2017 Audi A5 Convertible
Pros
- Classic styling that has stood the test of time
- The interior is a fine example of elegant simplicity
- Standard all-wheel drive and sharp handling instill confidence
Cons
- Power from the 2.0-liter engine is adequate but unimpressive
- Certain high-tech features are not offered on the aging A5
2017 Audi A5 Convertible pricing
in Ashburn, VAEdmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
Nine years is a long time for a car to go without a redesign. In the case of the 2017 Audi A5, it's a testament to how well it was designed in the first place. With a replacement on the horizon, this outgoing A5 remains a solid choice among luxury coupes thanks to its timeless styling inside and out, as well as its impeccable balance of performance and comfort.
As well as it has held up over time, there are signs of age. The more advanced features available on rivals are not offered, and where the Audi once held an advantage, it's now considered average. If you're looking for the latest high-tech features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and frontal collision mitigation, you're out of luck with the 2017 Audi A5. Performance is also merely average for the class, though still plenty capable when you consider that all-wheel drive is standard.
If the latest features are what you crave, it's worth checking out some of the A5's chief competitors like the BMW 4 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe.
Standard safety features for all 2017 Audi A5 models include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front and rear parking sensors and front-seat side and knee airbags. The coupe further benefits from full-length side curtain airbags. A blind-spot monitor is optional.
In Edmunds brake testing, the A5 coupe with the 19-inch wheels and summer tires came to a stop from 60 mph in 108 feet. It's an impressively short distance but about what we expect from similar vehicles.
Trim levels & features
The 2017 Audi A5 is a four-passenger luxury coupe that is also available as a cabriolet (convertible). The higher-performing S5 is covered in a separate model review.
The sole A5 Sport trim includes 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, headlight washers, LED running lights, rain-sensing wipers, heated mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, a sunroof, a rear spoiler, tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, 10-way power adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar, split-folding rear seats, a universal garage door opener, Bluetooth and a 10-speaker stereo with satellite radio and iPhone input. The cabriolet adds a power-folding cloth top and a wind blocker.
Options are bundled in packages and include the Convenience package (keyless entry/ignition, auto-dimming mirrors, heated front seats), Sport package (a sport-tuned suspension, selectable drive modes, a black headliner, front sport seats), Black Optic package (19-inch gloss black wheels with summer tires and black exterior trim) and the Technology package (adaptive headlights, a blind-spot monitor, a color trip computer screen, a navigation system, a rearview camera, Audi's MMI infotainment system with a controller mounted on the center console, Google maps and services, a Wi-Fi hotspot and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo with CD/DVD player).
Powering the Audi A5 is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the coupe while an eight-speed automatic is standard on the convertible and optional on the coupe.
In Edmunds testing, the A5 with the manual transmission accelerated to 60 mph in a class-average 6.3 seconds.
The EPA estimates fuel economy at 26 mpg combined (22 mpg city/32 mpg highway) for the manual transmission. The automatic is rated at 25 mpg combined (21 city/30 highway) for the coupe and 24 mpg combined (21 city/29 highway) for the convertible. These estimates are better than the class average.
Driving
The 2017 Audi A5 instills cornering confidence with its well-tuned suspension and standard all-wheel drive. Whether it's a rain-slicked road or a challenging mountain switchback, the sleek coupe tracks predictably flat right where the driver intends. Adding the optional Sport package firms up the ride somewhat, but not at the expense of ride comfort.
Power from the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is adequate, but not impressive. Drivers with a healthier appetite for performance would do well to check out the more powerful S5 model. Still, the A5 remains a well-balanced choice for comfort, luxury and athleticism that will satisfy the majority of drivers.
Interior
As is the case with the 2017 Audi A5's exterior, its interior has stood the test of time and continues to impress with its elegant simplicity and excellent materials. Most controls are logically placed and all buttons and knobs have a quality feel. It loses some points for the lack of a USB port, opting instead for a proprietary cable that only supports the latest Apple devices.
Front passengers will appreciate the well shaped seats that provide plenty of support over extended trips. More performance-oriented drivers will likely enjoy the added side bolstering of the optional sport seats. Rear seat passengers on the other hand, will find the child-sized accommodations lacking in head and legroom. The convertible top does get high marks for its quick operation and ability to keep out wind and road noise.
Cargo capacity for the coupe comes to 12.2 cubic feet, which is smaller than rivals. The convertible takes away another two cubic feet, but the folding rear seats offer good overflow space.
Top consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2017 Audi A5.
Features & Specs
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See your car's valueAhead of a major redesign next year, the 2017 Audi A5 remains a viable choice for shoppers in the market for a luxury coupe that capably manages to strike a balance between comfort and sportiness. With standard all-wheel drive, a well-appointed interior, nimble handling and decent fuel economy, the A5 proves it can still compete effectively with its class rivals.
The 2018 A5 is scheduled to arrive with a new exterior design, resculpted interior, new engine choices and updated technology, so changes for 2017 are minimal. The S line body kit and parking sensors are now standard for all models. A Convenience package includes heated seats and auto-dimming, heated side mirrors, and the Black Optic package adds 19-inch black wheels and high-gloss black exterior trim.
The only powerplant is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque and comes mated to a six-speed manual transmission. An eight-speed automatic is available as an option. Buyers who choose the convertible version of the A5 get the automatic transmission as standard equipment.
Although it's aging, the interior of the A5 still stands out. The materials are first-class. Audi has laid out the controls logically and included such luxury touches as leather seats, three-zone automatic climate control and a premium sound system. There's plenty of room for two occupants and a reasonable amount of luggage, although rear seat passengers might find the accommodations a bit snug.
Since the A5's last significant update was in 2012, some shoppers may find technology to be a weakness in the current model. It lacks some of the latest active safety features, such as automatic braking, although it does have a standard rearview camera. Items such as blind-spot monitoring are available as part of the Technology package. Bluetooth smartphone connectivity is standard, but rather than a USB port, the A5 only provides an iPhone cable.
The A5's all-wheel-drive system and sophisticated four-link suspension contribute to a well-mannered, solid driving experience. The overall feel is weighted more toward comfort than outright cornering ability, but buyers can tick the Sport package box for a bit more firmness and choose the Drive Select system, which provides driver-adjustable suspension, transmission and throttle settings. Most buyers will find the standard engine adequate enough, but those in the market for more performance might want to check out the Audi S5 with its 333-horsepower supercharged V6.
Fuel economy for the A5 with the six-speed manual gearbox is 26 mpg combined (23 city/32 highway), and with the eight-speed automatic transmission, the rating drops just a bit to 25 mpg combined (22 city/30 highway).
Offered in only one trim level, the A5 comes quite well equipped in standard form, with features that include heated seats, a premium sound system, automatic headlights and alloy wheels. A variety of packages and standalone options allow buyers to personalize their vehicles with many comfort and convenience accessories. Let Edmunds help you find the 2017 Audi A5 that best meets your needs.
2017 Audi A5 Convertible Overview
What do people think of the 2017 Audi A5 Convertible?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Audi A5 Convertible and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 A5 Convertible 3 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 A5 Convertible.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Audi A5 Convertible and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 A5 Convertible featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Read our full review of the 2017 Audi A5 Convertible here.Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2017 Audi A5 Convertible and all available trim types. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2017 Audi A5 Convertible include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2017 Audi A5?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
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