I can lock and unlock my doors on the convertible from a much farther range than lowering the top or windows. I feel like it's some kind of configuration in the coding to possibly check for signal strength (Total guess no factual info behind that.) I agree, you have to be pretty much standing next to the car for it to work.
There is a module that lists one of its features as allowing you to drop the top from the same range as the lock/unlock so I really do think its the car deciding based on your distance. (
https://www.vividracing.com/smarttop...151451247.html)
I don't own that module nor have I ever used it or heard any feedback but it might help answer your question.
-Joe