 2 Series is available in coupe and convertible body styles and in 230i specification. These versions have a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and rear-wheel or AWD drive. Separately, the M2 Competition coupe brings a significant performance improvement through use of a turbocharged 6-cylinder engine and full dynamic tuning by BMW M.
For 2021, BMW adds several infotainment features as standard equipment, but eliminates the Luxury Line and Track Handling option packages from the menu.
The index score for the 2021 BMW 2 Series is 853.
The Audi A5 is available in coupe and convertible body styles, and in A5, sport-tuned S5, and performance-oriented RS 5 specification. The A5 has a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the S5 has a turbocharged 6-cylinder, and the RS 5 has a twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder. They all come with Audi’s Quattro AWD.
For 2021, the A5’s engine gets a small power bump and a 12-volt mild-hybrid electrical system. Apple CarPlay, a lane departure warning system, and a toll payment module are all standard for 2021, while the trim and option packages add features.
The index score for the 2021 Audi A5 is 861.
In comparison to many of its car and SUV lineups, Mercedes keeps it simple with the E-Class coupe and convertible models. You choose between the E 450 and the AMG E 53, and decide whether you want your E 450 to have rear-wheel drive or 4Matic AWD. The AMG model has standard 4Matic.
For 2021, both body styles get freshened styling and interiors, new driving assistance technology, and an upgraded infotainment system. Mercedes also offers its mild-hybrid 6-cylinder engine for the standard E-Class coupe and convertible for the first time. Previously, it was reserved for the AMG E 53.
The index score for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is 865.
The Porsche 718 is a 2-seat, mid-engine sports car available with a convertible top (Boxster) or a hardtop (Cayman). Each comes in standard, S, T, and GTS 4.0 specification. Additionally, there is a Boxster Spyder and a Cayman GT4. A Boxster 25 Years special edition is also available for 2021.
All 718 models add standard equipment for 2021, and the GTS 4.0 models are new for the year. They use a 4.0-liter 6-cylinder engine generating 394 horsepower, and include numerous performance features as standard equipment. A manual gearbox is standard, with a dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) optional. Porsche also makes the DCT an option for the Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder this year.
The index score for the 2021 Porsche 718 is 880.
Redesigned for 2021, the BMW 4 Series arrives in coupe and convertible body styles and in 430i, M440i, and M4 model series. The 430i has a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the M440i has a turbocharged 6-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid 48-volt electrical system, and the M4 has a twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine. They’re all rear-wheel drive unless you specify xDrive AWD.
Highlights include next-generation iDrive infotainment, new digital instrumentation, and additional advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Controversially, they wear an oversized version of BMW’s kidney grille design. But that doesn’t appear to hurt the car’s overall appeal.
The index score for the 2021 BMW 4 Series is 892. The 4 Series receives an appeal award from J.D. Power in the Compact Premium Car segment.
Does the Porsche 911 require an explanation? No, it does not. For 2021, Porsche adds more variants to a quintessential sports car lineup already bursting at the seams. The 911 Targa returns, its removable roof panel making it part coupe and part convertible. Also, the 911 Turbo debuts, redesigned on the current-generation 911 platform.
The index score for the 2021 Porsche 911 is 897.
Until 2021, the Lexus LC came only as a coupe equipped with a V8 engine (LC 500) or a gas-electric performance drivetrain (LC 500h). Now, a new convertible version of the V8-powered LC 500 is available.
Aside from the new drop-top, the Lexus LC sees transmission and suspension revisions, a new Active Cornering Assist technology, and a reduction of unsprung weight. Each of these modifications is designed to make the car more enjoyable and engaging to drive.
The index score for the 2021 Lexus LC is 899.
One year after a complete redesign that fundamentally altered what a Corvette is and can do, America’s sports car saw few changes for the 2021 model year.
The only thing today’s Corvette has in common with those of the past, aside from its Corvette and Stingray names, is its pushrod-style V8 engine. But now, the power plant lives in the middle of the car, behind the front seats, giving the Corvette the same layout as supercars and exotics. In the Chevy’s case, though, the price is attainable enough for many of the dreamers who’ve always wanted one.
The index score for the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette is 907. The Corvette receives an appeal award from J.D. Power in the Premium Sporty Car segment.