The GREAT Debate: IF The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible Is A SUCCESS, Will We See An Avalanche Of Luxury SUV Drop Tops?

If there's one thing we've learned about the automotive space, it's that it is a constantly moving through cycles. There's "hot" brands and "cold" ones. There's "hot" products and "cold" ones.

There's also "hot" and "cold" form factors of automobiles.

Take, for example, the four-door coupe craze that rocked the luxury sedan market. When the first-gen Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class was introduced it marked a change in the market and we started seeing more four-door coupes come to life. Then we saw it spread to sport-utility vehicles.

We have a feeling the market is looking for something more now. That would be a utilitarian convertible. Why else do you think that Jeep Wranglers are still selling out of dealer lots across the country?

While we wish that a four-door convertible would come to fruition — cough, Cadillac Ciel, cough — we've heard from inside sources that they can't get these big body convertibles stiff enough for production. This leads us to an all-new segment: convertible SUVs.

Though the Nissan Murano Cross Cabriolet was a fail, we think that something a bit prettier and easier on the eyes may have some legs. Take, for example, the aforementioned Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible. It was mentioned in several threads today and we're just a wee bit curious what you think.

IF the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible is a SUCCESS, will we see an avalanche of luxury SUV drop tops?

MDarringer - 3/12/2016 8:49:27 PM

-4 Boost

If it's a sh!t storm failure will we all laugh?

Yes.

TheSteve - 3/12/2016 10:32:52 PM

0 Boost

A convertible SUV makes about as much sense to me as the amphicar.

TomM - 3/13/2016 1:58:39 PM

+2 Boost

Actually - all of these SUV's that never actually are put into 4 wheel drive or go offroad or into snow are senseless as well - but they still sell like hotcakes. One would also not guess that the largest purchasing group for Mini-Vans - are Senior Citizens too.

Try to come up with a real rationale for having a Rolls Royce instead of a Mercedes S-Class.

People with money buy what they want.

Agent00R - 3/13/2016 5:49:57 PM

-6 Boost

@TomM

Nailed it!

TheSteve - 3/13/2016 10:20:32 PM

+1 Boost

TomM and Agent00R re "...People with money buy what they want..." -- I agree with you, wholeheartedly. Let's reconvene in a year or two and see if a convertible SUV is something they desire. Personally, *I* don't see a market for it, but I know I could be wrong.

dumpsty - 3/14/2016 3:06:33 PM

+1 Boost

Didn't Nissan sell a convertible Murano? How'd that go? I'm guessing LR is betting that their potential consumers will drop the cash to add that option - in CA, FL, Dubai. I can see the Evoque convertible being a 2nd vehicle, but not a daily driver for the typical buyer.

TomM - 3/13/2016 3:59:28 AM

+1 Boost

IF You assume an SUV is used primarily as an off road vehicle - then your comment would be true - but that assumption is not true.

Virtually ALL of these vehicles will never see rugged terrain and are used as regular transportation. In fact - the SUV of today is really nothing more than a 4x4 STATION WAGON in use. So dropping the top is a viable option - BUT - I also suspect it will be of limited appeal in high end vehicles.

Agent00R - 3/13/2016 5:51:03 PM

-6 Boost

We'll see soon enough!

PUGPROUD - 3/13/2016 1:51:52 PM

+1 Boost

I may be alone here but I see all premium brands following up with similar vehicles. Rationale...another niche to fill, older people with money want cars easier to get in and out that are fun, removes need to have an SUV for winter and a convertible thus saving money, and opportunity to charge more and make more.

TomM - 3/13/2016 1:55:08 PM

+1 Boost

People who would by this - would have a separate WINTER Suv - Soft Tops are not good winter vehicles.

Agent00R - 3/13/2016 5:52:00 PM

-4 Boost

@TomM

With the multi-layer tops these days I am not so sure that rings true. Soft-top technology is quite outstanding these days.

skytop - 3/13/2016 2:26:42 PM

0 Boost

Gee wiz, a fat heavy SUV with its roof cut off. Looks like a a shallow shaped brick. Laughable except for the Land Rover obsessives.

MDarringer - 3/13/2016 3:03:07 PM

-7 Boost

Then factor in the fat heaviness that has to be welded in to make up for loss of chassis rigidity from cutting the roof off.

MorePower - 3/14/2016 5:04:36 PM

+1 Boost

1st: this is not a new idea.

2nd: the market is not big enough to justify a large number of entrants, if any.

3rd: this will be a leased vehicle that will occupy the third or fourth option in some wealthy person's car choice for the day. Possibly lower if it drives like shit and is slow.