Audi A5 - F57 Convertible (2017-2020): Redefining Open-Top Luxury
If you’re shopping for an open-air cruiser that nails the daily stuff without dulling the weekend magic, the Audi A5 F57 Convertible deserves a proper look. I’ve spent time with this generation—roof up on grim commuter mornings, roof down on coastal runs—and it’s the balance that sticks with you. Smart, subtle luxury; enough pace to make backroads interesting; and a cabin that feels hewn, not hyped.
Before we dive in: yes, this is the Audi A5 Convertible from 2017–2020—the same machine plenty of owners kit out with tailored mats and accessories. If you’re hunting those, the links here will help, including the specific A5 F57 Convertible page.
Why the Audi A5 F57 Convertible still hits the sweet spot
I noticed right away how tight and quiet the A5 feels with the fabric top up—enough to make you forget there’s canvas above your head. Drop the roof and it’s civilized, not shouty. Wind management is excellent, especially with the wind deflector fitted, and the ride stays composed even on dodgy city tarmac. Think comfy shoes, not track spikes.
Steering? Accurate, light in Comfort, just weighty enough in Dynamic. It’s the sort of car that encourages detours after work. And when I tried it on rough roads, the structure felt impressively rigid for a ragtop—very little shake, just a muted thud over bigger potholes. That matters more than a 0–60 number you’ll brag about twice and never use again.
Audi A5 F57 Convertible: engines and performance
- A5 2.0 TFSI (quattro): around 248 hp and 273 lb-ft (earlier cars listed 252 hp). Expect 0–60 mph in roughly 5.9–6.1 seconds.
- S5 3.0 TFSI V6 (quattro): about 354 hp and 369 lb-ft. 0–60 mph lands near the mid-4s.
- Transmission: a slick 7‑speed dual‑clutch (S tronic). Quick shifts, calm at highway speeds.
- Economy: in my hands the 2.0T managed high-20s mpg on longer drives; EPA ratings hover around 27 mpg combined, roof position be damned.
Real talk: the 2.0T is the smart pick for most. Strong mid-range torque, frugal enough for everyday, and it suits the A5’s relaxed-but-ready vibe. The S5? Delicious. If you want your boulevard with a side of backroad bite, that supercharged-like punch from the turbo V6 is addictive.
Audi A5 F57 Convertible: roof, refinement, and comfort
- Acoustic soft top: one-button operation, opens in about 15 seconds, closes in roughly 18, and can be operated at low speeds (up to around 31 mph).
- Cabin hush: quiet enough to hear your playlist—kids arguing in the back too, if you’re packing a family.
- Seats: beautifully shaped up front, with good long-haul support. Rear space is fine for two average adults on shorter trips.
- Tech: Audi’s Virtual Cockpit remains one of the best digital clusters out there. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are on board, and the top-spec audio (Bang & Olufsen) is lovely with the roof up and surprisingly resilient with it down.
Cabin and practicality: “use it every day” friendly
Trunk space sits around the 9–10 cubic-foot mark depending on top position; enough for a couple of overnight bags or a slim stroller. The rear backrests fold to swallow skis (perfect for Alpine quickies if you’re brave), and the cabin cubbies are sensible if not huge. Quirk alert: the cupholders feel more espresso than Big Gulp.
Audi A5 F57 Convertible vs the world
Specs vary by market and model year; treat the below as the ballpark numbers owners actually feel on the road:
| Model (2017–2020) | Power/torque | 0–60 mph | Combined mpg (approx.) | Trunk (cu ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A5 2.0T Cabriolet (quattro) | ~248 hp / 273 lb-ft | ~6.0 s | ~27 mpg | ~9–10 |
| BMW 430i Convertible | ~248 hp / 258 lb-ft | ~6.0 s | ~27 mpg | ~7–9 |
| Mercedes-Benz C300 Cabriolet | ~255 hp / 273 lb-ft | ~6.2 s | ~26 mpg | ~8–10 |
The Audi’s trump card is polish. The way the steering, throttle, and chassis talk to each other feels considered. It’s not the loudest, but it’s frequently the one you’ll want to live with.
Accessories that make life easier
Owners I spoke to kept mentioning how easy the A5 is to keep fresh if you start with the right interior protection. The carpet is light in many specs and, well, life happens—sand, coffee, kids, dogs. This is where the aftermarket earns its keep.
Best Interior Accessories: AutoWin's Premium Floor Mats for the Audi A5 F57 Convertible
If you want tailored coverage for your Audi A5 F57 Convertible, the AutoWin sets I tried felt tough and looked factory-clean.
- Custom-fit patterns that actually cover the high-wear spots.
- Raised edges to trap sand and snow—beach days and winter runs sorted.
- Non-slip backing so the driver mat stays put.
- Easy to wipe down; a quick rinse and they’re back to new.
Best place to buy: the AutoWin Eshop
For Audi A5 F57 Convertible owners who want a one-and-done solution, the AutoWin Eshop has curated kits that match the car’s vibe. Click, choose trim, done.
Little quirks I clocked
- Infotainment: early cars rely on the rotary MMI controller; later ones add a more touch-focused interface. Both work, but the touch setup can mean more fingerprints than I’d like.
- Rear seat: usable, but adults will negotiate legroom on longer trips. Kids’ll be fine (and view-happy) most of the time.
- Ride on 19s: still comfy, though sharp-edged bumps are felt more. If your streets are cratered, consider 18s.
Verdict: the Audi A5 F57 Convertible is still a charmer
The Audi A5 F57 Convertible blends tasteful design, confident performance, and everyday civility better than most premium soft-tops of its era. It’s the luxury convertible you’ll actually daily—quiet commute one minute, sunset boulevard the next. And with a couple of smart accessories (those mats are a no-brainer), it keeps its showroom shine longer than you’d expect.
FAQ: Audi A5 F57 Convertible (2017–2020)
- How much does a used Audi A5 F57 Convertible cost? Prices vary by year, mileage, and spec. As a rough guide, you’ll see wide spreads—shop carefully and prioritize service history (especially roof maintenance and quattro fluid changes).
- What fuel economy can I expect? The 2.0T quattro typically returns mid-to-high 20s mpg combined on mixed driving. Long highway runs will flirt with 30 mpg if you’re gentle.
- Is there an S5 version? Yes—the S5 Cabriolet brings a 3.0‑liter turbo V6 with mid‑4s 0–60 performance, upgraded brakes, and a sportier chassis tune.
- How quick is the roof? Around 15 seconds to open, 18 to close, and it’ll operate at low speeds so you don’t have to pull over when the weather decides to misbehave.
- What should I check on a test drive? Listen for wind noise around the top seals, ensure the roof cycles smoothly, check all driver-assist sensors, and verify even tire wear—alignment matters on cabrios.
