Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet - up to 349bhp from new drop-top

Latest addition to the A5 and S5 ranges revealed, with UK launch in March 2017

The latest model in the expanding Audi A5 range has been revealed. The new Audi A5 Cabriolet - and high-performance S5 Cabriolet - join the existing A5 and S5 coupe, and A5 and S5 Sportback.

As you’d expect, the Cabriolet models share much with the coupes, which in turn are only subtly differentiated from their predecessors - you’d need to be an existing owner or have the old and new cars positioned side-by-side to discern any significant changes.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Like the previous car but unlike the A5’s 4-series Cabriolet rival, the latest model uses a conventional folding soft-top rather than a retractable hardtop. The new roof is one-touch in operation, a quick tweak of the switch being all that’s needed to drop (in 15 seconds) or raise (in 18 seconds) the roof, at speeds of up to 31mph.

> 2016 Audi S5 review - Can less weight and more power transform Audi's premium coupe?

S5 Cabriolet models are naturally a little more striking than their more conventional counterparts, with chunky five-spoke alloy wheels, quad exhaust tips, deeper bumpers and contrasting silver detailing.

The most significant changes, like the coupe and Sportback models, are in weight reduction and torsional rigidity. The former has dropped by up to 40kg (though the lightest model, the 2.0 TDI, is still 1690kg), while the latter has increased by 40 per cent. Reinforced sills and extra struts in the frame make up for the lack of roof, and in the case of an accident, aluminium roll bars can extend for extra protection.

The S5 uses the same 3-litre turbocharged V6 as the S5 coupe and Sportback, putting 349bhp and 369lb ft to all four wheels through an eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission. It should reach 62mph from rest in 5.1sec (slower than both coupe and Sportback, which are 4.7sec) and hit a limited 155mph.

Five other engines will be offered in Germany - two 2.0 TFSI petrols (with 187bhp and 249bhp), a 187bhp 2-litre diesel, and a pair of 3.0 TDI diesels in 215bhp and 282bhp outputs. The UK lineup should be broadly similar, though both coupe and Sportback also offer a 1.8 TFSI and a lower-output 148bhp 2.0 TDI. A choice of six-speed manual, seven-speed dual-clutch and eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmissions are available depending on the model.

> More: Audi A5 Sportback goes on sale in the UK

Elsewhere, all is as-per the other A5 and S5 models - Audi’s 12.3-inch virtual cockpit instrument display is available, complemented by an 8.3-inch central display (an MMI 7-inch setup is standard) paired with MMI navigation plus and MMI touch, while an LTE module enables the use of Audi Connect online services for three years, and an in-car WiFi hotspot.

Full UK pricing and specification details will be revealed closer to the model’s UK launch in March 2017.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Aston Martin DB12 Volante 2025 review – Britain’s Ferrari Roma Spider rival
Aston Martin DB12 Volante front
Reviews

Aston Martin DB12 Volante 2025 review – Britain’s Ferrari Roma Spider rival

Aston Martin's DB12 convertible holds huge appeal but masters neither the grand touring or sports car disciplines
12 Jun 2025
BMW Skytop spotted on the road for the first time – £400,000 special nears production
BMW Skytop
News

BMW Skytop spotted on the road for the first time – £400,000 special nears production

Just 50 examples of the BMW M8-based Skytop are expected to hit the road, priced at over £400,000 each
15 May 2025
Best roadsters 2025 – performance cars for the summer sun
Best Roadsters 2025 evo
Best cars

Best roadsters 2025 – performance cars for the summer sun

The best roadsters offer big thrills with minimal compromises – these are evo’s favourites from the present and past
12 May 2025
Aston Martin Vantage Roadster 2025 review – the Ferrari Roma Spider's toughest rival
Aston Martin Vantage Roadster front
Reviews

Aston Martin Vantage Roadster 2025 review – the Ferrari Roma Spider's toughest rival

Developed in tandem with the coupe, the new Vantage Roadster has a welcome sense of togetherness for an open-top sports car
11 May 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
News

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV

If you have to have an SUV, a Stelvio QV is acceptable. Now it's being heavily discounted.
8 Jul 2025
New Aston Martin Vantage S revealed – Ferrari Amalfi rival is more powerful and focused
Aston Martin Vantage S front
News

New Aston Martin Vantage S revealed – Ferrari Amalfi rival is more powerful and focused

With a bump in power output among myriad detail changes, the Vantage S could be the ultimate driver’s Aston
8 Jul 2025
MST Mk1 Sports is a more affordable less extreme Ford Escort recreation
MST Ford Escort front
News

MST Mk1 Sports is a more affordable less extreme Ford Escort recreation

Costing a tenth of most made-new classics, the MST Mk1 Sports is comparatively accessible
8 Jul 2025