Audi launches the new A5 and S5 Cabriolet in the UK with deliveries starting in April.

Cut from the same cloth as the Coupé and Sportback, the new Audi A5 Cabriolet will usher in spring in a completely new form

• Open for order now, with first deliveries starting in late April
• SE, Sport and S line specification 
• Petrol engine line-up comprises 190PS 2.0 TFSI manual and S tronic, 252PS 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic and flagship 354PS S5 V6 TFSI quattro
• 190PS 2.0 TDI S tronic with front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive and 218PS quattro S tronic also available
• 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds and 155mph top speed for S5 Cabriolet
• Fully automatic acoustic hood opens and closes in 15 seconds, at up to 31mph 
• Standard specification includes heated front seats, Audi smartphone interface, pre-sense city, seatbelt microphones and the Audi parking system plus
• Matrix LED lights, Audi Virtual Cockpit, MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch, Bang & Olufsen sound system, head-up display and Audi Phone Box optionally available
• Assistance systems range from adaptive cruise control with stop&go, predictive efficiency assistant, collision avoidance assistant, active lane assist and turn assist

As a symbolic reminder that spring is just around the corner Audi is reintroducing an open-air option to its comprehensively reworked A5 range this week. 

Bearing all the new, state-of-the-art design, engineering and technology hallmarks already associated with the elegant A5 Coupé and versatile Sportback, the all-new A5 Cabriolet has just become available to order priced from £35,235 OTR, meaning that there should be plenty of wind-in-hair opportunities remaining in 2017 for the first customers taking delivery in April. 

At the same time, the S5 Cabriolet also joins the range with a new 3.0 V6 TFSI producing 354PS and 500Nm of torque from 1,370rpm. Priced at £51,835 OTR, its special status is subtly defined by customary S-specific body detailing and dynamic enhancements. 

In keeping with tradition, a fabric hood that is fully automatic and acoustically optimised is fitted as standard. The four hood colours red, black, dark grey and brown are available to complement the exterior paint finishes, one of which - the crystal effect Tofana white -  is reserved exclusively for the Cabriolet.

A new one-touch opening function makes operation much easier, as 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. Both can be done at speeds of up to 31mph. It is stowed in a fully automatic hood tray that moves down when opening the soft top and up again when the soft top is closed, thus providing the easiest possible access to the 380-litre total luggage capacity at all times. The rear seats have a 40/20/40 split and can be easily folded forward using levers in the luggage compartment.

A number of other highlights specific to the soft-top A5 variant are available, including a wind deflector and the option of a head-level heating system for front seat occupants, ensuring opportunities to lower the roof are fully exploited, even in the coldest of climes. Heated front seats are also fitted as standard across the board.

Working in harmony with the standard Audi smartphone interface, seat belt microphones are fitted to all Cabriolet models to amplify call quality with the roof down. Entry-level SE specification also gains Twin leather upholstery, Audi drive select, Audi parking system plus front and rear sensors, pre sense city and 17-inch alloy wheels sporting a fifteen-spoke design.

In addition to the above, Sport models also come equipped with MMI Navigation and a three-month trial of the Audi connect portfolio. Front Sport seats that are electrically adjustable also include four-way electric lumbar support. Rounding off the enhancements is an LED interior lighting package.

In top-flight S line guise, wheel size increases from 17 to 18 inches with a five-spoke Twin star design, and LED headlights with LED rear lights and dynamic rear indicators are complemented by a host of signature S line styling details. Inside, S line sport seats upholstered in leather/Alcantara with S embossing lend a suitably sporting air. 

Lowered and stiffened Sport suspension is the automatic factory fit for S line versions, but Audi offers the option to deselect to a ‘comfort dynamic’ suspension set-up biased more heavily in favour of ride suppleness at no extra charge if preferred.

Alternatively, all models can be specified with adaptive comfort suspension with damping control. The electronically regulated system works in tandem with Audi drive select to provide a choice between a firmer setup or maximum ride comfort based on the driver’s preference. 

Varied engine line-up

Two TFSI and TDI engines with differing outputs are offered for the Audi A5 Cabriolet. For those with a preference for petrol power two versions of the popular 2.0 TFSI are available. The first offers 190PS and is available in conjunction with front-wheel-drive and manual or S tronic transmission. The standard 62mph sprint time takes 7.9 seconds regardless of which transmission is fitted. Top speed is 147mph (148mph for manual models) and combined MPG peaks at 50.4 (manual: 47.9mpg). CO2 output is 127g/km for S tronic and 136g/km for manual models.  

The second version offers 252PS and is paired with S tronic transmission and quattro drive exclusively. It enables the A5 Cabriolet to touch 62mph from rest in 6.3 seconds and to reach a 149mph top speed. In terms of efficiency, up to 44.8mpg combined is possible, with a CO2 output of 144g/km on 17-inch wheels. 

In the TDI camp, a four-cylinder 2.0-litre with 190PS is the current lead-in unit, and is available with front-wheel drive or quattro drive, both combined with S tronic transmission. It is packed with clever technical solutions that facilitate low emissions of 118g/km and a high of 62.8mpg in the front-drive version and 60.1mpg and 122g/km in the quattro.

Above the 2.0 TDI is a 3.0-litre, 218PS V6 TDI mated exclusively to quattro drive and S tronic transmission. Weighing only around 190 kilograms, this advanced engine gives the A5 Cabriolet an impressive 0-62mph sprint time of 6.8 seconds, ahead of a 149mph top speed. It also enables it to return up to 57.6mpg combined, in conjunction with a low of 128g/km.

‘S’ is for spearhead

The Audi S5 Cabriolet moves 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. Despite this, its combined fuel consumption is up to 36.2mpg, in line with 177g/km of CO2. 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.

Dynamic upgrades for the Audi S5 Cabriolet

19-inch wheels and S sport suspension are factory fitted, and for even greater composure suspension with damping control that is specifically tuned for the S model can be specified from the options list. This can also be supplemented by a sport differential capable of finely metering torque between the rear wheels to complement the quattro all-wheel drive and maximise cornering adjustability. The operating characteristics of both systems can be fine-tuned via the standard Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system.

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 line-up 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.

Other cornerstones of the Audi technology range are also available for the Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet, from the virtual cockpit, head-up display and Audi Phone Box with wireless charging to the Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System and Matrix LED headlights.

Engine	Power	Transmission	Specification	Recommended OTR
A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI	190PS	6-speed manual	SE	£35,235
A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI	190PS	7-speed S tronic	SE	£36,725
A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TDI	190PS	7-speed S tronic	SE	£39,075
A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI	190PS	6-speed manual	Sport	£37,175
A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI	190PS	7-speed S tronic	Sport	£38,625
A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI quattro	252PS	7-speed S tronic	Sport	£43,980
A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TDI	190PS	7-speed S tronic	Sport	£40,975
A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TDI quattro	190PS	7-speed S tronic	Sport	£42,500
A5 Cabriolet 3.0 TDI quattro	218PS	7-speed S tronic	Sport	£44,220
A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI	190PS	6-speed manual	S line	£38,785
A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI	190PS	7-speed S tronic	S line	£40,315
A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI quattro	252PS	7-speed S tronic	S line	£45,630
A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TDI	190PS	7-speed S tronic	S line	£42,625
A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TDI quattro	190PS	7-speed S tronic	S line	£44,150
A5 Cabriolet 3.0 TDI quattro	218PS	7-speed S tronic	S line	£45,910
S5 Cabriolet 3.0 TFSI quattro	354PS	8-speed tiptronic	-	£51,835

Audi takes the A5 Coupe and Sportback and makes it better, far better, its now the car it should have been before.

Sharpened Coupé and Sportback models deploy an all-new platform and cutting edge infotainment to mix business with pleasure perfectly

• SE, Sport and S line specification available on both models
• Three TDI and two TFSI engines join the A5 Coupé range
• Five-door Sportback configurable with one TFSI and two TDI engines from launch
• Flagship S5 available in both body styles with 354PS and 500Nm
• Audi Drive Select, three-zone electric climate control, Twin leather upholstery, heated front seats, power-operated tailgate, Audi Smartphone interface and Audi connect Safety and Service comprise standard specification
• Wide range of technology available such as Matrix LEDs, Audi Phone Box, Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System, Audi virtual cockpit
• Pricing starts from £30,700 OTR for the Coupé in 2.0 TFSI form and from £38,005 OTR for the A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI quattro Sport (SE pricing will be announced at a later date) 
• 4.7-second S5 Coupé and Sportback both priced from £47,000 OTR

Less than a month after its European debut at Paris, the successor to the five-door Audi acclaimed for wrapping high functionality in a captivating coupé-like silhouette is ready to order in the UK. 

Sporting a host of technological advancements that encapsulate Vorsprung durch Technik under its sharpened and toned skin, the A5 Sportback joins the equally attractive new Coupé which has been available since late September. It will touch down here a couple of months after its two-door relative in February 2017.

Heading up the highly intelligent new range, and available to order at the same time  in both Coupé and Sportback form is an even faster, more powerful and more efficient S5 quattro, now featuring a turbocharged V6 TFSI. Power has ramped up to 354PS, propelling both three-door and five-door versions to 62mph in just 4.7 seconds.

Broad portfolio of powertrains

A choice of three TDI and two TFSI power units are available in the new A5 Coupé and Sportback. The four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI and 2.0 TDI both produce 190PS and can be configured with either a six-speed manual or 7-speed S tronic transmission. An ultra version of the TDI in the Coupé offers the same power, torque (400Nm between 1,750 and 3,000rpm) and 0-62mph performance (7.7 seconds), but combines this with the potential for even greater economy returns of up to 70.6mpg combined and 105g/km compared to the already impressive peak of 67.3mpg combined and 111g/km for the 'standard' 2.0 TDI.

A 2.0 TFSI producing 252PS and 370Nm of torque is mated exclusively to quattro all-wheel drive. In the Coupé, 0-62mph takes a mere 5.8 seconds (6.0 for the Sportback) and both top out at 155mph. The combined 47.9mpg potential and 136g/km is unchanged regardless of the silhoutte. 

At the top end of the scale, a V6 TDI with 218PS is offered in conjunction with quattro drive and S tronic transmission in the Coupé, and appears in 286PS* form exclusively linked to an eight-speed tiptronic in the Sportback. The former boasts a 6.2-second 62mph sprint time and 155mph top speed despite CO₂ of as little as 119g/km and up to 58.9mpg combined.

Drawing on a turbocharged V6 TFSI powerplant that delivers 354PS and 500Nm between 1,370 and 4,500rpm, the S5 Coupé and Sportback share 4.7-second zero to 62mph capability, and both can reach a limited top speed of 155mph. An integrated exhaust manifold, new combustion technology and a freewheeling function embedded in the standard eight-speed tiptronic transmission all contribute to lower consumption than that of the predecessor, resulting in 38.2mpg combined for the Coupé (37.7mpg for the Sportback) and a shared CO₂ value of 170g/km.

SE, Sport and S line specification

In keeping with the rest of the Audi range, the hierarchy for A5 Coupé and Sportback consists of SE, Sport and S line specification levels. The lead-in SE option now features more equipment than ever, including a host of infotainment and driver assistance systems.

These range from the Audi Smartphone Interface connection hosting Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and the front and rear Audi Parking System Plus to the Audi pre-sense City which warns the driver of a imminent collision and can initiate emergency braking and the multi-collision brake assist, capable of reducing further impacts through full braking. Also new to the A5 range is the Audi connect Safety and Service package. Fitted as standard, an embedded SIM card enables occupants to dial an emergency or assistance call service with a one-touch button function inside the car.

All SE models are fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, and come equipped with xenon headlights aided by LED daytime running lights. Further highlights include Audi Drive Select, a deluxe three-zone electronic climate control system and a power-operated tailgate for Sportback models (coupé models come fitted with an electric boot lid release mechanism).

Sport models build on this further by incorporating an LED interior lighting pack, electrically adjustable sports seats with 4-way lumbar support upholstered in Twin leather, SD card-based MMI navigation and a three-month free trial of Audi connect.

Standout features on the sharper S line in addition to the customary visual enhancements are 18-inch alloy wheels, sport suspension, LED front and rear lights with dynamic rear indicators and front sports seats upholstered in leather/Alcantara.

S5 Coupé and Sportback set the pace

On the top rung, the S5 quattro models are of course marked out by S specific upgrades that subtly convey their performance potential. In addition to the customary quad oval tailpipes and aluminium-effect door mirror housings, S5 logos adorn the grille, front wings and rear. Partly polished 19-inch alloy wheels conceal S sport suspension and specially tuned brakes, while a matt aluminium finish extends to the rear diffuser, inlays surrounding the air inlets and radiator grille. The vibrant Misano red and Navarra blue paintwork are also exclusively available for this model.

Inside, Fine Nappa leather extends to the front S super sports seats, combining lumbar support, pneumatic adjustment and a massage function. MMI navigation plus and a three-year subscription to the Audi connect suite round out the interior upgrades.

Separately on S5 models, a sport differential can complement the quattro drivetrain for more targeted torque distribution to the rear wheels, improving stability and agility in fast corners.

Progressive technology

Naturally, the most forward-thinking technological advancements can now supplement the already extensive standard equipment list, from the Audi virtual cockpit and Matrix LED lights to a head-up display and Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system. In terms of driver assistance, adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go incorporates a traffic jam assist function capable of taking over braking, acceleration and steering inputs at speeds of up to 37mph to take the strain off stop-start traffic. A similarly innovative feature is the predictive efficiency assistant, which uses route data to calculate when free-wheeling or engine braking can be automatically applied to boost overall mpg.