While the several droptop convertible SUVs have come and gone, find out why the German automaker has steered clear of this unqiue body-style
Let’s face it, folks. Crossover convertibles are the automotive equivalent of a mullet: business in the front, party in the back, and a whole lotta "what were they thinking?" in the middle. A niche market indeed with a distinctive taste. Sure, the idea sounds cool on paper, but the reality, as with most things that sound too good to be true, is a bit… off as you’re about to find out. Also, since we’re a brand focused on Porsche, I wanted to explore why the German automaker never considered going down this rabbit hole.
Engineered for Awkwardness: Why These Convertible Crossovers Flopped
Unibody Allows For A Compliant Ride & Sharper Handling
Now before I begin, I’d like to establish a fundamental difference between a crossover and an SUV, as I’m aware that they’re used interchangeably. I mean even jacked-up EVs with body cladding these days are called SUVs. Now, instead of a rigid ladder-frame structure found on something like a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, with a crossover, you get a lighter, unibody build. The convertible crossover is an extension of that formula, which in my opinion is something that nobody asked for.
On paper, this body style sounds like all the car you’d ever need. The practicality of a crossover with four seats for short stints around town, the high seating position, and the plush ride, while cruising down Rodeo Drive in L.A. or Ocean Drive in Miami. Not so great if you actually plan on going off-road with the top down. Also, the wind-in-your-hair thrill of a convertible and some off-road capability out on the weekend. But here are some of the setbacks of the crossover convertible.
Added Complexity: Chopping off the roof messes with a vehicle’s weight distribution. Picture yourself trying to do a handstand with a backpack full of bricks – that’s what engineers have to deal with here.
Sub-Par Gas Mileage: Yes, these things won’t drink fuel like the body-on-frame models I mentioned earlier, but with the roof gone, they won’t fare as well as the traditional models with a solid roof.
Hedious Design: Yes, I know design is subjective, but I’m sure that most of you will agree that these things are just outright awkward to look at. You can never get the proportions right and I’ve always felt that they’re a very confused kind of vehicle. Thankfully it never really caught on. But unfortunately, another pointless body style that I despise that has gone mainstream is the dreaded Coupe SUV. Why BMW, why??
The Case of the Disappearing Crossover Convertible
Crossover Convertibles Use A Uni-Body Chassis
You have models like the Range Rover Evoque, Nissan Murano and Volkswagen T-Roc embrace this weird body-style
Remember the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet? Yeah, me neither. It arrived in 2011 with all the fanfare, promising luxury and open-air adventures. But then reality hit – the trunk space was about as useful as a chocolate teapot, and the whole thing just looked… well, awkward. Needless to say, it didn’t last long.
The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible followed a similar trajectory. Two doors, a tiny trunk, and a price tag that could buy you a small island – it was a recipe for sales disaster. Launched in 2016, it was gone by 2020, leaving behind a trail of confused consumers and disappointed shareholders.
*Disclaimer - information still being confirmed for accuracy
Why Porsche Said "Nein" to the Convertible Crossover Craze
Why It Never Happened
All other failed - Porsche didn’t bother taking chances
Now within Porsche’s portfolio, the Macan seems like the ideal candidate for such a convertible model. In the decades since it has been in production, the Macan has consistently one of the best-selling models for Porsche in terms of sales numbers. But ever wonder why there’s no Porsche Macan Convertible cruising down the street? Given the strong sales, they could have very well tried to expand their reach to appeal to a wider demographic.
It all boils down to brand identity. Porsche is known for its high-performance sports cars and coupes. A bulky convertible SUV might dilute that image. But in case you were wondering what something like this could look like, you can gawk at what something like this could have looked like, in the rendering above. Yes, it’s got four doors instead of two, but that’s what you get with A.I., period. Now Porsche might not be in the convertible SUV game, but they’re **no strangers to open-air driving as they’ve mastered the art with some seriously cool options:
Porsche Did Build a Secret Convertible Cayenne concept back in 2002
Enter The Porsche Cayenne Convertible Concept
This is a one-off prototype that had two-long doors, but with room for four
Back in 2002, Porsche actually built a Cayenne Convertible concept. It was a bold move, a peek into an alternate reality where luxury SUVs sported retractable roofs. But in the end, practicality won out. The market just wasn’t there, and the whole thing felt a bit too… mullet-y.
So, there you have it. Crossover convertibles – a niche market filled with engineering challenges, questionable design choices, and ultimately, a whole lot of flops. While the idea might sound enticing, the reality seems to be that some things are best left on the drawing board. Maybe next time, car designers, stick to what you do best. And for the love of all that is automotive, keep the roofs on your SUVs.