Audi A5 Cabriolet Review 2026
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Audi A5 Cabriolet Verdict
Acoustically-insulated roof as standard. Lighter yet stiffer than previous model. Beautiful build. Great all-round ability
Looks very much like its predecessor. Rivals are more fun to drive. S line sports suspension is a bit uncomfortable.
Find out more about the Audi A5 Cabriolet
Audi knows better than most how to stick to a winning formula. And the A5 Cabriolet it does exactly that. This all-new car arrived in 2017, though like its coupe relation it deviated little in style from its predecessor.
It might not be radically different to look at, but underneath Audi has worked extensively on its structure, making it lighter, yet stiffer, to the benefit of refinement, economy and handling. It’s a little bit bigger, inside, too.
Very deliberately retaining a fabric roof, to help distinguish it as a cabriolet, the A5 is rich in detail and high on desirability. Underlining that is Audi’s standard offering of a range of hood colours, with four no-cost choices of Red, Black, Dark Grey and Brown.
Whatever the colour, that roof stows at the touch of a button - folding out of sight in just 15 seconds and raising in 18 seconds. Its integration is beautifully executed, whether up or down. Open, it reveals a cabin that, true to Audi form, is a paragon of material quality, sophisticated design and operational ease.
There’s space for four adults. Just. The rear seats come with limitations in legroom, while headroom with that roof up is also limited. The bootspace suffers, too, but buyers of convertibles understand the compromises they bring, and even then, with the A5 Cabriolet they’re relatively few.
The engine line-up cherry picks from the A5 Coupe line-up, so there’s a choice of 2.0-litre petrol and TDI models, as well as a 3.0-litre TDI. The Cabriolet doesn’t get the more economy-focussed 1.4 TFSI or TDI Ultra versions that the coupe is offered with.
Trim levels are familiar to anyone who’s ever opened an Audi brochure, with a few revisions. SE isn’t offered, instead the Cabriolet following its Coupe relative and only coming in either Sport and S line. All come with alloy wheels, 17-inches on Sport, S line gaining 18-inch ones, as well as slightly more dramatic exterior styling pack, LED headlights and taillights, as well as Audi’s dramatic ‘dynamic’ rear indicators.
Reviews for Audi A5 Cabriolet's top 3 rivals
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Audi A5 Cabriolet handling and engines
- Engines range from 40 TDI S tronic to S5 2.0 TFSI 354 quattro Tiptronic
Audi claims the A5 Cabriolet is the lightest and stiffest car in its class, that class largely comprising of the BMW 4 Series Convertible and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet.
This stiffer platform is more beneficial for refinement and economy, rather than handling. That isn’t to say that the A5 Cabriolet isn’t an enjoyable car to drive, it just lacks the more focussed driving appeal of its German rivals.
Where it unquestionably gains is in its roundedness. More than either its Mercedes-Benz or BMW competitors it has an ease of use that’s deeply impressive. Indeed, the A5 has always had a sort of junior Bentley Continental GT feel to its make up. Quick, refined and capable, all while surrounded in a finely executed interior.
That remains the case here, indeed refinement is impeccable. The acoustically damped hood meaning it’s near coupe-like aurally with the hood up, while roof down the A5 manages draughts very well indeed.
To maximise interior serenity with the sun above you you’ll need to utilise the rear wind deflector, which does deny you the use of the rear seats. Even without it at speed you’ll feel the gentle breeze of the outside inside, rather than the full brunt of a Category 1 hurricane.
With the engine line-up’s outputs starting at 190PS with both the 2.0-litre TFSI turbo petrol and TDI four-cylinder choices, allowing a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds (in either manual or auto) with the TFSI petrol, or 8.3 seconds with the 2.0-itre TDI.
Choose the 2.0-litre TFSI with 252PS and you’ll not only gain a standard seven-speed automatic and four-wheel drive, but shave 1.6 seconds off the 0-62mph time to just 6.3 seconds.
The 3.0-litre TDI is offered in either 218PS or 286PS outputs, the latter coming with an eight-speed automatic, these reaching 62mph in 6.8 and 5.7 seconds respectively.
If you want anything faster you’ll need the S5, its 354PS turbocharged V6 seeing it able to cover the 0-62mph dash in 5.1 seconds.
That S5 is the sharpest offering to drive here, it offering the option of Audi’s Sport Differential to make it even more dynamic. With it it’s quick and capable, though, like its lesser relations here, it still doesn’t quite thrill like its key rivals. That arguably makes the standard models more appealing.
The S line is visually so, as well as regarding its specification, though be sure to tick the no-cost option box that replaces the brittle standard-fit Sport Suspension for Comfort Dynamic Suspension.
Do that and you’ll find the A5 a fantastically capable car, whatever engine you choose it with, though the 2.0-litre TDI units are difficult to ignore for their mid-range urge and more palatable real-word consumption figures over their petrol counterparts. Even if they're hardly pleasant on the ears with the roof down.
Traction is good with all, even the front-wheel drive models. And while it might not thrill in the bends, you’re unlikely to ever find it lacking in grip and ability. A fine all-rounder, with looks and a cabin that remain very much at the top of its class.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 TDI 190 quattro S tronic | 58–60 mpg | 7.8 s | 122–127 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI 190 S tronic | 61–63 mpg | 8.3 s | 118–122 g/km |
| 2.0 TFSI 190 | 47–48 mpg | 7.9 s | 136–137 g/km |
| 2.0 TFSI 190 S tronic | 48–50 mpg | 7.9 s | 127–131 g/km |
| 2.0 TFSI 252 quattro S tronic | 42–45 mpg | 6.3 s | 144–149 g/km |
| 3.0 TDI 218 quattro S tronic | 55–58 mpg | 6.8 s | 128–134 g/km |
| 3.0 TDI 286 quattro Tiptronic | 48 mpg | 5.7 s | 153 g/km |
| 35 TFSI S tronic | - | 9.8 s | 164–166 g/km |
| 40 TDI quattro S tronic | 52–58 mpg | 8.0–8.4 s | 127–143 g/km |
| 40 TDI S tronic | 52–59 mpg | 7.6–8.4 s | 126–170 g/km |
| 40 TFSI | 46 mpg | 7.9 s | 138–140 g/km |
| 40 TFSI S tronic | 46–46 mpg | 7.5–7.9 s | 139–172 g/km |
| 45 TFSI S tronic | 40–41 mpg | 6.0–6.5 s | 158–160 g/km |
| 50 TDI S tronic | 51 mpg | 5.2 s | 143 g/km |
| S5 2.0 TFSI 354 quattro Tiptronic | 35 mpg | 5.1 s | 177 g/km |
Audi A5 Cabriolet interior
- Boot space is 370–380 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4626–4697 mm |
| Width | 2020–2029 mm |
| Height | 1380–1384 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2765 mm |
It's difficult to get inside an A5 Cabriolet and not be immediately wowed by the fit, finish and materials. Audi is very much the leader in its class in this respect. What’s impressive is that it’s more than eye candy and a tactile treat, those being underpinned by an inherent correctness to the way the controls are positioned and the configurability of it all.
You’d have to be uncommonly tall or wide not to find a perfect driving position, the seats hugging you with enough suggestion at sportiness, without grappling your love handles like a race seat. Supportive and comfortable, then, which pretty much sums up the A5 Cabriolet.
That’s even partially true of those in the back. While it’s undeniably a little bit more claustrophobic back there thanks to the thicker elements of the hood’s structure than the Coupe, there’s space for normally proportioned adults.
That’s as long as the front seat passenger and driver don’t lounge in their front pews like they’re poolside. The boot loses capacity, but 380 litres is enough to take the obligatory golf bags or a couple of sensibly packed suitcases.
Being a premium model there’s a decent standard equipment count, which can be significantly added to with some essential extras. Plus some show-stopping kit like Audi’s cool Virtual Cockpit.
It replaces the conventional dials with a configurable 12.3-inch colour screen with all the nav, info, media, telephony and driver assistance details within the instrument pinnacle area. Neat as it is, it’s not cheap in isolation, so add it via the Technology Pack option which bundles it in with other desirable kit.
There is the availability of a head-up display option, as well as various option packs for safety equipment, improved audio and technology all of which are worthwhile adds for the best value, richest specification mix. Be warned, get reckless with your check-box ticking and you’ll be significantly poorer, it often better to start with a higher trim model and add less to it, than spec up the entry-level one.
Standard equipment from launch:
SE specification has twin leather upholstery, Audi drive select, Audi parking system plus front and rear sensors, pre sense city and 17-inch alloy wheels sporting a fifteen-spoke design.
Sport models also come equipped with MMI Navigation and a three-month trial of the Audi connect portfolio. Front Sport seats that are electrically adjustable also include four-way electric lumbar support. Rounding off the enhancements is an LED interior lighting package.
S line versions have a wheel size increases from 17 to 18 inches with a five-spoke Twin star design, and LED headlights with LED rear lights and dynamic rear indicators are complemented by a host of signature S line styling details. Inside, S line sport seats upholstered in leather/Alcantara with S embossing lend a suitably sporting air. Lowered and stiffened Sport suspension is the automatic factory fit for S line versions, but Audi offers the option to deselect to a ‘comfort dynamic’ suspension set-up biased more heavily in favour of ride suppleness at no extra charge if preferred.
Audi A5 Cabriolet models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4626–4697 mm |
| Width | 2020–2029 mm |
| Height | 1380–1384 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2765 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1600–1880 kg |
| Boot Space | 370–380 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 9000–18000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £35,235–£60,045 |
| Insurance Groups | 30–47 |
| Road Tax Bands | C–I |
| Official MPG | 35.3–62.8 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
Currently on sale
On sale until December 2020
| Cabriolet | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 40 TDI 190ps Quattro Edition 1 S tronic 2dr | £52,595 | - | 7.6 s |
| 40 TDI 190ps Quattro S Line S tronic 2dr | £49,345 | - | 7.6 s |
| 40 TDI 190ps Quattro Sport S tronic 2dr | £47,045 | - | 7.6 s |
| 40 TDI 190ps Quattro Vorsprung S tronic 2dr | £60,045 | - | 7.6 s |
| 40 TFSI 190ps Edition 1 S tronic 2dr | - | - | 7.5 s |
| 40 TFSI 190ps S Line S tronic 2dr | - | - | 7.5 s |
| 40 TFSI 190ps Sport S tronic 2dr | - | - | 7.5 s |
| 40 TFSI 190ps Vorsprung S tronic 2dr | - | - | 7.5 s |
On sale until June 2020
On sale until July 2019
| Cabriolet | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| S5 3.0 354ps Quattro Tiptronic 2dr | £52,540 | 35.3 mpg | 5.1 s |
On sale until April 2019
| Cabriolet | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 TDI 190ps Quattro S Line S tronic 2dr | £44,870 | 57.6 mpg | 7.8 s |
| 2.0 TDI 190ps Quattro Sport S tronic 2dr | £43,220 | 60.1 mpg | 7.8 s |
| 2.0 TDI 190ps S Line S tronic 2dr | £43,345 | 61.4 mpg | 8.3 s |
| 2.0 TDI 190ps Sport S tronic 2dr | £41,695 | 62.8 mpg | 8.3 s |
| 2.0 TFSI 190ps S Line 2dr | £39,735 | 47.1 mpg | 7.9 s |
| 2.0 TFSI 190ps S Line S tronic 2dr | £41,265 | 47.9 mpg | 7.9 s |
| 2.0 TFSI 190ps Sport 2dr | £38,085 | 47.9 mpg | 7.9 s |
| 2.0 TFSI 190ps Sport S tronic 2dr | £39,575 | 49.6 mpg | 7.9 s |
| 2.0 TFSI 252ps Quattro S Line S tronic 2dr | £46,870 | 42.2 mpg | 6.3 s |
| 3.0 TDI 218ps Quattro S Line S tronic 2dr | £46,900 | 55.4 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 3.0 TDI 218ps Quattro Sport S tronic 2dr | £44,940 | 57.6 mpg | 6.8 s |
| 3.0 TDI 286 Quattro S Line Tech Pack Tiptronic 2dr | £50,285 | 47.9 mpg | 5.7 s |
On sale until March 2018
| Cabriolet | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 TDI 190ps SE S tronic 2dr | £39,075 | 62.8 mpg | 8.3 s |
| 2.0 TFSI 190ps SE 2dr | £35,235 | 47.9 mpg | 7.9 s |
| 2.0 TFSI 190ps SE S tronic 2dr | £36,725 | 50.4 mpg | 7.9 s |
| 2.0 TFSI 252ps Sport S tronic Quattro 2dr | £43,980 | 44.8 mpg | 6.3 s |
Model History
- November 2016: Audi announces all-new A5 Cabriolet
- February 2019: Audi announces new Vorsprung models
November 2016
Audi announces all-new A5 Cabriolet
The successor to the Audi A5 Cabriolet rejoins the recently launched Coupé and five-door Sportback models this week to bring the range noted for delivering everyday versatility with unalloyed elegance back to full strength.
The designers went with the sleek lines of the Coupé for the styling of the new Audi A5 Cabriolet. The rear window is now flatter and emphasises the rakish stance, as do the short overhangs and the long wraparound bonnet with its power dome. With a length of 4,673 millimetres the new A5 Cabriolet is 47 millimetres longer than its predecessor.
The classic soft top fits perfectly and delivers outstanding aeroacoustics thanks to effective insulation. The new one-touch opening function makes operating the standard acoustic hood much easier: a flick of the switch is all it takes to open the soft top fully automatically in 15 seconds or close it in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph.
The wide track and the long wheelbase measuring 2,765 millimetres are key features of the carefully balanced suspension tuning. The track width is 1,587 millimetres at the front and 1,568 millimetres at the rear. An updated five-link suspension is used on the front axle. At the rear, a five-link configuration replaces the trapezoidal-link suspension used on the previous model.
Adaptive dampers are available as an option. They are incorporated into the standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system and allow the driver to choose between a performance driving bias or a more comfort-oriented profile. The newly developed electromechanical power steering offers good feedback from the road and greater steering precision. As an option, dynamic steering which varies its gear ratio depending on the speed and steering angle is available.
The body of the new Audi A5 Cabriolet is the stiffest in its class and yet is among the lightest in the segment. Thanks to a smart mix of materials and geometric lightweight design, the engineers have increased torsional rigidity by a further 40 percent compared with the previous car, boosting the Cabriolet’s agility further still. The total weight of the new generation model has been reduced by up to 40 kilograms. The front-wheel-drive A5 Cabriolet with the 190 PS 2.0 TDI weighs 1,690 kilograms.
Additional struts in the body compared with the Coupé and reinforced sills make up for the absence of a fixed roof. In the event of a crash and rollover, head-thorax side airbags and automatically extending aluminium profiles ensure the occupants’ safety.
There is initially a choice of three engines for the new Audi A5 Cabriolet – a 2.0 TFSI with 252PS, a 2.0 TDI with 190PS and a 3.0 TDI with 218PS. A 2.0 TFSI with 190PS and a 3.0 TDI with 286PS will join the line-up soon afterwards. Compared with the previous model, the engines offer up to 17 percent more power while consuming as much as 22 percent less fuel. All the engines combine high efficiency with excellent response and smooth running – especially the two 3.0 TDI six-cylinder engines.
Six-speed manual transmission, seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission or eight-speed tiptronic – tailor-made drivetrain technology is available for every engine version. The drive is provided as standard via the front wheels; quattro drive with ultra technology and permanent all-wheel drive are available as options. The latter will be a standard feature of the 3.0 TDI with 286PS.
The Audi S5 Cabriolet is moving into a whole new league with its newly developed 3.0 TFSI. From its 2,995 cc of displacement, the boosted six-cylinder engine produces 354PS of power – 21PS more than the engine in the previous model. The top model accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 5.1 seconds, and on up to an electronically governed top speed of 155mph. It features quattro permanent all-wheel drive and the eight-speed tiptronic transmission as standard.
The increased dimensions, the wheelbase extended by 14 millimetres and more compact seats increase the space for the driver and passengers. The shoulder room in the front row of seats has been increased by 26 millimetres and the kneeroom in the rear by 18 millimetres.
With the hood closed the luggage compartment has a capacity of 380 litres. The soft top compartment in the luggage compartment automatically moves down when opening the soft top and up again when the soft top is closed, thus providing the largest possible luggage space at all times. The rear seat has a 50:50 split and can be easily folded forward using levers in the luggage compartment.
As standard the tailgate on the A5 Cabriolet now opens automatically – using the remote control key or the button in the driver’s door. Gesture control is also available for the tailgate as an option: A proximity sensor in the bumper responds to a kicking movement with the foot – the tailgate opens automatically once the optional convenience key is detected.
Thanks to the all-new operating and display concept including natural language voice control and free-text search, the driver can control all functions effortlessly and intuitively. Standard seat belt microphones for driver and front passenger improve voice quality even with the hood open. As an alternative to the analogue instrument dials, there is the Audi virtual cockpit with various display options. The large, high-resolution TFT monitor measuring 12.3 inches presents richly detailed graphics. The optional head-up display projects all relevant information onto the windshield in the driver’s direct field of vision as easily comprehensible symbols and digits, thus enabling the driver to keep their eyes on the road.
MMI navigation plus with MMI touch tops the infotainment range. Its 8.3-inch monitor has a resolution of 1,024 x 480 pixels. In addition to a DVD drive and a 10 GB flash memory, the high-end system also features two card readers, an AUX-IN connection and a USB connection with charging function.
As part of the Technology Pack, an LTE module provides access to Audi connect online services – free of charge for three years. The first five map updates for the navigation system are also free of charge. The media hub also comes with a Wi-Fi hotspot which connects passengers’ mobile devices to the World Wide Web.
The Audi smartphone interface integrates iOS and Android mobile phones in an environment specially developed for them in the MMI. The Audi phone box connects smartphones to the on-board antenna to provide superior reception quality. It also charges the smartphone inductively, without any wires, using the Qi standard.
With up to 30 driver assistance systems, the new Audi A5 Cabriolet offers a broad range of support. An intelligent combination of different technologies enhances safety, comfort and efficiency. Meanwhile Audi is also taking the next step toward piloted driving.
Playing a central role here is the adaptive cruise control (ACC) Stop&Go system including traffic jam assist. It relieves drivers in slow-moving traffic up to speeds of 40mph by assuming the tasks of braking and accelerating the car, and it also temporarily takes charge of steering on better roads. The predictive efficiency assistant evaluates GPS information from the car’s immediate surroundings and helps to save fuel by giving specific driving advice – a unique feature in this segment.
Collision avoidance assist intervenes if the car needs to drive around an obstacle to avoid an accident. Based on data from the front camera, ACC and radar sensors, it computes a recommended driving line within a fraction of a second. The lineup is rounded out by other assistance systems such as turn assist, park assist, rear cross traffic assist, exit warning, camera-based recognition of traffic signs, Audi active lane assist and Audi side assist.
The specification structure for UK A5 Cabriolet models will follow the same SE, Sport and S line pattern used by the Coupé, bringing features such as alloy wheels in 17 or 18-inch diameters, xenon or LED headlamps, the Audi Smartphone Interface, leather upholstery, front seat heating, acoustic parking and three-zone climate control.
Sport models and above add appropriate upgrades such as front sport seats with electric adjustment (Sport and S line) and sports suspension (S line only – optional for Sport), plus extra comforts including SD card-based MMI Navigation and all the features delivered by Audi Connect on an extendable three-month trial basis.
The S5 Cabriolet takes on board its own exclusive specification including 19-inch alloy wheels, S specific styling, front Super Sports seats in Fine Nappa leather and chassis settings and hard disc-based MMI Navigation Plus including a three-year subscription to Audi Connect.
February 2019
Audi announces new Vorsprung models
Highlights of the Vorsprung include an upgrade to 20-inch, 21-inch or 22-inch alloy wheels in either matt grey or matt titanium (depending on model), and to advanced Matrix LED headlights which can divert their beams around oncoming and leading traffic. The Audi A5 Vorsprung starts at £48,875 .
