by Aiden Eksteen
There are many premium cars out there that cater to thrill and pleasure seekers alike, but the 2021 Audi A5 Convertible makes a concerted effort to appease those coveting sugar and spice. While $50,400 is a lot to drop on a premium vehicle, the A5 Convertible, with its sophisticated and contemporary aesthetic, opulent and featureful cabin, and serene driving experience, distinctly exhibits its value. This year, the compact 2-door drop-top debuts with an enhanced version of its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine, which is now augmented with a 12-volt mild-hybrid system for 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, up 13 hp over the prior setup. In comparison to some of its core contenders, the BMW 4 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class convertibles in particular, the A5 Convertible isn't the sportiest or most engaging, but what it lacks in performance, it makes up for in luxury and refinement.
For 2021, the Audi A5 Convertible has received quite a number of updates, the most important being the addition of a 12-volt mild-hybrid system to the four-pot powertrain. Along with the electric assistance is an increase of 13 horsepower over the previous model. Lane departure warning is now standard on the base model, and the Premium Plus spec welcomes adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, a hands-on detection steering wheel, and a top-view camera system to the standard features list.
See trim levels and configurations:
Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Premium 45 TFSI quattro |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
|
7-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$50,400 |
Prestige 45 TFSI quattro |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
|
7-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$50,400 |
Premium Plus 45 TFSI quattro |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
|
7-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$50,400 |
In the 2021 Audi A5 Convertible, a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 gas engine is appointed to provide impetus with outputs of 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. A 7-speed automatic transmission cedes those outputs to the A5 Convertible's quattro all-wheel drive setup. This year's engine produces 13 hp more than last years by virtue of a 12-volt mild-hybrid system augmenting the powertrain. Power from the engine is more than ample for peppy and consistent acceleration and throttle responses are lively throughout the rev range.
NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.
Though not the most exhilarating or engaging drop-top out there, the second-generation 2021 A5 Convertible is, without doubt, one of the most luxurious at its price. That's not to say that it isn't enjoyable to drive, as its turbo-four motor does provide plenty of gusto while its AWD setup and finely-tuned suspension keep it confidently composed around corners and, most importantly, resolutely comfortable on the road. There's plenty of value to accrue from the 2021 Audi A5 Convertible at its price of $50,400, in its performance specifications, features and technology, and in its upscale design and impeccable build quality. We do, however, feel that the base model could be offered with a better selection of driver assists and safety features. Nevertheless, though the 2021 Audi A5 Convertible hasn't undergone review by USA's road safety authorities, the fundamentally similar coupe variant did, scoring excellently overall. In review, the A5 Convertible is an excellent premium cruiser for its focus on the luxury and leisure side of driving.
With its price slotting in almost perfectly between the entry-spec Premium and the top-spec Prestige, the mid-tier Premium Plus is the optimal model to go for in terms of what it offers in creature comforts, conveniences, and tech at its price. Over the Premium, the Plus sports fancier Matrix-design LED headlights, comes with Audi's remarkable virtual cockpit plus, and gets adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam assist, Audi active lane assist, and top view camera system. The Premium Plus also comes standard with the Conveniences Package, which includes desirable features such as a heated steering wheel, a full parking system, and more.
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