Audi launches the new A5 Convertible, more powerful, lighter and structurally more rigid than the previous model.

Popular open-air A5 returns to the fold lighter, more rigid, more comfortable and even more elegant

• Elegant design, larger interior, more comfort and convenience
• 40 per cent increase in torsional rigidity – now best in class
• Weight reduced by up to 40kg
• Three engines initially – 2.0 TDI 190PS, 3.0 TDI 218PS, 2.0 TFSI 252PS – 2.0 TFSI 190PS and 3.0 TDI 286PS to follow
• Front-wheel-drive, new quattro with ultra technology or familiar centre differential-based quattro drive depending on version 
• Seat belt microphones and fully automatic acoustic hood with new one-touch operation as standard, Audi Virtual Cockpit optional
• Audi S5 Cabriolet with 354 hp V6 turbocharged engine and quattro drive

The complement is now full once again – the all-new successor to the Audi A5 Cabriolet rejoins the recently launched Coupé and five-door Sportback models this week to bring the range noted for delivering everyday versatility with unalloyed elegance back to full strength. 

And on the subject of strength, the S5 Cabriolet powered by the same, brand new 3.0-litre TFSI engine seen first in the latest S5 Coupé and S5 Sportback also makes its debut simultaneously, bringing 354PS, 500Nm of torque and quattro-enhanced agility to the fore.

Striking shoulder line, classic soft top: the exterior

The designers went with the sleek lines of the Coupé for the styling of the new Audi A5 Cabriolet. The rear window is now flatter and emphasises the rakish stance, as do the short overhangs and the long wraparound bonnet with its power dome. With a length of 4,673 millimetres the new A5 Cabriolet is 47 millimetres longer than its predecessor.

The classic soft top fits perfectly and delivers outstanding aeroacoustics thanks to effective insulation. The new one-touch opening function makes operating the standard acoustic hood much easier: a flick of the switch is all it takes to open the soft top fully automatically in 15 seconds or close it in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph.

The nose is dominated by a three-dimensional Singleframe grille which is much flatter and wider than before. The wave-shaped shoulder line – a hallmark styling feature of the entire A5 family – makes the A5 Cabriolet extremely elegant. The pronounced flaring over the wheel arches accentuates the quattro DNA. Horizontal lines at the rear emphasise the width of the new Audi A5 Cabriolet.

The third brake light is elegantly integrated into the surrounding trim strip of the hood compartment cover. LED rear lights and optional LED or Matrix LED headlights with dynamic indicators at the front and rear make high-end technology visible even after dark.

Strong package: the chassis

The wide track and the long wheelbase measuring 2,765 millimetres are key features of the carefully balanced suspension tuning. The track width is 1,587 millimetres at the front and 1,568 millimetres at the rear. An updated five-link suspension is used on the front axle. At the rear, a five-link configuration replaces the trapezoidal-link suspension used on the previous model. Adaptive dampers are available as an option. They are incorporated into the standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system and allow the driver to choose between a performance driving bias or a more comfort-oriented profile. The newly developed electromechanical power steering offers good feedback from the road and greater steering precision. As an option, dynamic steering which varies its gear ratio depending on the speed and steering angle is available.

Lighter and torsionally stiffer: the body

The body of the new Audi A5 Cabriolet is the stiffest in its class and yet is among the lightest in the segment. Thanks to a smart mix of materials and geometric lightweight design, the engineers have increased torsional rigidity by a further 40 percent compared with the previous car, boosting the Cabriolet’s agility further still. The total weight of the new generation model has been reduced by up to 40 kilograms. The front-wheel-drive A5 Cabriolet with the 190 PS 2.0 TDI weighs 1,690 kilograms.

Additional struts in the body compared with the Coupé and reinforced sills make up for the absence of a fixed roof. In the event of a crash and rollover, head-thorax side airbags and automatically extending aluminium profiles ensure the occupants’ safety.

Wide lineup: engines and drivetrain

There is initially a choice of three engines for the new Audi A5 Cabriolet – a 2.0 TFSI with 252PS, a 2.0 TDI with 190PS and a 3.0 TDI with 218PS. A 2.0 TFSI with 190PS and a 3.0 TDI with 286PS will join the line-up soon afterwards. Compared with the previous model, the engines offer up to 17 percent more power while consuming as much as 22 percent less fuel. All the engines combine high efficiency with excellent response and smooth running – especially the two 3.0 TDI six-cylinder engines.

Six-speed manual transmission, seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission or eight-speed tiptronic – tailor-made drivetrain technology is available for every engine version. The drive is provided as standard via the front wheels; quattro drive with ultra technology and permanent all-wheel drive are available as options. The latter will be a standard feature of the 3.0 TDI with 286PS.

The Audi S5 Cabriolet is moving into a whole new league with its newly developed 3.0 TFSI. From its 2,995 cc of displacement, the boosted six-cylinder engine produces 354PS of power – 21PS more than the engine in the previous model. The top model accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 5.1 seconds, and on up to an electronically governed top speed of 155mph. It features quattro permanent all-wheel drive and the eight-speed tiptronic transmission as standard.

Spacious and functional: the interior

The increased dimensions, the wheelbase extended by 14 millimetres and more compact seats increase the space for the driver and passengers. The shoulder room in the front row of seats has been increased by 26 millimetres and the kneeroom in the rear by 18 millimetres.

The horizontal architecture of the instrument panel and the continuous air vent strip create a generous sense of space. High-grade materials, different colours and excellent workmanship ensure a very special feel-good atmosphere and underscore the premium character. As an option the ambient lighting with 30 adjustable colours creates a fitting mood for the interior.

With the hood closed the luggage compartment has a capacity of 380 litres. The

soft top compartment in the luggage compartment automatically moves down when opening the soft top and up again when the soft top is closed,  thus providing the largest possible luggage space at all times. The rear seat has a 50:50 split and can be easily folded forward using levers in the luggage compartment. As standard the tailgate on the A5 Cabriolet now opens automatically – using the remote control key or the button in the driver’s door. Gesture control is also available for the tailgate as an option: A proximity sensor in the bumper responds to a kicking movement with the foot – the tailgate opens automatically once the optional convenience key is detected.

Seat belt microphones as standard: operation made easy

Thanks to the all-new operating and display concept including natural language voice control and free-text search, the driver can control all functions effortlessly and intuitively. Standard seat belt microphones for driver and front passenger improve voice quality even with the hood open. As an alternative to the analogue instrument dials, there is the Audi virtual cockpit with various display options. The large, high-resolution TFT monitor measuring 12.3 inches presents richly detailed graphics. The optional head-up display projects all relevant information onto the windshield in the driver’s direct field of vision as easily comprehensible symbols and digits, thus enabling the driver to keep their eyes on the road.

Top-class connectivity: infotainment and Audi connect

MMI navigation plus with MMI touch tops the infotainment range. Its 8.3-inch monitor has a resolution of 1,024 x 480 pixels. In addition to a DVD drive and a 10 GB flash memory, the high-end system also features two card readers, an AUX-IN connection and a USB connection with charging function.

As part of the Technology Pack, an LTE module provides access to Audi connect online services – free of charge for three years. The first five map updates for the navigation system are also free of charge. The media hub also comes with a Wi-Fi hotspot which connects passengers’ mobile devices to the World Wide Web.

The Audi smartphone interface integrates iOS and Android mobile phones in an environment specially developed for them in the MMI. The Audi phone box connects smartphones to the on-board antenna to provide superior reception quality. It also charges the smartphone inductively, without any wires, using the Qi standard. The Bang & Olufsen Sound System features innovative 3D sound and further improved bass thanks to a second woofer. It opens up the spatial dimension of height and gives the driver the sense of sitting in a concert hall. Its amplifier supplies 755 watts of power in total to 19 loudspeakers.

Abundant support: the driver assistance systems

With up to 30 driver assistance systems, the new Audi A5 Cabriolet offers a broad range of support. An intelligent combination of different technologies enhances safety, comfort and efficiency. Meanwhile Audi is also taking the next step toward piloted driving.

Playing a central role here is the adaptive cruise control (ACC) Stop&Go system including traffic jam assist. It relieves drivers in slow-moving traffic up to speeds of 40mph by assuming the tasks of braking and accelerating the car, and it also temporarily takes charge of steering on better roads. The predictive efficiency assistant evaluates GPS information from the car’s immediate surroundings and helps to save fuel by giving specific driving advice – a unique feature in this segment.

Collision avoidance assist intervenes if the car needs to drive around an obstacle to avoid an accident. Based on data from the front camera, ACC and radar sensors, it computes a recommended driving line within a fraction of a second. The lineup is rounded out by other assistance systems such as turn assist, park assist, rear cross traffic assist, exit warning, camera-based recognition of traffic signs, Audi active lane assist and Audi side assist.

Pampering programme: the equipment

The specification structure for UK A5 Cabriolet models will follow the same SE, Sport and S line pattern used by the Coupé, bringing features such as alloy wheels in 17 or 18-inch diameters, xenon or LED headlamps, the Audi Smartphone Interface, leather upholstery, front seat heating, acoustic parking and three-zone climate control.

Sport models and above add appropriate upgrades such as front sport seats with electric adjustment (Sport and S line) and sports suspension (S line only – optional for Sport), plus extra comforts including SD card-based MMI Navigation and all the features delivered by Audi Connect on an extendable three-month trial basis.

The S5 Cabriolet takes on board its own exclusive specification including 19-inch alloy wheels, S specific styling, front Super Sports seats in Fine Nappa leather and chassis settings and hard disc-based MMI Navigation Plus including a three-year subscription to Audi Connect.