2010 Audi A5, S5 Cabriolet

• Competes with: Convertible versions of BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37, Lexus IS and Volvo C70
• Looks like: The sexy coupes get a droptop version that isn’t quite as good-looking
• Drivetrain: 211-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder or 265-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 with six-speed automatic in the A5; 333-hp, supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 with seven-speed double-clutch transmission in S5
• Hits dealerships: Fall 2009

The all-new A5 and S5 convertibles will hit the U.S. next year, replacing the current A4 and S4 Cabriolets in Audi’s lineup. The move isn’t surprising; the new A5 and S5 coupes have sold briskly and won over the Cars.com staff as well.

Like the outgoing A4 and S4, the new models will feature retractable soft-tops instead of the newly popular retractable hardtops, like we’ve seen on BMW and Infiniti. However, the move allows for 11.3 cubic feet of storage volume with the top down. In comparison, the Volvo C70, which is one of the Audis’ larger competitors, only offers 6 cubic feet of trunk space with the top down. 

One major difference between the new convertibles and the coupes is the engine in the S5 Cabriolet; instead of the V-8 in the S5 coupe, the S5 Cabriolet gets a supercharged V-6 that makes 333 hp. That means if you pick the open-air version you’ll lose 21 hp. We wonder how much of that power will be missed by convertible drivers, though. It’s also not a big drop-off in power compared to the S4 Cabriolet, which puts out 340 hp with a thirstier V-8.

A5 drivers will get a choice of front- or all-wheel drive in the base, 2.0T models. A5 3.2 models and the S5 come only with all-wheel drive.

Prices haven’t been announced, but we expect them to be higher than the A4 Cabriolet’s $40,750 and S4 Cabriolet’s $56,775 starting prices.  More photos below.

A5 Cabriolet

S5 Cabriolet