Range Rover Evoque Convertible vs Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet

Soft-top SUVs aren't exactly common, but in creating the new Range Rover Evoque Convertible, Land Rover hopes to follow the regular car's meteoric sales by adding an extra dimension to the experience.

With summer in full swing, it's time to see if this niche model makes sense. After all, aside from some utilitarian 4x4s, it's the UK's first convertible SUV, and has caused controversy as Land Rover tries to satisfy buyers' growing demands.

It doesn't have any direct rivals, but with prices from £47,500, it sits in the firing line of another new open-top four-seater, the Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet. While this is a traditional drop-top based on a coupe, Mercedes offers it with 4WD. Factor in diesel power, and it's closer to the Evoque than initial impressions would suggest.

So is the Evoque Convertible a pioneer? Or is this a niche too far for Land Rover?

Head to head

Roof tech

The roofs of the Evoque and C-Class open with the touch of a single button, and the process can be carried out at speeds of up to 30mph in the Range Rover and 37mph in the Mercedes.

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Land Rover offers a wind deflector to go over the back seats, but you don't really need it. Mercedes' effective Aircap system is fitted as standard.

Cabin comfort

Both these cars are genuine four-seaters, but passengers in the back of the C-Class will suffer from less wind buffeting thanks to the Aircap system that diverts airflow over the cockpit. Mercedes fits its Airscarf as standard, too; this blows warm air on to the necks of occupants sitting up front.

Personalisation

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The Evoque can be upgraded with the £2,075 Black styling pack, while Mercedes offers brown, red or blue roof colours - depending on the body colour - at no extra cost. You can also add 19-inch multispoke wheels with run-flat tyres for £595.

Verdict

First place: Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet

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In the end, the C-Class Cabriolet makes a far more convincing drop-top than the Evoque Convertible. While neither car sets the world on fire for performance or handling, they deliver refined roof-down luxury, and the Mercedes offers a more upmarket feel than the Range Rover while costing less. Add in lower everyday running costs and a more practical cabin, and it wins here.

Second place: Range Rover Evoque Convertible

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It was a brave move to chop the top off the Evoque, but the overall result is pretty successful. The car's cabin is quiet and refined with the roof down, and there's enough room for four inside. The Evoque comes second here on account of its higher list price and running costs, plus its less practical interior. However, we're convinced it will still sell by the bucketload.

Also consider...

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The 4 Series Convertible forgoes a cloth roof for a complex folding metal top. This adds weight, but looks dramatic in operation, while the most powerful diesel in M Sport spec has more than enough power to compensate for the extra kilos it's carrying.

Used: Bentley Continental GTC

Price: £50,000

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If you want to cruise in style and make an impact, a 2007 Continental GTC with fewer than 30,000 miles on the clock is a similar price to these two. You still get 4WD, but there's an engine with 200mph potential - plus steep running costs to go with it.

Facts and figures