Skip advert
Advertisement

New Audi S5 Cabriolet 2017 review

Muscular Audi S5 Cabriolet drop-top is fast, but not engaging enough to drive

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Audi S5
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Make no mistake: the new Audi S5 Cabriolet is a fast, desirable and extremely high-quality piece of kit. It’s capable and composed, too, but despite Audi’s best efforts, it still isn’t as sharp to drive as the Coupe. The extra aural appeal of the V6 with the roof down is welcome, yet as a fast cruiser, the 3.0-litre diesel is a more likeable and rounded product – as well as being cheaper to buy and run.

Advertisement - Article continues below

This new and improved S5 Cabriolet joins the coupe and Sportback as the final instalment of the Audi S5 range, and is designed to take on the Mercedes-AMG C 43 Cabriolet and BMW 440i Convertible.

Like the A5 Cabriolet we drove recently, the S5 sits on Audi’s newest MLB Evo platform, with larger exterior dimensions but a reduction in weight over its predecessor. The S5 is 40kg lighter – although it’s still a substantial 225kg more than the coupe, due to the added strengthening required by the removal of the roof. Audi claims it’s 40 per cent stiffer than before, too.

The extra weight over the coupe means performance suffers, on paper at least. Despite the 349bhp 3.0-litre turbocharged V6’s best efforts, 0-62mph takes 5.1 seconds, which is four-tenths slower than the hard-top.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

GLC

2022 Mercedes

GLC

75,544 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £20,097
View GLC
Grandland X

2018 Vauxhall

Grandland X

41,400 milesAutomaticPetrol1.2L

Cash £11,100
View Grandland X
Mokka

2021 Vauxhall

Mokka

33,983 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £13,100
View Mokka
Arona

2021 SEAT

Arona

21,085 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,500
View Arona

Best convertible cars on sale

For the most part, however, you’d be hard-pushed to tell the difference; it feels just as strong, firing through the dual-clutch gearbox’s eight ratios thanks to the healthy 500Nm of torque. 

With the roof down, your ears get full access to that tuneful V6 while the exhaust pops and bangs on the overrun. That’s the key benefit of the drop-top over the coupe; it adds a little bit of drama that was previously in short supply.

Don’t think that makes it more of a driver’s car, however. Audi has slightly softened the suspension of the Cabriolet to ward off body shimmies associated with losing the roof. It rides with a firm but controlled fluidity most of the time as a result, but some shake is still evident over really rough roads, and the softer set-up introduces a touch more body movement.

It’s more suited to taking it easy, then – but in that case, the torquey and smooth V6 diesel seems to be the better fit.

Elsewhere, there’s little to complain about. The fabric soft-top folds quickly and can be operated at up to 31mph, while the cabin remains smart and the build quality is first-class. There’s even a decent amount of space for four adults. 

But there’s nothing that you couldn’t find on lesser A5 cabriolets; the range starts from just over £35,000, so you needn’t spend the extra £15,000 to secure the S5.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,541 off RRP*Used from £11,000
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,925
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,795 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,200
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand
Cyberster Black - front 3/4

New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand

MG boss thinks special editions like this might be the ticket to keeping up demand for the electric sports car
News
10 Jul 2025
New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons
Mazda CX-5 - front

New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons

The Mazda CX-5 has been revolutionised to take on the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson
News
10 Jul 2025