The all-new successor to the Audi A5 Cabriolet rejoins the recently launched Coupé and five-door Sportback models to complete the range noted for delivering everyday versatility with unalloyed elegance.
The designers went with the sleek lines of the A5 Coupé for the styling of the new 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 4673mm, the new A5 Cabriolet is 47mm 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 50km/h.
The body of the latest 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. At the same time, the total weight of the new-generation model has been reduced by up to 40kg.
There is initially a choice of three engines for the new A5 Cabriolet – a TFSI 2-litre with 252bhp, a TDI 2-litre with 190bhp and a TDI 3-litre with 218bhp. A 190bhp TFSI 2-litre and a 287bhp TDI 3-litre 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.
The S5 Cabriolet is moving into a whole new league with its newly developed TFSI 3-litre. From its 2995 cc of displacement, the boosted 6-cylinder engine produces 354bhp of power, 21bhp more than the engine in the previous model. The top model accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds, and on up to an electronically governed top speed of 250km/h. It features quattro permanent all-wheel-drive and the 8-speed Tiptronic transmission as standard.
The increased dimensions, the wheelbase extended by 14 millimetres and the more compact seats increase the space for the driver and passengers. The shoulder room in the front row of seats has been increased by 26mm and the kneeroom in the rear by 18mm.
The horizontal architecture of the instrument panel and the continuous air vent strip create a generous sense of space. High-grade materials, different colours and excellent workmanship ensure a very special feel-good atmosphere and underscore the cabin’s premium character. As an option, the ambient lighting with 30 adjustable colours creates a fitting mood for the interior.
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 seatbelt microphones for driver and front passenger improve voice quality even with the soft-top open.
Read our comparison of Audi’s A5 Cabriolet and A3 Cabriolet.
Read our comparison of Audi A3 Cabriolet and BMW 220i Convertible.