2024 Audi A5 Convertible

　　

2024 Audi A5 Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　The 2024 Audi A5 is nearly a class by itself. Though related to Audi's A4 small sedan, the A5 comes in coupe, convertible and four-door hatchback body styles. Most luxury automakers have given up on offering two-door cars, but the A5 continues to impress with its understated style, refined interior, standard all-wheel drive and many available advanced technology features.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Audi A5 Premium S line 2dr Convertible AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$168/mo  for A5 Premium S line

　　A5 Premium S line

　　Premium S line 2dr Convertible AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $54,900 MSRPPremium Plus S line 2dr Convertible AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) (Most Popular) - $59,000 MSRPPrestige S line 2dr Convertible AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $64,000 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　

zzdcar spotlight: The A5's changes for 2024

The A5 is about due for a new look, but it won't be this year. Instead, the sporty coupe, convertible and compact four-door styles get a handful of new standard features, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, parking sensors and a heated steering wheel. The navigation system is also updated with traffic sign recognition. Such complacency might raise an eyebrow in more competitive, faster-moving segments, but sporty coupes are few. Drivers seeking even bigger thrills can even opt for the higher-performance S5 and RS 5 models, which are reviewed separately on zzdcar.

　　

Competitors to consider

The BMW 4 Series is the A5's closest analog, a sporty German compact also available in coupe, convertible and four-door hatchback styles. It's a notch better balanced and more engaging than the Audi, but not enough to matter. The aging Lexus RC 300 and RC 350 are more affordable coupe alternatives, but they're slower and offer even less rear seat space.

　　

Which A5 does zzdcar recommend?

The base A5 is nicely equipped, but not surprisingly, it doesn't offer many options. The midlevel Premium Plus offers the best bang for the buck, adding extra features such as upgraded driver display, a wireless phone charger, and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system. Blind-spot warning and a surround-view camera are also included, while navigation, ventilated front seats and 19-inch wheels are among several options.

　　

Audi A5 models

The 2024 Audi A5 comes in three body styles: coupe, convertible (called Cabriolet) and a four-door hatchback (which Audi calls the Sportback). Each body style offers three trim levels: base Premium, midlevel Premium Plus trim and range-topping Prestige. Coupe and convertible models come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (261 horsepower, 273 lb-ft of torque). Audi calls this engine the 45 TFSI. The Sportback is available with the same engine or a less expensive, detuned version (40 TFSI) rated at 201 hp and 236 lb-ft. Both engines pair with a seven-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. Keep reading for our breakdown of the A5's significant standard features and options.

　　Premium

　　The A5's base trim comes well equipped with standard features, including:

　　18-inch alloy wheels LED headlights Panoramic sunroof (coupe and Sportback) Power liftgate (Sportback) Sport suspension (45 TFSI engine) Leather upholstery Power-adjustable and heated front sport seats Three-zone automatic climate control Heated steering wheel Ambient cabin lightingTechnology and driver assist features include:

　　10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen 7-inch digital gauges display Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity Forward collision mitigation (warns you of impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Lane keeping assistance (steers the A5 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker) Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the A5 and the car in front) Front and rear parking sensors The optional Convenience package adds:

　　Auto-dimming side mirrors Keyless entry Driver's seat memory Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)Premium Plus

　　Moving up to the Premium Plus builds on the Premium trim by adding Convenience package features along with:

　　Power-folding side mirrors 12.3-inch digital instrument display Synthetic leather-wrapped center console and armrests Wireless charging pad with a signal booster Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the A5 and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Bang & Olufsen premium audio system Prestige

　　The Prestige trim maxes out on tech and comfort with:

　　Matrix LED headlights enhanced with animations, laser lighting and headlight washers Heated rear seats (Sportback) Neck heaters (Cabriolet) Navigation system with traffic sign recognition Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield) Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)Additional packages and single feature options include:

　　Navigation system with traffic sign recognition Black Optic package (19-inch wheels, aluminum and black accents, red brake calipers) S Line Interior package (brushed aluminum inlays, leather and synthetic suede upholstery) Ventilated front seats 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system Rear side airbags (Sportback)

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