Summary
Now in its second generation, the Audi A5 Cabriolet is a premium four-seat soft-top convertible that competes against its long-time rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the 4 Series Convertible and C-Class Cabriolet.
The A5 Cabriolet range consists of four engine options (three petrol and one diesel), all of which feature mild hybrid assistance. While the range includes both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive choices, the Audi A5 Cabriolet is only available with an automatic gearbox.
Initially arriving on UK roads in Spring 2017, The A5 Cabriolet had a facelift in Autumn 2020. This included full LED exterior lights and a digital instrument panel as standard on entry-level models, as well as an updated infotainment system and other minor changes.
The four-seat convertible market may be shrinking, but the Audi A5 Cabriolet has been well-received by the British media. Its review scores have ranged from average to very good since its arrival, and continue in much that vein today.
“You only need to drive the A5 Cabriolet 100 metres to realise Audi has thrown everything it knows at this four-seat convertible”, Auto Trader explains. “It boasts a range of powerful, efficient and remarkably refined engines and the cabin is a near-perfect execution of precision and quality.”
However, What Car? adds, “The A5 Cabriolet’s interior isn’t as user-friendly as the BMW 4 Series Convertible though, plus the 4 Series is similarly comfortable and more enjoyable to drive.”
This is a sentiment shared by a large majority of reviewers, who find that the BMW 4 Series Convertible offers tough competition, and is probably the better choice overall.
Top Gear concludes, “The A5 Cabriolet is more of a grand touring boulevardier rather than a B-road hustler. The much newer BMW 4 Series has it well and truly licked in that regard and, erm, most other regards to be honest.”
As of September 2023, the Audi A5 Cabriolet holds an Expert Rating of 70%, based on 15 reviews from UK media sources; a score that tops the closely-related A5 Coupé and A5 Sportback models.
A5 Cabriolet highlights
- Wide range of strong engine choices
- Good build quality
- Refined interior trim
- Impressive infotainment
- Good levels of standard equipment
A5 Cabriolet lowlights
- Range of trims and optional extras get expensive
- Alternatives offer better fuel economy
- Limited rear legroom
- Rivals have better resale value
- The BMW 4 Series Convertible is more fun to drive
Key specifications
Body style: Four-seat convertible
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £44,865 on-road
Launched: Spring 2017
Last updated: Autumn 2020
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The new A5 Cabriolet is a complete package and a compelling proposition for those seeking an upmarket drop-top.”
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Auto Express
Score: 8 / 10
“The A5 Cabriolet is well worth a look thanks to its combination of desirability and practicality.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Cabriolet range
Score: 8 / 10
“You only need to drive the A5 Cabriolet 100 metres to realise Audi has thrown everything it knows at its this four-seat convertible. It boasts a range of powerful, efficient and remarkably refined engines and the cabin is a near-perfect execution of precision and quality.”
Read review
Autocar
Model reviewed: A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TDI S tronic
Score: 7 / 10
“The A5 Cabriolet is arguably a better niche filler than even the regular A5 – the slightly more leisurely, wind-in-your-hair undertow helping to negate the coupé’s failure to invigorate on a deeper dynamic level.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic Cabriolet
Score: 8 / 10
“This is the best A5 Cabriolet yet, and actually among the most impressive four-seater convertibles around for everyday use. We’d prefer the considerably more exciting S5, but even with a diesel motor there’s a lot to like.”
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Carbuyer
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s no sports car, but the comfortable Audi A5 Cabriolet blends classy top-down looks and quality with surprising practicality.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi A5 Cabriolet is a classy-looking open-top which a decent infotainment system. You’ll have more fun driving BMW’s open-top 4 Series, though.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Cabriolet range
Score: 8 / 10
“The A5 Cabriolet offers unrivalled refinement, ride comfort and interior quality in a car that is well suited to the type of low-speed cruising you’ll want to do with the roof down and three close friends in tow.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Cabriolet range
Score: 8 / 10
“Acoustically-insulated roof as standard, and lighter yet stiffer than the previous model. Beautiful build quality and great all-round ability, but some rivals are more fun to drive.”
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Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Range overview (coupé, cabriolet, Sportback)
Score: 8 / 10
“If you’re prepared to sacrifice a little practicality in return for improved styling – and a higher price – the Audi A5 is one of the best looking cars in its class.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Cabriolet range
Score: 9.2 / 10
“Smart four-seater soft-top shines – roof up or down.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Cabriolet range
Score: 8 / 10
“The issue with cabriolet cars is that they tend to offer limited space, but Audi says its A5 Cabriolet is different, being a full four-seater with a boot to match that of a family hatchback.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“It’s a seductive car, the new Audi A5 Cabriolet, and while more dynamically accomplished than its predecessor, still more of a grand touring boulevardier rather than a B-road hustler. But what an ownership proposition.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Cabriolet range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi A5 Cabriolet is one of the quietest and classiest four-seater drop-tops in its price range, with certainly the finest finished interior. That interior isn’t as user-friendly as the BMW 4 Series Convertible’s, though, plus the 4 Series is similarly comfortable and more enjoyable to drive.”
Read review
Which?
Model reviewed: Cabriolet range
“The A5 Cabriolet manages to combine elegance and luxury with the dynamics of a sports car. It’s eager, safe and entertaining to handle, yet it also has a comfortable ride. However, it’s very expensive to buy and a long way from being a practical choice.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
As of September 2023, the Audi A5 Cabriolet has not been crash tested by Euro NCAP. If and when it is put through its paces by Euro NCAP, we will publish the results here.
The A5 Cabriolet does not share the same Euro NCAP rating as the A5 Coupe and A5 Sportback due to the significant structural alterations required by not having a fixed roof.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of September 2023, the Audi A5 Cabriolet has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 321
Average repair cost: £1071.04
Last updated: February 2023
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Audi A5 has a low reliability score of 24%, according to extended warranty cost data provided by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. Please note, however, that this applies to all versions of the Audi A5 (cabriolet, coupé, Sportback) and to both generations (2007–2016 and 2017 onwards).
The big thing to look for is suspension trouble. As the MotorEasy data above shows, this is the most common issue found on Audi A5 models, usually costing around £600 to correct. Engine issues are almost as common and a lot more expensive, with the average repair cost clocking in at not much less than £1,400.
Also be aware of gearbox problems that have been known to crop up, this are by far the most expensive faults, costing around the £3,000 mark. Bear all of this in mind if you’re looking at a used Audi A5.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 40 mpg | D | 33 – 43 mpg | C – E |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 162 g/km | C | 149 – 193 g/km | B – D |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 34 | C | 29 – 46 | C – D |
Running costs for the Audi A5 Cabriolet are more expensive than the market average, according to data provided by our commercial partner Clear Vehicle Data.
We only have fuel consumption figures for petrol models, and 40mpg is lower than the average car. Insurance premiums are, according to the UK’s insurance group assessor Thatcham Research, not cheap, but not very expensive either.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Audi A5 Cabriolet has received
2018
- Parkers Car Awards – Best Car of Sun Seekers
- What Car? Awards – Best Convertible over £35k
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Audi A5 Cabriolet, you might also be interested in these alternatives
BMW 4 Series Convertible | Ford Mustang convertible | Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet | Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
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