Audi S5 Cabriolet (2007-2017) review

The Audi S5 Cabriolet is a more performance-oriented variant of the standard A5 Cabriolet and brings with it a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 engine that produces 328bhp. The result is staggering performance and a wonderful noise from the exhausts. Firmer suspension than the standard car means the ride is extremely stiff but it's actually not too uncomfortable. Thanks that fabric roof there's not too much of a weight penalty over the coupe and there's quite a bit of space in the boot too. 

The Audi S5 was updated for 2012 by replacing the 4.2-litre V8 of the old car with a supercharged 3.0-litre V6. The new unit produces 328bhp and can launch the S5 from 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds. The good news is, it sounds fantastic too. Handling is typically sharp and predictable, while the four-wheel drive system provides masses of grip. The problem is the steering which feels a little numb and can you leave you a bit isolated from the action.

Audi has now made stop-start standard and a new ‘efficiency’ mode on Audi’s adjustable ‘Drive Select’ system means combined fuel economy has leapt from the low twenties in the old car to 34.9mpg. Plus, the tax benefits of cutting the S5’s CO2 output by 93g/km to 190g/km will add up to £100s a year. Audi includes a three-year/ 60,000 mile warranty with the S5 Cabriolet

For 2012 Audi updated the S5 Cabriolet with a few tweaks to the lights, bumpers and interior. It was already one of the most stylish cars on the road and now it looks even better – especially thanks to those stylish new LED headlights. The interior now feels higher quality and even more driver-friendly than before too thanks to fewer buttons and switches.

The S5 Cabriolet offers a generous 360-litre boot with the roof up and a still surprisingly spacious 320-litre load area with it folded away. The roof itself folds up and down quickly and can even be operated up to speeds of 30mph. Those back seats are even big enough to fit tall adults too making this an extremely practical high-performance convertible.

The Audi S5 Cabriolet includes pop-up rollover protection along with driver, passenger and side airbags as standard. Stability control, four-wheel drive and a system that dries the brake pads wet weather are all included too. This exact model hasn't been tested by EuroNCAP but we'd be very surprised if it didn't receive the full five stars. Reliability should also be first rate too with all Audi models boasting enviable track records in this area.