Acceleration

Drophead Coupe	Class Average
8	9.1

Despite its near three-ton heft, the Drophead Coupe accelerates strongly from any speed. Rolls claims 0-60 mph in a quick 5.6 seconds, which seems about right based on our preview drive.

Fuel Economy

Drophead Coupe	Class Average
3	2.6

No opportunity to measure, but the EPA estimates an average of 14 mpg. Premium fuel is required.

Ride Quality

Drophead Coupe	Class Average
10	5.8

Although our Southern California preview routes weren't plagued by badly broken pavement, the Drophead Coupe soaked up every road imperfection encountered with impressive aplomb and was devoid of undue float or bobbing over bumps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Drophead Coupe	Class Average
7	8.7

Considering its heft and ride qualities, handling was impressive, with good steering feel and little body lean in fast turns. Stratospheric price tag discouraged pushing the car to its limits on twisty roads, but a progressive increase in cornering speeds indicated those limits were quite high.

Quietness

Drophead Coupe	Class Average
9	5.7

Even top down at highway speeds, normal conversation is possible; top up, the Drophead Coupe is as quiet inside as a luxury sedan. The engine emits a rich purr under acceleration, is virtually noiseless at idle and cruise.

Controls

Drophead Coupe	Class Average
7	6.3

A "Percent of power" meter replaces a tachometer, and the gear-shift lever is the same light-touch column-mounted electronic "flipper" used in BMW's 7-Series sedans. Also carried over from BMWs is an iDrive-type system that governs secondary functions; the system's console-mounted control knob and dashboard display screen both flip out of sight when not in use. Thankfully, most audio and climate controls are separate and fairly easy to reach.

Details

Drophead Coupe	Class Average
10	8

With more finely crafted wood and leather than a CEO's office, the interior befits the car's extraordinary price. The body structure is impressively solid for a convertible, with virtually no chassis flex or vibration over bumps.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Drophead Coupe	Class Average
10	6.8

Supremely comfortable seats and ample adjustments join plenty of headroom and legroom for first-class accommodations. High-mounted seat cushions aid ingress and egress, and though the rear-hinged door takes getting used to, it doesn't impede entry or exit, and the power closing feature is an appreciated luxury. The windshield header is much farther forward than in most contemporary convertibles, so dropping the top provides a true open-air experience. Top-up visibility is severely restricted straight back and to the rear corners, but front and rear obstacle detection is standard.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Drophead Coupe	Class Average
7	3.3

Rear-hinged doors greatly ease ingress/egress. Headroom is adequate for six footers and legroom grows tight only behind a tall front-seater. The seat is nicely contoured for two and is extremely comfortable and supportive, and passengers get their own climate controls. With the top up, there's little view to the outside world.

Cargo Room

Drophead Coupe	Class Average
3	2.3

Interior storage is highlighted by a two-tier glovebox with a fold-down snack table. The nicely trimmed trunk is large for a convertible--Rolls says it will hold three golf bags--and no space is sacrificed when the top is stowed. The trunk lid is in two parts; the top half opens conventionally, while a lower "tailgate" flips down to form a two-place picnic seat.

Value within Class

Drophead Coupe	Class Average
8	6.8

Most people would be staggered by the car's $412,000 base price, but for those who can afford it, the Drophead Coupe' is actually worth the money. No other car combines such opulent luxury, impressive performance, ample room for four, and open-air exuberance with a century-old name that defines automotive excellence.

Total Score

Drophead Coupe	Class Average
82	65.4

Scores for all Exotic Cars

Low Score		40
Average Score		65
High Score		84