Going Topless

A review of the new 2021 Audi A5 Cabriolet

The dictionary defines a Cabriolet as vehicle that can have its roof removed. In archaic English, it used to mean a two-wheeled buggy with a removable top. Well, Audi’s new fabric top is much more than that.

While convertibles have always been romantic, the debate still rages if they are indeed practical, especially in a tropical — sometimes wet and often-sunny — climate like Singapore. Still, the new Audi Cabriolet is a stunner with or without its roof.

The drive system of the Audi A5 Cabriolet launched in Singapore has an updated 2.0 TFSI engine with 190 hp. The engine is paired with an efficient and direct shifting seven-speed S-tronic transmission.

In keeping with our greener times, the powertrain features the mild hybrid system (MHEV) integrated into the 12-volt electrical system. Central to the mild hybrid system is the belt alternator starter (BAS), which is connected to the crankshaft. The hybrid system supplements the petrol-powered car and increases range and driving economy. The Audi A5 Cabriolet is also able to coast with the engine switched off between 55 and 160 km/h allowing battery power to take over.

Besides the clever electrification, Audi has also decided to offer a few extra standard features as well, including wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, lane-departure warning, and the cutting-edge MMI touch operating concept that keeps occupants connected.

Smartphone

The MMI is a new Audi touch screen interface where everything is controlled though the touch screen. With its new MMI touch system, the Audi A5 Cabriolet offers drivers what Audi calls, “an experience similar to a contemporary Smartphone.”

A 10.1-inch touch display with acoustic feedback replaces the rotary pushbutton used in previous models. The graphics are clean and reduced; the menu structure reflects the expectations of the user. The MMI search is based on free text input and returns relevant hits very rapidly. It’s a feature that some drivers will love, while other’s may not. There’s also a Natural-language voice control that understands many derivations from everyday speech. The one in our test vehicle was a bit problematic and had trouble understanding our driver, which proved to be more frustrating than convenient.

In front of the driver, the updated Cabriolet has a new main dashboard with increased computing power. The driver controls the full-HD, 12.3-inch display (1,920 x 720 pixels) of the Audi virtual cockpit via the multifunction steering wheel and can choose between three different views. With functions on demand, the customer will be able to access their car’s features at any time using the myAudi app.

The car’s track has been adjusted and the chassis has been reengineered and stiffened up for better grip when cornering. This Cabriolet might not be as racy as its high performance variant, the Audi V-6–powered S5, or even the remarkable BMW 440i, but there are still lots to like about the new A5.

Interior and Comfort

The A5’s interior is stylish, modern, and well built; it’s also very comfortable, at least for front seat passengers — the rear seat is a bit snug for anyone who is larger than a stout Leprechaun.

The rear seat of the updated Audi A5 Cabriolet accommodates two adults and a wind deflector is standard. The A5’s convertible top is available in red, gray, black and brown. In a unique twist, the Cabriolet version of the A5 also features microphones integrated into each front seat belt to ensure clarity and quality when making phone calls and when operating the voice control function. It’s supposed to work even when the roof is down.

It’s an Audi

Audi has always been synonymous with quality and the A5 doesn’t disappoint. At first glance, the A5’s interior exudes a look of excellence. In our test car, finely grained, soft touch plastics mingled with brushed aluminum trim, which helped create an outstanding interior.

As you slip behind the leather-wrapped steering wheel, a motorized arm pushes the seatbelt forward to within easy reach of your right shoulder and left hand. The seats are somewhat narrow, but provide plenty of comfort and support for short hauls or even long highway journeys, and an adjustable thigh extension should satisfy even the longest of legs. Everything looks and feels beautifully crafted, durable, and solid, which is everything you’d expect from an Audi.

Hot Looks

On the new A5 Cabriolet, Audi has done a major upgrade on the exterior. The actual design of the Audi A5 Cabriolet is based on the exterior of the A5 Coupé. Both vehicles now reveal an elegant architecture with their new, sharp, and distinct accents.

The body of the A5 is some 50mm longer than the previous versions. The new Audi’s front end, in particular, gives off an even more powerful look. The “Singleframe” (essentially, the front grill) with the honeycomb is flatter and somewhat wider than before. Ventilation slits above the grille are suggestive of the classic Audi Sport Quattro from 1984. A bold blade forms the lower edge of the bumper, which features larger air inlets. A new sill provides for a slimmer appearance when viewed from the side. New, trapezoidal tailpipes help give the back of the car a wider, more aggressive look.

Besides the exterior changes, Audi also took the opportunity to upgrade some of the equipment of the A5 Cabriolet. The car now comes with premium Matrix LED headlights (was full LED only) and LED rear lights featuring dynamic turn indicators as standard equipment for Singapore.

Pin Drop

The Cabriolet has a classic lightweight cloth top, which has been designed as a sort of “acoustic hood.” With its three layers of fabric, it keeps interior noise extremely low. The top opens and closes fully automatically at the push of a button. The mechanism will even operate when driving at speeds up to 50 km/h if the rear seat is unoccupied. When open, the top is stowed in a movable tray that ensures a large luggage compartment is always available. It has a volume of 310 liters with the top down, 370 liters with the top up, which is still respectable storage. The split rear seat backs automatically fold forward when unlocked.

The 2021 Audi A5 Cabriolet is priced at $261,630 inclusive of COE and VES. When you think of all the heads you’ll turn with this romantic, stylish, and capable Cabriolet… it just might be worth the investment.