Soft power: Convertible 4x4s represent a growing market

Convertible off-roaders may seem like a strange concept these days – likely to conjure images of Mini Mokes and Lara Croft – but the original 4x4s such as the Willys Jeep, which later inspired the Land Rover Defender, were designed for military purposes. Typically, they had canvas hoods with detachable doors and windshields to save unnecessary weight when being air-dropped into conflict zones.

As a result, these vehicles had a lower centre of gravity, enabling them to handle steep inclines with relative ease and grace. So by that logic, a true 4x4 should not really have a fixed roof. And if you are out there to explore, why ruin the view?

You may wonder, then, why Land Rover has not produced a convertible version of the L663 (2020 Defender). Well, it is still rather a niche market these days, especially in the UK, and increasing regulation has made things difficult for manufacturers. The vehicle loses a lot of structural integrity without a solid roof, which means it’s necessary to adapt and reinforce the chassis – at a high cost. Land Rover did attempt to enter the convertible SUV market with the 2016 Range Rover Evoque, but things didn’t go so well and the variant was scrapped three years later. Perhaps we will see a convertible Defender sometime in the future, as sales of the L663 model continue to be robust.

Conversely, the Jeep Wrangler, with its removable doors and lid, has been one of the firm’s bestsellers over the past 40 years. Conclusive proof that soft tops only work on sporty coupes or rugged off-roaders. The convertible Ford Bronco, Mercedes G-Wagen and Suzuki Jimny all have an element of Indiana Jones about them. The 1986 convertible Lamborghini SUV LM002 became known as the ‘Rambo Lambo’. What’s next – the ‘Arnee Humvee’?

Introduced in 66, discontinued in 96 and made a big comeback in 2020, with 9 variants currently in production. The new GOAT (Goes Over Any Terrain) mode feature provides 7 different driving profiles for every terrain.

The convertible Evoque was introduced in 2016 and discontinued two years later. A fun idea for LA or Miami, not so ideal for off-roading adventures.

Born out of WWII, the Wrangler still showcases the iconic front grille, headlights and mudguards of the original Willys Jeep.

James May famously drove one through the Amazon in the Top Gear Bolivia special. Lightweight and compact, don’t underestimate its off-roading capabilities.

Popular with celebrities and HNWIs, each G-Wagen is handcrafted in Graz, Austria, with meticulous attention to detail and intricate detailing.

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