2018 Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet Preview
CARS.COM
Competes with: BMW 4 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Looks like: An A5/S5 with a slightly clunkier roofline, or – top down – none at all
Drivetrain: 252-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission; 354-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder with a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission; standard all-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Spring 2017
Audi introduced its A5 and S5 coupes late last year, and the convertible versions of those hardtops are being shown at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The convertibles are similar to their coupe counterparts in design and construction, but have a few new summer-friendly features.
More 2017 Detroit Auto Show Coverage
The convertible soft top is now retracted with a one-touch button and reclines into its roof storage compartment in 15 seconds. On the flip side, going from top down to top up takes 18 seconds. Both top-down and top-up maneuvers can be done at speeds up to 31 mph. Like the topless Audi R8, the A5 and S5 have hands-free phone microphones embedded in the seat belt for clearer sound while driving with the top down, and they’re standard.
Like the coupes, the convertibles have more structural strength than their predecessors and are 40 percent more rigid. The A5 and S5 are also lighter by 55 pounds and 99 pounds, respectively. The increased length and width mean more front passenger shoulder room and backseat legroom.
A5 convertibles are powered by a 252-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that pairs with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The higher-performance S5 has a 354-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder and conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard and torque is split 40:60 for more rear-bias. Acceleration is improved over half a second compared with the outgoing convertibles, with zero-to-60 mph in 6.0 seconds for the A5 and 4.8 seconds for the S5, according to Audi; the coupe is a few ticks faster at 5.6 seconds for the A5 and 4.4 seconds for the S5.
The same multimedia options are offered on the convertible as the coupe, and you can read more about the redesigned A5 and S5 here.
