2022 Audi S5 Cabriolet

The 2022 Audi S5 Cabriolet soft-top convertible is much like the previous model year, except for new standard carbon fiber-look interior accents and 19-inch double-arm design wheels, which replace previous standard 18-inch tires.

Engine and Performance

The S5 Cabriolet comes with a 3.0 TFSI V6 engine that provides 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. An energy recuperation system includes engine start-stop improves the fuel efficiency on this powerful performance engine. Power is carried to the wheels through an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission and Audi’s “quattro” all-wheel drive system

My tester did 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, which does more than enough to validate the engine’s performance numbers. During the drive my observed mileage was 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Interior Technology

To cut down road and wind noise, the S5 Cabriolet features an acoustic folding roof made from sound-reducing materials.

The friendly interior design features high quality fit and finish, including soft-touch, expensive feeling materials.

The Audi MMI 10.1-inch touch display is the user interface to the infotainment system with Android Auto and Wireless Apple CarPlay support. The sound system also supports Bluetooth audio streaming.

Behind the steering wheel is the driver information system on a 7-inch color display. I was pleasantly surprised at the large letters and numbers that presented vital driver information. Just a casual glance quickly relayed timely info like time, temperature, speed, mileage, distance traveled, etc. It’s something you are more likely to find on a much larger sedan, rather than in a smart, prissy, quick vehicle with the top down.

The Fine Nappa leather seats are heated and ventilated. There was LED interior lighting, three-zone automatic climate control with digital rear display, and seatbelt microphones to better pick up voices with the roof open.

Driving the vehicle was sheer joy, especially since the driver seems to control everything with the three-spoke, heated steering wheel with shift paddles.

Safety/Convenience

The Audi S5 has numerous standard safety options like Rearview Camera, Lane Departure Warning, and electronic stabilization control (ESC). Electronic vehicle immobilization and Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system are also included.

Audi’s dynamic steering changes the steering wheel response depending on the vehicle speed. At high speeds, the steering ratio becomes less direct to smooth out choppy movements. Because of some issues, some drivers have recommended staying with the standard fixed-ratio steering setup. The standard three-zone climate air helps keep driver and passengers comfortable and refreshed.

This convertible coupe easily holds four bags as cargo, and the low lift-over height and wide trunk opening makes loading items in the cargo bay an easy affair.

It was comfortable sitting inside. A touch of a button lowered and raised the top. The literature says it will work safely driving 30 miles per hour, but I didn’t try.

This is only the second convertible I have driven this year. The S5 Cabriolet felt good inside and looked great outside with its District Green metallic color.

The day I got the car, the weather was just great. Much like Goldilocks’ porridge, it was just right. The highways around Dallas were all busy. People and their cars were everywhere. Everyone was friendly as I passed or was passed, many showing great approval of the good-looking Cabriolet.

I got off the I-20 at Duncanville and quickly found a large city park. The baseball field had many fans in the bleachers watching two teams of what looked like 5th or 6th graders playing ball. The basketball court also had many players, but didn’t appear to be too organized — once a boy got the ball, he shot, never passing.

The park’s small lake was surrounded by several guys fishing, with many other folks in folding chairs or at picnic tables eating and talking. Friendly ducks strutted around quacking for scraps.

Everyone noticed the car when I drove up and parked. Many waved and I honked a reply. Several came over to look, take photos, and ask about the car.

One young fellow asked me why an old man was driving such a cool car. I replied, “Because I wanted to feel cool again,” as I turned up the music from the Goldie Oldies station on satellite radio.

The MSRP for the 2022 Audi S5 Cabriolet starts at $63,400 for the Premium model. Higher up the the ladder are the $67,000 Premium Plus and $71,500 Prestige models.

Warranty/Maintenance
4 year/50,000 miles Basic Warranty
4 year/50,000 miles Drivetrain Warranty
12 years/unlimited mileage Corrosion Perforation Warranty
4 years/unlimited mileage Roadside Assistance

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected].