Name: Audi A5 Cabriolet (2017 to 2022) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Audi A5 Cabriolet
Rating: 57

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 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 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.”

Now only available as a used car, the Audi A5 Cabriolet holds a Used Car Expert Rating score of D (70%) as of January 2024. 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.

More Audi ratings, reviews, news and features

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

Reviews, road tests 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.”
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

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.”
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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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

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

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

The Audi A5 Cabriolet was not crash 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.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Audi A5 Cabriolet was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 485
Average repair cost: £950.90
Last updated: January 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Audi A5 has a below reliability score of 40%, 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, usually costing around £500 to correct. 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.

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.