Summary
The second-generation Audi A5 Cabriolet was a premium four-seat soft-top convertible that competed against its long-time rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the 4 Series Convertible and C-Class Cabriolet.
This model was launched in 2017, with a mid-life update in 2020. However, it was removed from sale in the UK at the end of 2022 due to poor sales.
The A5 Cabriolet range consisted of four engine options (three petrol and one diesel), all of which featured mild hybrid assistance. While the range included both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive choices, the Audi A5 Cabriolet was only available with an automatic gearbox.
The facelift in Autumn 2020 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.
“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 explained. “It boasts a range of powerful, efficient and remarkably refined engines and the cabin is a near-perfect execution of precision and quality.”
However, most reviewers found that the BMW 4 Series Convertible offered tough competition, being similarly comfortable and better to drive, and was marginally the superior vehicle.
Top Gear concluded, “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 January 2025, the Audi A5 Cabriolet holds a Used Car Expert Rating of E, with a score of just 54%. Its positive media reviews contrast with poor reliability data for the overall Audi A5 family. The A5 Cabriolet also never earned a Euro NCAP safety rating, as it was not tested during its production life.
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 when new: From £44,865 on-road
Launched: Spring 2017
Facelifted: Autumn 2020
Discontinued: Winter 2022/23
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests 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.”
Read review
Auto Express
Score: 8 / 10
“The A5 Cabriolet is well worth a look thanks to its combination of desirability and practicality.”
Read review
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
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
The Audi A5 Cabriolet was not tested by Euro NCAP during its production life. It 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.
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Audi A5 Cabriolet was not tested by Green NCAP during its production life.
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 555
Average repair cost: £950.84
Last updated: October 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Audi A5 has a poor reliability score of 30%, according to workshop data provided by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. 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, costing around £440 to correct on average. Engine issues are almost as common and a lot more expensive, with the average repair cost clocking in at more than £1,200.
Gearbox problems have also been known to crop up and 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.
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 38 mpg | D | 33 – 40 mpg | D – E |
Diesel models | 46 mpg | C | 44 – 49 mpg | C – C |
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 171 g/km | C | 159 – 196 g/km | C – D |
Diesel models | 163 g/km | C | 152 – 171 g/km | B – C |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 38 | C | 33 – 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.
Insurance premiums are, according to the UK’s insurance group assessor Thatcham Research, not cheap, but not very expensive either.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Audi A5 range
Date: February 2022
Recall number: R/2022/036
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2019 to 02/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 5,327
Defect: Following a previous campaign, the toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may, in certain circumstances, incorrectly be changed without this being noticed.
Remedy: The wheel alignment must be checked and, if necessary, the suspension must be serviced on the affected vehicles.
Date: June 2021
Recall number: R/2021/236
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2019 to 02/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 10,089
Defect: One or more nuts which do not meet the specifications may have been fitted on the rear axle suspension links.
Remedy: The affected nuts on the rear axle will be replaced on affected vehicles.
Date: June 2021
Recall number: R/2021/204
Model types: All
Build dates: 12/2015 to 12/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 263
Defect: Vehicles may have been fitted with a hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty.
Remedy: The hinge module for the towing bracket must be checked and, where necessary, replaced on the vehicles affected.
Date: October 2020
Recall number: R/2020/302
Model types: All
Build dates: 07/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 8
Defect: The seat frame may not have been bolted correctly to the seat rail on the driver and/or front passenger side.
Remedy: Check the affected seat frame connection and replace the frame if required.
Date: June 2020
Recall number: R/2020/138
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2017 to 03/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 34,982
Defect: It is possible that moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator.
Remedy: The starter-alternator must be replaced on the affected vehicles.
Date: June 2019
Recall number: R/2019/175
Model types: All
Build dates: 12/2015 to 12/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 135
Defect: Hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty.
Remedy: The hinge module for the towing bracket must be checked and replaced if required.
Date: May 2019
Recall number: R/2019/149
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2019 to 03/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 85
Defect: An error in the casting process may affect the rigidity of the shock absorber fork.
Remedy: The corresponding shock absorber forks must be replaced on the affected vehicles.
Date: December 2018
Recall number: R/2018/365
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2017 to 07/2017
Number of vehicles affected: 8
Defect: Airbag securing bolts may not be to the correct torque.
Remedy: Check and replace bolts as required.
Date: February 2017
Recall number: R/2017/078
Model types: All
Build dates: 05/2016 to 10/2016
Number of vehicles affected: 2,622
Defect: Due to an error in the manufacturing process, the airbag and/or seat belt pretensioner may not trigger in the event of a collision.
Remedy: On affected vehicles, replace airbag assembly and seat belt pretensioner where necessary.
As of September 2024, there have been nine DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Audi A5 range covering various different issues.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Audi dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used A5, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Audi A5 Cabriolet has received
2018
- Parkers Car Awards – Best Car of Sun Seekers
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
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Audi A5 range at The Car Expert
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