Test Audi S5 Cabrio 2017, the perfect balance

Test Audi S5 Convertible 2017

A few days ago we told you about our adventure testing the Audi S range at the Navarra Circuit and on different mountain roads around Pamplona. In this event we were able to travel several tens of kilometers behind the wheel of the Audi S5 Convertible by two-way highways, by ports and also a few kilometers by highway; kilometers that helped us to draw conclusions about the behavior of the Audi's new convertible.

The second generation of the Audi A5 was presented in 2016, although it was not until the first part of 2017 when it reached the market with the Audi S5 in its three bodies: Coupé, Sportback and Cabrio. The most attractive, without a doubt, is the convertible bodywork; although if we pay attention to logic we must opt ​​for the Sportback version, since its practicality is much greater. In any case, this Audi S5 Cabrio is a recommended "whim" if you have about 90.000 euros left over. We top off and start.

Soft top and the usual elegance

Test Audi S5 Convertible 2017

The generational change of the Audi A5 has not meant a brutal change in its aesthetics. Remains easily recognizable as the coupé brother of the A4 and, if those responsible for the brand have decided so, it is because the previous model worked quite well during all the years it was on sale. Why change it if it sells well that way? Yes it changes in your outside dimensions, which are now 4.692mm long, 1.846mm wide and 1.382mm tall, with a 2.765mm wheelbase.

For its part, the Audi S5 Cabrio incorporates the usual additives of the S range such as, for example, the singleframe grille with double slats, the exterior mirror housings finished in brushed aluminum or the four exhaust outlets in the rear diffuser. Audi does not want to provide its S models with an excessive aesthetic radicalism, because that is what the RS models are for. As was the case in the Audi S3 Sportback that we tested a few months ago, the element that gives us the most clues that we are facing a step higher than the normal range is the diffuser and its four exhaust outlets, in addition to the inscriptions, S5 in this case.

Test Audi S5 Convertible 2017

About convertibles, there are people who like the soft top better and others who prefer the hard top. My case is the first, although it is also true that “the funny guy on duty” (to call him in some way) can come and make us “funny” in it with a simple punch. The positive point is that we do not lose so much space when folding it in the trunk and that allows to maintain more the image of the model from which it derives. It takes 15 seconds to hide the hood in the trunk and 18 to cover the passenger compartment again, being able to carry out both operations at speeds of up to 50 km/h.

Better not try your luck with trips of four adults

Test Audi S5 Convertible 2017

We said a few paragraphs above that the rational purchase by body in the A5/S5 range is the Sportback. The Coupé and Sportback versions cost the same in the S5, 78.060 euros, while to buy the Cabrio you have to pay exactly 9.000 euros plus. The habitability and ease of access for the Sportback is much better than for its other two brothers, which is why it is a more logical product. But logic does not understand tastes or sensations; and by Luck tastes and sensations do not understand logic either.

Leaving aside passion and reason, it is clear that the Audi S5 Cabrio is not the most recommended car to travel with the family. Their passenger compartment is approved for four people, although if the four are large they will not feel comfortable. The front seats are correct, not differing in the eyes of a good cubero with those of the S5 Coupé except for the shape of the windshield, which is more elongated to better protect from the wind when "we let our hair down". The space is good and the different seat and steering wheel regulations will allow us to quickly adapt. A nice detail is automatic element that brings us closer to the seat belt.

Test Audi S5 Convertible 2017

The rear seats will not be comfortable, as in practically no convertible that is around these dimensions. The position forces us to go with the trunk slightly turned, so a trip of a few hundred kilometers will take its toll. As for the dimensions themselves, for legs we will not have problems if the front occupant is not far behind, nor by width. However, people around 1,80 height will rub your head against the hood. We could practically consider it a 2+2. Surely you are thinking of the same solution as me: store the hood in the trunk; but I remind you that the weather conditions do not always encourage it.

Test Audi S5 Convertible 2017

We go to trunk. The Ingolstadt firm boasts of having the most capable convertible in the category. When the top is down it cubes a cargo space of 380 liters, while if we fold it in the trunk it will stay at 320 litres. Beyond the volume itself, as you can imagine, it is not a practical trunk. As is often the case with convertibles, the loading mouth is narrow and we have to be careful when introducing bulky objects, because due to the contained height it is possible that they do not fit. In any case, every customer of this type of vehicle knows (or should know) the limitations in this regard in advance.

Following the line inside

Test Audi S5 Convertible 2017

If there is normally little to reproach Audi with the interior finishes of its products, this Audi S5 Cabrio is not going to be the exception. As usual, all the elements fit perfectly together and it is not easy to find a slight creak. In addition, the materials are padded, which is always pleasant to the touch. The German firm continues to know how to transmit that feeling of good work and quality. It is here, mainly, where you realize that Audis are not low-priced products for a reason.

For the rest, behind the three-spoke sports steering wheel with its lower flattened area, the digital instrument panel appears Audi virtual cockpit, which will show us all the necessary information with a high resolution and definition, being able to configure various aspects of it. Unlike the Audi R8 and Audi TT, in the A5 range keeps the main screen on the dashboard. It is not integrated, so it may seem that they have forgotten about it and have attached a tablet at the last minute, but the truth is that the elevated position of it allows you to see it without diverting your eyes too much from the road.

Test Audi S5 Convertible 2017

And since we have talked about the dashboard area, we cannot leave the interior design of the Audi S5 Convertible without mentioning how curious we find ventilation. As we see in the image, the middle area of ​​it is resolved with continuous horizontal air outlets. It is simply curious to us, since it is not a common solution in most manufacturers for their aerators.

V6 3.0TFSI Engine

Test Audi S5 Convertible 2017

The Audi S5 Cabriolet, like the S5 Coupé and S5 Sportback, uses an engine block 6cc V2.995 with double camshaft and turbocharging. Develops a maximum power of 354 CV between 5.400 and 6.400 rpm and a torque of 500 Nm between 1.370 and 4.500. An automatic transmission is used for the transmission. 8-speed tiptronic, while the energy is shared between the four wheels by the drive system four with self-locking central differential and electronic management.

The German firm homologates, for this Audi S5 Cabrio, a mixed fuel consumption of 7,7 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 175 grams per kilometer. Speaking of benefits, on paper, this model can accelerate 0 to 100 km / h in 5,1 seconds and reach a limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Behavior=Commitment

Test Audi S5 Convertible 2017

The moment you have been waiting for has finally arrived. Foot on the brake and press the start button. The V6 3.0 turbo gasoline comes to life. The sound is not shocking, something that your neighbors and yourself will appreciate. We have already mentioned above that this it is a fast car, but it does not seek to be radical. We settle in and introduce the D, but first we press the button on the central tunnel that top off the roof in just 15 seconds.

We go out on the highway and we are surprised how well the aerodynamics are achieved to travel on the highway, at legal rates, with the hood in the trunk. At 120 km/h we can calmly hold a conversation without being forced to raise the tone of voice too much. And all this without using wind deflectors. Of course, if we raise the speed a little more we will begin to feel uncomfortable.

Test Audi S5 Convertible 2017

Fate leads us through a tunnel and we can't resist to slow down, put the sequential mode and the Audi drive select in dynamic mode, drop a few gears and sink the right pedal. We will not enjoy as if we had a V8 or a V10, but the sound of the turbo and the slight "backfires" to release the gas are cool, and a lot. But let's go back to being civil and stop behaving like pimps.

We take a service road, we hood (in 18 seconds), and we return to the highway to accelerate again up to 120 km/h. If the noise that reached the passenger compartment with the roof open was very satisfactory, with the hood up, we have been surprised again. Sincerely, and although I have not tried many convertibles throughout these years, the feeling is that we didn't have a canvas roof over our head, but rather that we were in a car with a hard top. A 10 for the Audi S5 Cabrio in this aspect.

Test Audi S5 Convertible 2017

We leave the highway and the planning of the brand leads us to mountain passes. We find sections of good surface, wide curves and wide roads and also with more twisted and bumpy roads. The first serve us to check the poise and ride quality of this German convertible, while in the latter we see that, despite being a convertible, no cracks appreciated of the bodywork when passing over broken pavements.

In these more twisty sections we decided to force the chassis a bit and put the all-wheel drive to the test; always using logic and without going at a stretch pace. To do this, we reselect the dynamic mode of the drive select and use the change in sequential mode. The weight of 1.840 is there, making itself felt at the beginning of the turn with tendency to understeer although not with notable inclinations of the body thanks to the adaptive suspension. However, the torque of 500 Nm found from just over 1.300 rpm and the quattro drive allow us get out of corners fast and devour the straights in a heartbeat.

Test Audi S5 Convertible 2017

Because the power delivery is so smooth and so linear can give the feeling that the car does not run. It is a false sensation that this type of engine transmits, but it is only necessary to take a look at the speedometer of the virtual cockpit to realize that in a few seconds with the right pedal fully we go faster than we should. Another curve approaches, foot on the brake and we pull the left cam. If we are somewhat aggressive, the electronic management will deny us the reductions, since the system does not let us stay on the edge of the red zone of the rev counter when lowering gears. Quite logical self-protection on his part.

Conclusions

The Audi S5 Convertible is a balanced version for maintaining an elegant line and more than enough features to circulate on public roads. Below we can always resort to the Audi A5 Cabrio that starts with 190 hp, while above is the Audi RS 5 Cabrio with no less than 450 hp and a much more dynamic set-up.

Test Audi S5 Convertible 2017

We like that Audi maintains its S range and that it reaches practically all its products, since they remain in a intermediate point between the conventional and the radical, maintaining the elegant aesthetic that usually accompanies the models of the German firm. We have said that its rear habitability is not recommended for four adults to travel, but the truth is that we do not know of any convertible of similar dimensions that is.

Without any doubt, its biggest flaw is the price. It starts at 87.060, and soon we add a few extras we will touch the 100.000. A pity, because he is clearly more expensive than his rivals and the six digits take him away from the real world for most mortals. The positive point of it is the compromise and balance between daily use and dynamic performance and, although we do not want to get into design terms because it is something very personal, it is a car that usually convinces.

Equipment of the Audi S5 Convertible

  • 19-inch alloy wheels and 255/35 R19 tires
  • Small spare wheel
  • LED headlights and taillights
  • Aluminum mirror housing
  • Chrome window frames
  • Acoustic and fully automatic hood
  • antithermal moon
  • Front sports seats with electric adjustment and lumbar support adjustment
  • Isofix and Top Tether anchorages for the rear seats
  • comfort entrance
  • front armrest
  • Interior fabric roof lining
  • Three-zone climate control
  • Audi virtual cockpit
  • MMI navigation plus
  • Audi for sense city
  • Cruise control with speed limiter
  • Audi drive select
  • quattro drive with self-locking center differential
  • Sport S suspension

Audi S5 Prices

Test Audi S5 Convertible 2017

Model Motor Transmission: Traction Price
Model Motor Transmission: Traction Price
Audi S5 coupe V6 3.0 TFSI 354 hp automatic 8v four 78.060 €
A V6 3.0 TFSI 354 hp automatic 8v four 78.060 €
Audi S5 convertible V6 3.0 TFSI 354 hp automatic 8v four 87.060 €

Gallery Audi S5 Convertible


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