The second-generation Audi A5 was unveiled in 2016, nearly ten years after the sporty coupe arrived on the market to replace the 90 model. Designed around the A4 sedan, which broke cover in 2015, the new A5 gained more angular body lines, a “Singleframe” grille that’s wider and flatter than before, a modern interior with Audi’s new “continuous air vent strip” design, and a revised engine lineup.
2015 was quite a busy year for Audi, with the Germans launching the Q7, A4 and R8, and it seems 2016 will bring at least as many new vehicles from the Ingolstadt-based company. One such model is the A5 Convertible, which is scheduled to break cover in the second half of 2016. Having already seen prototypes of the S5 and RS5 coupes testing near the Nurburgring, it’s safe to assume that the convertible will get higher performance models as well. Until that happens, we might as well take a closer look at the standard model, which will be overhauled in order to give the BMW 4 Series Convertible and the brand-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Convertible a run for their money.
It won’t be easy, but Audi’s new design language, classy interiors, and updated drivetrains should at least make the new A5 a strong competitor in this crowded niche. What’s more, since all newly launched Audis are significantly lighter than their predecessors, the upcoming A5 Convertible should also get a lighter body and underpinnings. As a result, it will be quicker and more nimble than the previous model, which is great news no matter how you look at it.
Our designer just made a rendering of the upcoming convertible, which makes it easier to speculate about what it may bring to the table. Check it out below.
Updated 06/09/2016: Now that Audi unveiled the A5 Coupe, we decided its time to speculate a little on the upcoming convertible version. Continue reading to see what it will bring new and what it will have similar to the coupe.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Audi A5 Convertible.
Spy Shots
February 2, 2016 – Audi A5 Convertible caught testing on public roads in Germany
November 2, 2015 – Audi A5 Convertible caught on the German roads
Exterior
Having already seen the new A5 coupe in the metal, creating a rendering of the convertible was far from difficult. Our artist had to chop off the coupe’s roof, meddle with the windscreen and the A-pillars, and revise the decklid area.
The second-gen cabriolet will be about the same size and shape as its predecessor, but with updated styling consisting of slightly reshaped body panels and more angular features.
As you may have already noticed, the drop-top in our rendering has a sportier bumper and an “RS” badge on the “Singleframe” grille. That’s simply because we decided to depict the most appealing version of the car. All told, look for the A5 Convertible to be less aggressive, but expect the exact same body lines and overall styling.
The second-gen cabriolet will be about the same size and shape as its predecessor, but with updated styling consisting of slightly reshaped body panels and more angular features. Both the headlamps and the front grille will feature sharper design cues, while the bumper will get bigger air intakes. The new headlamps feature L-shaped LED stripes and redesigned twin LED lamps. Around back, look for thinner taillights, a shorter trunk lid and a new bumper. The new soft-top, which was designed to mimic the coupe’s metal roof, should be lighter and fold quicker with the ability to withstand slightly higher speeds.
Overall, the new A5 Convertible will be a tad sportier than its predecessor. Although evolutionary, its new styling is different enough to give it a fresh look.
Interior
Note: Audi A5 Coupe pictured here.
Unlike the exterior, the interior will be completely redesigned, ditching all of the dated cues of the current model. As seen in the new A5 Coupe, the previous dashboard will be replaced by a new unit with a continuous air-vent strip, while the new center console will sport a cleaner look. Both will give the cabin a more high-tech appearance and enhanced roominess. The cabriolet will also receive a new steering wheel with revised buttons, a larger, free-standing display for the infotainment system, and a new air conditioning unit.
Once the canvas roof is wrapped between the rear seats and the trunk, the driver and the passenger will enjoy infinite headroom.
The larger exterior dimensions will also translate into a roomier interior. Audi has yet to release specifics for the coupe, but we expect improvements in just about any department. However, don’t look for more than a couple of extra inches of rear legroom or front headroom. Speaking of which, the previous statement is only available with the top up. Once the canvas roof is wrapped between the rear seats and the trunk, the driver and the passenger will enjoy infinite headroom.
On the tech side of things, the drop-top will be loaded with Audi’s latest gadgets. A 12.3-inch TFT screen will replace the dated instrument cluster, while an seven-inch tablet screen (8.3-inch optionally) will sit atop the dash. A rotary button on the center tunnel and a touchpad will enable the driver to browse through the infotainment functions.
Customers will also have access to a MMI Navigation Plus package, which includes an onboard SIM card that provides free web access for up to three years. The new Wi-Fi hotspot provides connectivity for up to eight devices.
Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a USB device charger will all be standard. The lengthy options list will include inductive smartphone charging and a high-end Bang Olufsen sound system.
Practicality won’t be the A5’s strong spot, but the convertible should get some 14 cubic inch of luggage room despite the foldable soft top.
Drivetrain
Much like the A4 and A5 Coupe, the A5 Convertible should receive a range of updated gasoline and diesel engines. The sedan gained a 1.4-liter, TFSI rated at 148 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque and a 2.0-liter, TFSI generating either 187 horses and 236 pound-feet or 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet. The A5 probably won’t get the tiny 1.4-liter unit, but the larger four-bangers are on the table in about every configuration.
Much like the A4 and A5 Coupe, the A5 Convertible should receive a range of updated gasoline and diesel engines
The diesel lineup willl probably include a 2.0-liter four-banger and a 3.0-liter V-6. The four-pot cranks out either 148 horsepower and 236 pound-feet or 184 horsepower and 295 pound-feet. The V-6 also comes in two flavors, generating 215 horsepower and 295 pound-feet or 268 horses and 443 pound-feet, respectively. Again, the 148-horsepower four-cylinder probably won’t be offered on this model.
In the U.S., however, the A5 Convertible will get fewer powerplants. Although the current model is offered with just a 2.0-liter TFSI, the next-gen drop-top is likely to gain a diesel version as well. Our best guess is that the U.S.-spec A5 will be sold with the 248-horsepower and 273-pound-feet 2.0-liter TFSI and the 215-horsepower and 295-pound-feet 3.0-liter V-6.
In the transmission department, there should be new generations of the S tronic, Tiptronic and manual gearboxes. It remains to be seen whether the S tronic transmission will become available for front-wheel-drive A5 models, like it happened in the case of the A4. As usual, the cabriolet will benefit from Audi’s quattro AWD system with wheel-selective torque control.
Probably the biggest news here is that the A5 Cabriolet will be up to 250 pounds lighter than its predecessor, due to the enhanced MLB platform (known as the MLB Evo) that it will ride on. The reduced curb weight should bring enhanced performance and fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.
Safety
Note: Audi A5 Coupe pictured here.
In the safety department, the drop-top should once again mimic the coupe. Look for an extensive range of new or updated autonomous features, including a predictive efficiency assistant, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with a StopGo feature, parking assist, rear cross-traffic monitor, exit warning, collision avoidance assistant, turn assist, and traffic sign recognition.
The optional Audi connect and safety service package will add auto emergency call, online roadside assistance, and Audi service request, as well as remote features through the MMI connect app, which allows smartphones, smart watches, and even Apple TV users to lock and unlock doors, start the engine, check the vehicle status, and locate the vehicle.
Prices
Pricing for the new A5 Convertible should be only a bit more expensive than the current model. The 2015 model year drop-top retails from $47,900 in base trim and from $50,200 if selected in the Premium Plus version. Production of the redesigned A5 should begin toward the end of 2016.
Competition
BMW 4 Series Convertible 
Launched in 2013, the current 4 Series Convertible comes with two engine choices in the U.S. The base 428i version is powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that delivers 240 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. This amount of power enables the 428i to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.2 seconds and up to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The range-topping version — the 435i — gets a 3.0-liter inline-six rated at 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of twist. This version needs about 5.5 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start on its way to a 155-mph top speed. Both engines mate to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Pricing for the 428i starts from $50,000, while the 435i fetches at least $56,950. The xDrive AWD system adds $2,000.
Find out more about the BMW 4 Series Convertible here.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Convertible
The C-Class Convertible is not yet in dealerships, but it will arrive just in time for the new A5 Convertible. An official launch is set to take place in 2016. Devel oped entirely from the ground up as a drop-top and not by chopping the roof of a coupe, the C-Class Convertible will be identical to the coupe from the waist down, which will make it one of the sexiest cabriolets on the market. Motivation should come from the same engine found in the C-Class Coupe, meaning the U.S. will get a C300 model powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 240 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The model will become available in both RWD and AWD variants. Pricing is likely to start at just under $50,000.
Read more about the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Convertible here.
Conclusion
Launched in 2007, the current A5 is getting a bit long in the tooth and Audi needs a revised version as soon as possible. Fortunately, Audi enthusiasts won’t have to wait for too long, as both the A5 and the S5 have been spotted testing on public roads. Sure, it won’t cross the pond until late 2016, but options are slim to say the least right now with only the BMW 4 Series Convertible available in the compact premium segment. If the recently launched A4 and A5 Coupe are any indication, the next-generation A5 Convertible should be a significant improvement over its predecessor, and that makes it worth waiting for.
Updated History
Updated 02/01/2016: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming A5 Convertible out for a new testing session, on the public roads of Germany. Production for the 2017 Audi A5 convertible will begin in late 2016 or early 2017.