Audi S5 Cabriolet

Convertible 2009–2023 333–354 hp Petrol Turbo

The Audi S5 Cabriolet is the definitive premium performance convertible — four real seats, quattro AWD, and a turbocharged six-cylinder engine that makes open-top driving genuinely exciting.

354

Horsepower (B9)

5.1s

0–100 km/h

250km/h

Top Speed (limited)

2009

Year Introduced

Overview

The Audi S5 Cabriolet was introduced in 2009 as the performance variant of the A5 Cabriolet, replacing the S4 Cabriolet which Audi had not offered in the A5 generation. The first-generation B8 S5 Cabriolet (2009–2016) was powered by a 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 producing 333 hp, paired with a 7-speed S tronic and quattro AWD. The supercharger's instant torque delivery — 440 Nm from just 2,900 rpm — gave the S5 Cabriolet a distinctly different character from turbocharged competitors: smooth, linear power with no perceptible lag. The fabric soft-top lowered in 15 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h, maintaining practicality for spontaneous open-air decisions.

The second-generation B9 S5 Cabriolet (2017–2023) brought a significant upgrade: the 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 was replaced by a twin-turbocharged 3.0 TFSI producing 354 hp, with torque rising to 500 Nm available from 1,370 rpm. The 0–100 km/h time improved from 5.3 seconds to 5.1 seconds, and the driving character became more aggressive — the turbo V6 delivers its power with more urgency than the smoothly progressive supercharger. The B9 also introduced the virtual cockpit, a significantly improved MMI infotainment system, and subtly more muscular styling that better distinguished the S5 Cabriolet from the standard A5.

In Azerbaijan, the S5 Cabriolet occupies a unique niche — it is the only four-seat performance convertible with quattro AWD available in the premium segment, a combination that makes it year-round capable in a way that RWD convertibles cannot match. Import examples arrive primarily from Germany via the UAE, with prices ranging from $28,000 for a clean B8 Cabriolet to $55,000+ for a low-mileage B9. Baku's warm climate and the numerous scenic coastal roads make the S5 Cabriolet an attractive proposition, and its quattro system provides the confidence needed for Azerbaijan's variable road surfaces.

S5 Cabriolet in Pictures

Visual references for exterior styling, cabin design, and key details. Images fall back gracefully on load error.

Audi S5 Cabriolet B9 — 354 hp turbocharged six meets open-air luxury

S5 Cabriolet B8 (2009–2016) — 333 hp naturally aspirated V6 with 3.0 supercharger

S5 Cabriolet — the convertible body that perfectly balances GT and sports car

S5 Cabriolet rear — quad exhausts and the elegant open-top silhouette

Key Specifications

Body: 4-seat 2-door fabric soft-top convertible
Engine: 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 (B8, 333 hp) | 3.0 TFSI biturbo V6 (B9, 354 hp)
Torque: 440 Nm at 2,900 rpm (B8) | 500 Nm from 1,370 rpm (B9)
Transmission: 7-speed S tronic (B8) | 8-speed Tiptronic (B9)
Drive: quattro AWD (all variants)
0–100 km/h: 5.3 seconds (B8) | 5.1 seconds (B9)
Top speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited, both generations)
Boot: 380 litres (roof up) | Kerb weight: 1,895 kg (B9)

Variant Comparison

Variant	Engine	Power	Drive	Best For
S5 Cabriolet B8 (2009–2016)	3.0 TFSI supercharged V6	333 hp	quattro AWD	Budget-conscious buyers who want the S5 Cabriolet experience at a lower entry price — supercharger smoothness is a unique character trait
S5 Cabriolet B8 Facelift (2012–2016)	3.0 TFSI supercharged V6	333 hp	quattro AWD	Facelift buyers who want refreshed styling and minor technology upgrades without moving to the B9 generation
S5 Cabriolet B9 (2017–2023)	3.0 TFSI V6 biturbo	354 hp	quattro AWD	The complete modern S5 Cabriolet — more power, better technology, and improved efficiency in the most polished package

Competitor Snapshot

Model	Strength	Compromise
BMW 4 Series Convertible M440i	More driver-focused, stronger M brand recognition in Baku, available with manual gearbox option	No AWD option, smaller rear cabin, generally harder to source in Azerbaijan
Mercedes-Benz C 43 AMG Cabrio	AMG character, distinctive exhaust note, strong Mercedes brand presence locally	Higher AMG running costs, less AWD capability, AMG parts more expensive in Azerbaijan
Porsche 718 Boxster S	More engaging pure sports car experience, lighter weight, more precise dynamics	Only two seats, significantly more expensive, less practical for any real-world use

Cost-of-Ownership Estimator (Azerbaijan)

Annual distance (km)Fuel consumption (L/100km)Fuel price ($/L)Annual service budget ($)Annual insurance ($)Annual tires ($)

Annual fuel use: 1140 litres
Annual fuel cost: $741
Total yearly estimate: $4741
Monthly average: $395

B8 S5 Cabriolet supercharger belt service is required every 60,000 km — do not neglect this service as belt failure causes expensive ancillary damage.
The soft-top fabric should be treated with a waterproofing agent annually and the mechanism lubricated every 30,000 km to prevent premature wear.
The 3.0 TFSI (both generations) benefits from a premium fully-synthetic 5W-30 oil and shorter service intervals of 7,500–10,000 km rather than the factory-stated 15,000 km.

Maintenance & Service in Azerbaijan

Oil service every 7,500–10,000 km — the 3.0 TFSI is sensitive to oil quality and degrades oil faster at performance operation levels.
B8 supercharger belt replacement at 60,000 km — critical service item, failure causes major engine damage.
Soft-top mechanism inspection and lubrication every 30,000 km — covers motor, hinges, and sealing strips.
S tronic or Tiptronic fluid service at 60,000 km — the automatic gearbox must be correctly maintained for smooth operation.
Annual soft-top fabric treatment — UV exposure in Azerbaijan's climate accelerates fabric deterioration without protection.

Used S5 Cabriolet Buying Checklist

Test soft-top through full cycle — listen for motor strain or hesitation which may indicate worn mechanism components.
Inspect soft-top fabric for UV fading, tears at the edges, or poor sealing around the windscreen frame.
Check for water ingress in boot and cabin corners — particularly around the A-pillars and rear bulkhead.
B8 models: verify supercharger operation by listening for any whine change or hesitation under acceleration.
Test quattro AWD by applying full throttle on a loose or damp surface — power distribution should be smooth and controlled.
Confirm all infotainment, virtual cockpit (B9), and S-specific driving modes operate correctly.

S5 Cabriolet FAQ — Azerbaijan Buyers

Q: What is the difference between the B8 and B9 S5 Cabriolet?

The B8 uses a 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 (333 hp) with a 7-speed S tronic — smooth, linear power delivery and the distinctive supercharger whine under hard acceleration. The B9 switches to a 3.0 TFSI biturbo (354 hp) with an 8-speed Tiptronic — more powerful, slightly more fuel efficient, and more aggressive in its power delivery. The B9 also brings a significantly superior interior with virtual cockpit, improved MMI, and more advanced driver assistance technology.

Q: Can the S5 Cabriolet be used year-round in Baku?

Absolutely — the S5 Cabriolet's quattro AWD and heated seats make it comfortable in Baku's mild winters. The soft-top provides excellent insulation when closed, and the wind deflector reduces turbulence when driving with the roof down at speed. Avoid opening the roof in temperatures below 5°C to protect the fabric and plastic rear window.

Q: How does the S5 Cabriolet compare to the Mercedes-Benz C 43 AMG Cabrio?

The C 43 AMG offers a more distinctive AMG exhaust note and fractionally more drama. The S5 Cabriolet counters with quattro AWD's year-round capability, a slightly larger cabin, and typically better long-term reliability in the Azerbaijani market. Both are equally matched in performance; the choice often comes down to brand preference.

Q: Is the S5 Cabriolet practical as a primary car?

For two adults, yes — the S5 Cabriolet offers 380 litres of boot space with the roof up and comfortable front seats for long journeys. The rear seats accommodate adults for shorter trips but are limited for sustained motorway journeys. As a GT convertible for a couple, it is an outstanding everyday car in Baku's climate.

Q: What should I budget for an S5 Cabriolet in Azerbaijan?

B8 S5 Cabriolets range from $25,000–35,000 for well-maintained examples. The B9 generation starts from $40,000 for lower-mileage cars and rises to $55,000+ for fully specified recent examples. All are privately imported — factor in 20–35% on top of European list prices for import duties and shipping.

Should You Buy the Audi S5 Cabriolet?

The S5 Cabriolet is the most capable and complete performance convertible available in Baku.

The Audi S5 Cabriolet is a car for buyers who refuse the compromise between performance and open-air pleasure. Its combination of 354 hp, quattro AWD, four genuine seats, and premium Audi refinement makes it uniquely positioned in Azerbaijan's market — where comparable performance convertibles are either significantly more expensive or significantly less practical. For Baku's sunshine-rich climate and scenic coastal roads, the S5 Cabriolet delivers an experience that is difficult to match at any price. If the import cost fits your budget, it is one of the most rewarding and distinctive cars available in Azerbaijan today.