If you are looking to buy an eye-catching, luxury drop-top, the 2021 Audi A5 Cabriolet should be on the top of your list. Its merit list is very long; it is sophisticated, upscale, athletic, powerful, fuel-efficient, and comfortable. Its two biggest competitors are the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Convertible and the all-new BMW 4 Series Convertible.
Comparing the new A5 with these, it might lack in sportiness but makes up for it in comfort. While its gutsy 261-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine has enough oomph to conquer any road, if you require extra power, you can opt for the Audi S5. Let’s find out what makes the A5 one of the best convertibles in the luxury car segment.
Table of Contents
Audi A5 Cabriolet Review
New Additions to the 2021 Audi A5 Cabriolet
For 2021, the new A5 Cabriolet gets a host of upgrades, the most prominent of which is a 12-volt mild-hybrid system, offering assistance to the four-banger. The hybrid system adds 13 horsepower to the power figure. Furthermore, the luxury convertible comes standard with Lane Departure Warning. Audi has enhanced the safety credentials of the Premium Plus by adding adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, a hands-on detection steering wheel, and a top-view camera system.
Trim Levels and Powertrain
Audi offers the 2021 A5 Cabriolet in three trim levels: base Premium, mid-level Premium Plus, and top-of-the-line Prestige. All the variants are powered by a 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 gasoline engine that pumps out 261 horsepower and mates to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (sorry to stick shift fans, manual isn’t available). The Quattro All-Wheel-Drive system is standard across the range.
Compared to the 2020 A5, the 2021 model generates 13 more ponies courtesy of the new 12-volt mild hybrid system. Audi claims it would complete the 0 to 60 mph run in 6.0 seconds, which is on par with its Germans rivals.
Handling
The A5’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system is extremely proficient, allowing you to drive with confidence on different roads. It is excellent for city and highway drives, but it isn’t very helpful for those wanting to take their topless four-seater to the wild frequently. Do not take us wrong; it is not sluggish by any means – it drives perfectly well on a sunny day, but the absence of structural rigidity makes it less composed than its coupe sibling. The well-weighted steering aids in making sharp turns. The power delivery is efficient, and the ride comfort is exceptional even on twisty roads. However, it is not the car you want to take on to a beaten track.
Fuel Economy
The 2021 Audi A5 Convertible is light on your pocket while delivering an entertaining driving experience. The EPA-estimated fuel economy figure stands at 23/31/26 mpg city/highway/combined. These ratings are on par with the 2020 BMW 430i xDrive convertible delivering 22/32/26 mpg. However, the A5 is more economical than the Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC’s with a 21/29/24 mpg fuel rating. The mild-hybrid system of the new A5 should help improve the fuel economy ratings even more. On a full gasoline tank, Audi claims the new 2021 A5 Cabriolet can cover around 398 miles.
Interior, Boot Space, Infotainment
Audi is known for its immaculate interiors, and the new 2021 A5 Cabriolet is no different. Inside, you would find high-end soft-touch materials and plenty of space for passengers (sorry, the rear ones aren’t fortunate in this regard). Of course, we can’t compare it in terms of legroom with its 4-door sibling, the A4. However, getting in and out is a seamless job. Audi has installed eight-way power-adjustable front seats with the heating on all variants.
- Cargo: Cabriolets are not famous for their roomy boot space. Since open-top models have to accommodate the roof, the trunk receives the highest penalty. The 2021 Audi A5 Cabriolet offers jus 9.3 cubic feet of space to carry your stuff. It is definitely not practical when you are venturing on a trip with three or more people. Analyzing it with its German duo, the new 2021 Audi A5 Cabriolet falls behind both the Mercedes C-Class and the BMW 4-series, which comes with 13 cubic feet of trunk space. You can find several storage areas inside, encompassing a suitable glove compartment, large door pockets, and a storage space under the center console.
- Infotainment: Audi knows how to keep you entertained in your new A5 Cabriolet. It is the reason they have armed it with advanced tech. Starting with the Premium, it gets a 10.1-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with Bluetooth. The sound comes from a 10-speaker sound system. The Premium Plus comes equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as well as SiriusXM and wireless charging. You can find the most innovative tech inside the Prestigious that features a 19-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system on top of a navigation system.
Safety
Unfortunately, we do not have any crash test ratings for the 2021 Audi A5 Cabriolet. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS tested it yet. However, IIHS tested the 2020 A5 hardtop, and the coupe did a remarkable job with a “good” rating in all crash trials.
The convertible comes with front-impact, side-impact, and overhead airbags. Besides, the standard safety facilities comprise a rearview camera, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and pedestrian monitoring. The mid-range Premium Plus is more securer than the entry-level Premium, thanks to the front and rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, vehicle exit warning, adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, and a top-view camera system.
Audi A5 Cabriolet Price
A luxury convertible never comes cheaply in the USA, but the 2021 Audi A5 Cabriolet is economical compared to its rivals. The entry-level Premium starts at $51,745, while the mid-level Premium Plus goes for $56,645. The range-topping Prestige is truly prestigious, but you have to shell out a whopping $62,495 to get your hands on it. All these prices include the $995 destination and handling charges.
Warranty and Reliability
The 2021 Audi A5 Cabriolet is a safe and reliable drop-top. The company never recalled it for any safety concerns. And why do they have to when they give you a four-year or 50,000-mile basic warranty, a 12-year corrosion warranty, a four-year or 50,000-mile drivetrain warranty, and four years/ unlimited miles roadside assistance?
What Audi A5 Cabriolet Model Should I Buy?
As mentioned earlier, the 2021 Audi A5 Cabriolet is accessible in three models: the Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. For us, the best in the lot is the mid-level Premium Plus. It comes with all the desirable features, and you can add a few more to make it a most-wanted all-rounder. Opt for the $2,100 Luxury Package to get ventilated front sport seats and a heated steering wheel. It still makes it more reasonable than the top-of-the-line Prestige while retaining all the posh elements you would expect from the house of Audi.
FAQs
How much is an Audi A5 Cabriolet?
Is Audi A5 Cabriolet discontinued?
Is A Audi Cabriolet A Good car?
Conclusion
The 2021 Audi A5 Cabriolet is an exceptional drop-top with very few complaints. The merits include lower prices than its competitors, loads of luxury features, exciting drive, and a powerful engine. The only blemishes are the less safety equipment for the base model and restrained trunk space compared to its rivals. The interior is as best as you can get and so is its tendency to consume gasoline considerately. The 2021 Audi A5 Cabriolet is certainly worth every dime you would spend on it.
Highs Lows
Robust turbo engine Confined boot space
Good fuel efficiency Expensive extra equipment
Neat and tidy interior Less safety tech on the base Premium
Standard Quattro drivetrain No manual to boost the fun factor
