Skip advert
Advertisement
Car group tests

Audi S5 Cabriolet vs Infiniti G37

We hardy Brits love our convertibles, even in the winter. But is the new soft-top Audi S5 a better buy than the Infiniti G37 coupe-cabrio?

Audi S5 Cabriolet vs Infiniti G37

Heater set to maximum, breathing in the crisp winter air – there’s a slightly illogical pleasure to driving a convertible in less than balmy conditions, which maybe explains why we buy so many here in the UK.

And for years Audi’s four-seater cabriolets have been a popular choice – the Audi 80-based cabrio, the A4 and its replacement, the A5, have all been the height of fashion. Now, in line with the rest of the A5 range, the Cabriolet has been given a mid-life update.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The flagship S5 costs £45,895, and is the most glamorous model in the range. It’s packed with Audi’s familiar technology, including a supercharged V6 engine, quattro all-wheel drive and dual-clutch S tronic box. Plus, the subtly beefed-up styling displays all the usual traits of the company’s performance models.

However, it’s close on price to an interesting new contender – the Infiniti G37 Convertible. In GT Premium trim the G37 has loads of standard kit, while the 315bhp V6 has just 12bhp less power than the Audi. We see how it fares against one of the class’s established benchmarks.

Verdict

Buying an open-top car is all about getting extra pleasure from your motoring. And on paper, the Infiniti promises something really special, with its combination of a V6 engine, luxuriously equipped cabin and folding hard-top.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

CLA

2023 Mercedes

CLA

69,575 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £18,500
View CLA
Corolla

2022 Toyota

Corolla

46,082 milesAutomaticPetrol1.8L

Cash £14,500
View Corolla
Yaris Hybrid

2024 Toyota

Yaris Hybrid

29,449 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £16,800
View Yaris Hybrid
F-Pace

2025 Jaguar

F-Pace

34,704 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £30,200
View F-Pace

Unfortunately, when lined up against the revised Audi S5, the G37 is comprehensively outclassed. It doesn’t handle or ride well, while the engine isn’t as refined as the S5’s supercharged V6 and doesn’t offer the same performance. Build quality is good, but the cabin is dated and the materials used aren’t a match for those in the upmarket Audi.

Poor residuals and high emissions mean running costs are an issue. The S5 costs only a few hundred pounds more to buy, so it represents far better value – and therefore takes a convincing win here. Its V6 engine is smooth, powerful and impressively clean for a performance car. Involving handling and confidence-inspiring all-wheel-drive traction give it a big advantage over the Infiniti.

The S5’s interior quality is first-rate and its fabric roof folds fast and is well insulated. Plus, compared to the G37, you get more passenger room and a bigger boot. It’s an elegant and very desirable cabriolet, and the subtle revisions to the cabin and exterior styling are just the icing on the cake.

Winner
Audi S5 Cabriolet ★★★★

The A5 Cabriolet has always been a classy drop-top, and this update keeps it fresh. All models seat four adults in comfort and have a decent boot, while in S5 form, the supercharged V6 engine is powerful and smooth. The dual-clutch gearbox is well suited to the S5, plus strong residuals and decent on-test fuel economy of 21.4mpg are plus points, too.

2nd
Infiniti G37 ★★

The Infiniti’s looks divide opinion and it doesn’t have the Audi’s badge kudos, so the G37 faced an uphill struggle from the outset. The disappointing driving experience, cramped passenger space and old-fashioned cabin did nothing to help its case. It’s also costly to run and will depreciate sharply, while the hard-top takes up most of the boot when folded.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £14,495
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £3,331 off RRP*Used from £9,700
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,290
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,911 off RRP*Used from £31,499
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Citroen Holidays 2025 review: a cheaper and cheerful VW California campervan rival
Citroen Holidays - front

New Citroen Holidays 2025 review: a cheaper and cheerful VW California campervan rival

The new Citroen Holidays is the perfect option for those that want to camp on a budget
Road tests
15 Apr 2025
New baby Nissan Juke EV on the way to challenge the Dacia Spring
Baby Nissan Juke exclusive image - rear

New baby Nissan Juke EV on the way to challenge the Dacia Spring

Nissan to fast-track development of new battery-powered city car to take on forthcoming Volkswagen ID.1, and our exclusive images preview how it could…
News
18 Apr 2025
New Subaru Outback morphs into an SUV for Mk7 generation
Subaru Outback New York - front

New Subaru Outback morphs into an SUV for Mk7 generation

The boxer engine and off-road focus has been retained despite the Outback’s new SUV look
News
17 Apr 2025