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AUDI S5 Cabriolet Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 4
First production year: 2009
Engines: Gasoline
Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
AUDI S5 Cabriolet photo gallery

In late 2016, Audi introduced the S5 Coupe and Cabriolet on the market, and by 2020 it was time to be refreshed and pass a new set of emission regulations.

While its coupe brother was the main attraction for petrolheads who were captured by the car's performances, the convertible version was more of an open-top grand tourer. But despite its rag-top, it wasn't exactly the comfortable vehicle that a GT vehicle should be. Due to its stiffened suspension compared to the rest of the A5 convertible versions, it was more rigid, but it also featured more luxurious items.

The S5 came equipped with full-LED headlights fitted as standard and a new, single-frame grille design for the facelifted version. It resembled the honeycomb grille from the mighty Audi Sport Quattro from 1984. Unlike its famous ancestor, the 2020 model didn't feature four rectangular headlamps, but only two wider ones. They were available with Matrix-LED or laser to enhance the view on the road. Its canvas-roof was completely retractable at the touch of a button and could disappear in under 18 seconds while driving it at speeds of up to 31 mph (50 kph).

Audi enhanced the S5's cabin with a new MIB3 unit. The infotainment system featured a large, 10.1" touch-screen display. The German carmaker claimed that the new unit's reaction time was ten times faster than the outgoing MIB2 device, which was already known for its responsiveness. The system allowed voice commands.

The 2020 S5 Cabriolet was fitted with a 3.0-liter V6 TFSI unit. Due to the turbocharged direct fuel-injection system, the engine offered 349 hp. It was mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox and sent the power in all four corners.

full description and technical specifications
AUDI S5 Cabriolet photo gallery

Audi introduced the second generation of the A5 lineup in 2016 and waited until 2017 to reveal the S5 lineup, which included the five-door (Sportback), the coupe, and the convertible versions.

Competing against the better-known M3/M4 lineup wasn’t easy for Audi, but at least it kept the model’s nameplate and used the same S letter for the performance versions of the A5. Furthermore, the addition of the open-top version, which could really carry four adults on board, was considered a massive advantage by the four-ringed automaker. For the second generation of the nameplate, it used the same platform as the four-door/station-wagon sibling, the A4. As a result, it benefited from many advanced systems that helped customers decide if the car was worth the trouble of spending a steep price on it. And it was worth it. Starting with 2017, all versions of the S5 shared the same engine, while before that, the two-door versions had a turbocharged V6, while a naturally-aspirated V8 powered the four and five-door versions.

Even if the car’s platform remained the same, Audi considered and convinced its customers that it was an entirely new generation in the same way that it did with the A4 B8 and B9, respectively. Nevertheless, the 2017 S5 Cabriolet looked slightly different than its predecessor. It featured a bolder front fascia with an emphasis on the single-frame grille that sported chromed vertical slats. Moreover, the U.S. models didn’t have the horizontal bar that supported the license plate. In addition, the sharp-looking headlights sported LED daytime running lights inside them, while the lower side scoops from the apron housed the fog lamps. Furthermore, the hood showed new creases on it and was made out of aluminum to help with the weight distribution. From its profile, the Cabriolet revealed its rag-top roof that could disappear in 15 seconds at the touch of a button, at speeds of up to 31 MPH (50 kph). Like any other S product, the car boasted silver door mirror caps and A-pillars. From behind, the four oval exhausts flanked the rear diffuser, and they were not fake.

The cabin boasted a high level of luxury with leather-wrapped seats and door cards. Moreover, Audi offered the option for tall front seatbacks with integrated headrests embroidered with the S5 logo. In front of the driver, Audi installed a 12.3” digital instrument cluster known as the Audi virtual cockpit, which could show not just the speedometer and tachometer but also data from the infotainment system, including the map for the navigation unit. Furthermore, an 8.3” touchscreen for the infotainment system sat atop the center stack in a free-floating position. In the back, the automaker installed a bench for two passengers, separated by a center console with two cup holders.

Under the skin, the S5 Cabriolet featured a twin-scroll turbocharged V6 that sent 349 HP (353 PS) in all corners via an eight-speed automatic (torque-converter) gearbox. The all-wheel-drive system sent up to 40% of the torque to the front axle and 60% to the rear one to create an RWD-biased feeling for the driver, even though the mass distribution was not exactly ideal.

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AUDI S5 Cabriolet photo gallery

The facelift for the first generation of the Audi A5 was shown in 2012, and the S5 Cabriolet was one of the most coveted versions on the French Riviera. With a long hood and fluid side-lines, the S5 Cabriolet leaves almost no clues about the performance it is capable of.

On the outside, there are some modifications that will bring a fresh image to the S5 Cabriolet. The headlights are updated and offer Xenon plus lighting and a LED daytime running light that frames the headlights. Audi also offers an adaptive light system with cornering light. The rear taillights have a new design and are optionally available with a continuous LED system.

The new multimedia system has been improved compared to the older version. Now, the passengers can pair their phones via Bluetooth and play music.

The biggest improvement for the S5 is the engine. Under the hood, the V8 gasoline unit was dropped in favor of a V6 TFSI (twin-turbo direct-injected gasoline). The result is a lighter front ebd and a better weight distribution between the axles. The maximum power is 333 hp. The 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) acceleration time is 4.9 seconds for the coupe version, a slightly higher time for the convertible. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 kph (155 mph).

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AUDI S5 Cabriolet photo gallery

Adding the “S” badge to any of the Audi’s models only meant more power and more fun.

Based on the A5, the S5 was equipped with a surcharged V6 or V8 engine and offered an improved handling, with the V6 being exclusively offered to the cabriolet body style.

No surprise, the cabin was fitted with high-quality material and top-notch features that were impressive for both the driver and the passengers. The sport seats offered great lateral support and allowed the driver to find their favorite driving position in no time.

While the soft-top convertible looked a little date, it was built in a way to keep the noise out of the cabin and did not compromise the cargo area too much.

Available in a coupe or a cabriolet body style, the S5 offered with the Premium Plus and the Prestige trim levels.

The standard features included 19-inch alloys, automatic xenon headlights, LED running lights, foglights, automatic wipers, leather upholstery, twi-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity, Audi’s MMI and iPod interface. Compared to the coupe, the cabriolet featured a powered soft top and a wind deflector. Bundled options such as a rearview camera, rear parking sensors and a navigation system with voice control were part of the Navigation package.

The top-of-the-range S5 Prestige added adaptive headlights, keyless entry, a blind-spot monitoring system, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and the Navigation Package included.

Of course, even the top-of-the-range could be fully loaded with an adaptive cruise control and Audi’s Drive Select package that included a sport rear differential and driver-selectable settings.

The cabriolet S5 was available with a Comfort package that added a neck-level heating system, upgraded leather upholstery and ventilated front seats.

full description and technical specifications