Audi A5 Cabriolet (2017 – 2022) Review

Audi A5 Cabriolet (2017 – 2022) At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
There are few more desirable ways to travel in open-top style than the Audi A5 Cabriolet. Although maybe not as dynamically keen as its BMW 4 Series Convertible rival, it’s an undeniably chic way to enjoy fresh air driving.

+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.

Insurance Groups are between 30–47
On average it achieves 82% of the official MPG figure

Audi has been building sleek four-seat convertibles since the 1990s and it shows in the way this Audi A5 Cabriolet, launched in 2017, is presented. Effortlessly stylish, it sticks with a fabric roof rather than a trendier folding metal item. This sums up the Audi A5 Cabriolet as a car that prefers style over more fleeting fashion to make it a sound used buy. Read on for our full Audi A5 Cabriolet review.

Audi knows better than most how to stick to a winning formula – and with the Audi A5 Cabriolet it does exactly that. This all-new car arrived in 2017, although like its Coupe relation it deviated little in style from its predecessor.

It might not be radically different to look at, but underneath Audi 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 distinguish it as a cabriolet, the Audi A5 Cabriolet is rich in detail and high on desirability. This is in contrast to the likes of the BMW 4 Series Convertible with its folding metal roof. Underlining this was 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. That’s not quite as quick as a Vauxhall Cascada, which takes 17 seconds, but still rapid enough to avoid the rain. Its integration is beautifully executed, whether up or down. Open, it reveals a cabin that, true to Audi form, is a shining example of material quality, sophisticated design and operational ease.

There’s space for four adults – just, as is also the case with the Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet. The rear seats come with limitations in legroom, while headroom with that roof up is also restricted. The boot space suffers, too, but buyers of convertibles understand the compromises they bring, and even then, with the Audi A5 Cabriolet they’re relatively few.

The engine line-up was cherry picked from the Audi A5 Coupe range, so there’s a choice of 2.0-litre petrol and TDI models, as well as a 3.0-litre TDI. The Audi A5 Cabriolet didn’t get the more economy-focused 1.4 TFSI or TDI Ultra versions, however.

Trim levels will be familiar to anyone who’s ever opened an Audi brochure, with a few revisions. SE isn’t offered; instead the Audi A5 Cabriolet followed its Audi A5 Coupe relative to come in either Sport or S line.

All come with alloy wheels, with 17-inch ones on Sport models and S line gaining 18-inchers. There’s also a slightly more dramatic exterior styling pack, LED headlights and taillights, plus Audi’s dramatic ‘dynamic’ rear indicators.

Ask Honest John

Can you recommend a nearly new four-seat convertible?

"Can you please recommend a nearly new four-seat convertible (fabric or folding steel roof) that is good in terms of reliability and value for money?"
You can't go wrong with an Audi A5 or Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet. Both have premium interiors and shouldn't have any major reliability issues. They're not cheap, though.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Audi A5 Cabrio – buy now or wait for the new version?

"As part of my mid-life crisis, I've been looking at Audi A5 Cabrio deals. However, with the new model imminent, would it be better to wait for the new car? And when will you get the chance to road test it? "
We're testing the new A5 on the 28th November, so expect a full road test shortly after that date. Don't know when the new cabrio will arrive, but guess at 6 - 9 months time. We also don't know how the current VED bands will be affected in the chancellor's autumn statement, so worth waiting for that.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Audi A5 Cabriolet (2017 – 2022) cost?