Audi A5 Cabriolet Review
Discover the refined luxury and open-air thrill of the Audi A5 Cabriolet, blending performance, comfort, and style for everyday elegance.
Audi A5 Cabriolet: Ultimate Blend of Luxury and Open-Air Freedom
The Audi A5 Cabriolet stands out as a premium convertible that masterfully combines sophisticated styling, refined performance, and everyday practicality. This drop-top model delivers the thrill of wind-in-your-hair driving without sacrificing the comfort and technology expected from Audi’s lineup. Whether cruising coastal roads or navigating city streets, it offers a versatile experience that appeals to enthusiasts seeking elegance and capability.
Captivating Exterior Design and Aerodynamics
The A5 Cabriolet’s exterior exudes timeless sophistication with its sleek lines and bold proportions. The signature Singleframe grille, now flatter and wider in recent updates, anchors the front fascia, flanked by sharp Matrix LED headlights that echo Audi’s heritage, including nods to the iconic Sport Quattro. This design not only enhances visual appeal but also improves aerodynamics, ensuring stable high-speed performance even with the roof down.
Available in vibrant colors beyond standard silvers, the Cabriolet looks particularly striking, emphasizing its sporty yet elegant character. The fabric roof, a multi-layered acoustic hood, folds neatly in 15 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph, preserving trunk space at 7 cubic feet when stowed—practical for a convertible. Structural reinforcements add about 360 pounds over the coupe, yet maintain rigidity without compromising the car’s lithe profile.
- Sleek honeycomb grille for modern aggression
- LED lighting with dynamic sequences on higher trims
- Acoustic soft top for quiet refinement
Powerful and Efficient Engine Options
At its core, the A5 Cabriolet employs a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering around 261 horsepower in base models, with outputs varying by market—up to 190 hp and 320 Nm in some configurations, aided by mild-hybrid tech for efficiency gains of up to 0.3 liters per 100 km. Acceleration from 0-60 mph clocks in at 5.6 seconds, slightly behind the coupe’s 5.0 due to added weight, but still brisk for a luxury drop-top.
Higher S5 variants boost to 354 hp with a V6, rivaling performance peers. Paired with a smooth seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, power delivery feels seamless, balancing sprint capability with relaxed cruising. Fuel economy benefits from the mild-hybrid system, making it suitable for daily use.
| Model Variant | Horsepower | 0-60 mph | Fuel Efficiency Aid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base 2.0T | 261 hp | 5.6 sec | Mild Hybrid |
| S5 Cabriolet | 354 hp | ~4.5 sec | Advanced MHEV |
Exceptional Handling and Ride Comfort
Despite its convertible nature, the A5 Cabriolet shines dynamically. It achieves a skidpad grip of 0.96 g and stops from 70 mph in 145 feet—impressive figures that surpass some rivals like the Mercedes-AMG C43 in base form. Audi’s chassis tuning strikes a perfect balance: plush over rough roads in Comfort mode, yet engaging in Dynamic, with minimal cabin quiver thanks to a stiff structure.
The suspension absorbs impacts adeptly, even on 19-inch wheels, while steering provides precise feedback. It’s more a grand tourer than a track attacker—ideal for boulevard cruising or light spirited drives—outpacing predecessors in composure.
Luxurious and Tech-Rich Interior
Step inside, and the A5 Cabriolet’s cabin impresses with premium materials: supple leather, soft-touch surfaces, and intuitive layouts. Front sport seats offer electric adjustments and four-way lumbar support, comfortably cradling occupants without aggressive bolsters suited for track use. Rear seats accommodate adults for shorter trips, with generous headroom (37.0 inches rear) and legroom (35.1 inches).
A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster pairs with a high-resolution infotainment screen, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and advanced driver aids like adaptive cruise and 360-degree cameras. Physical controls for climate and audio ensure ease of use, even top-down. Noise insulation excels; the raised roof mutes wind admirably on highways.
- Wireless charging and leatherette accents on Prestige trims
- Animated LED interiors for ambient lighting
- Spacious trunk: 7-9 cu ft depending on roof position
Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance
The A5 Cabriolet earns top marks from IIHS for crashworthiness, with Good ratings across tests when equipped with LED projectors. Standard suites include forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and predictive efficiency aids. Higher trims add parking sensors and surround-view cameras, enhancing confidence in tight spaces or open-road travel.
Practicality for Daily and Long-Haul Drives
Far from a fair-weather toy, the A5 Cabriolet proves versatile. Its 21.8 cubic feet of cargo (coupe equivalent) expands usability, and the soft top’s quick operation suits spontaneous adventures. Owners praise the smooth ride, stylish presence, and comfort, though some note it’s less agile than BMW counterparts for aggressive driving.
Dimensions—headroom 37.7/37.0 inches front/rear, legroom 41.3/35.1—make it family-friendly for two-plus-two setups. Mild-hybrid tech keeps running costs reasonable, appealing for year-round use.
Comparing with Key Rivals
Against the BMW 4 Series Convertible, the A5 prioritizes refinement over raw sportiness, with superior interior quality but slightly less dynamic edge. The Mercedes C-Class Cabrio lags in braking and grip compared to the base A5, while the A5’s pricing positions it as a value-luxury option around $50,000-$70,000 depending on trim.
| Feature | Audi A5 Cabrio | BMW 4 Series | Mercedes C43 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-60 mph | 5.6 sec | ~5.0 sec | 4.6 sec |
| Skidpad Grip | 0.96 g | 0.98 g | 0.93 g |
| Interior Luxury | World-Class | Premium | High-End |
Ownership Experience and Verdict
Customer feedback highlights the A5’s stylish design, smooth ride, and comfort, with mixed notes on long-term dynamics versus sportier alternatives. Maintenance aligns with Audi standards, and resale holds strong due to build quality. For those valuing poise, tech, and open-air luxury, it’s a top choice.
In summary, the Audi A5 Cabriolet excels as a polished all-rounder, delivering joy with every drive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How fast does the Audi A5 Cabriolet accelerate?
Base models hit 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, with S5 variants quicker at around 4.5 seconds.
Is the soft top insulated for noise?
Yes, the acoustic fabric roof significantly reduces wind and road noise when raised.
What is the trunk space like?
7 cubic feet with roof down, 9 up—practical for a convertible.
Does it have mild-hybrid technology?
Yes, improving efficiency by up to 0.3 l/100km.
How does it compare to the BMW 4 Series?
Audi offers better refinement and interior; BMW edges in handling.
References
- Tested: 2018 Audi A5 Cabriolet — Car and Driver. 2018-01-01. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15089648/2018-audi-a5-cabriolet-test-review/
- Audi A5 Cabriolet Review 2026 — Top Gear. 2026-01-01. https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/audi/a5-cabriolet
- Audi A5 Cabriolet – More Than Just A Summer Machine — YouTube (Raiti’s Rides). 2022-01-01. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPUBWTqED6I
- UNBELIEVABLE! Is This the Coolest Convertible Ever? Audi A5 — YouTube. 2023-01-01. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsyYM8SQrmI
- Geek Review: Audi A5 Cabriolet (2020) — Geek Culture. 2020-01-01. https://geekculture.co/geek-review-audi-a5-cabriolet-2020/
- Audi A5 2.0L TDI Convertible Review — Tame Geek. 2012-01-01. https://www.tame-geek.co.uk/cars/audi-a5-2-0l-tdi-convertible-review/
- 2022 Audi A5 Coupe / Cabriolet Review — MotorTrend. 2022-01-01. https://www.motortrend.com/cars/audi/a5/2022
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