Audi A5 Cabrio

Editorial

The Audi A5 Cabrio is a genre that's rare today: the classic convertible — a soft fabric roof instead of a heavy folding hardtop, a calm silhouette without sporty flourishes, and an interior that ages more slowly than fashion trends. Within the Audi A5 lineup, it sits between the practical A4 and the truly sporty RS versions — this is a car for those who value a lifestyle more than a stopwatch.

Behind the wheel of the A5 Cabrio, reviewers of the B9 generation agree on one thing: this is a comfort convertible, not an adrenaline machine. The suspension is tighter than the related sedan's, but elastic enough to absorb the larger bumps of Prague's cobblestones; the steering is precise, though not the most talkative; the chassis responds predictably, without provocations. That said, the 45 TFSI turbo engine is far from a formality — 245 hp confidently pulls the car through any city or highway scenario, and quattro all-wheel drive adds confidence on wet asphalt and mountain switchbacks. With the roof down, aerodynamic comfort remains impressive: the wind inside the cabin is manageable, and you can talk without raising your voice.

In the VertexRent fleet, the A5 Cabrio occupies the niche of the "first convertible" — a sensible place to start if you're trying out the open-top genre itself, rather than a specific model. All-wheel drive and all-season usability make it an honest cruiser for a continental climate, without compromises made for the sake of image.

In Detail

The unit in the VertexRent fleet is a 2020 model year (per the registration certificate), B9 generation (2017–2023), with a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline 45 TFSI engine rated at 245 hp, all-wheel drive (quattro), and a two-door soft-top convertible body for four. Top speed is 250 km/h, the standard factory limiter.

In practical terms, the A5 Cabrio is equally well suited to vacation moods along the Vltava embankments, to trying out the whole "life with an open roof" format before buying, and to relaxed countryside routes where all-wheel drive provides an extra margin of confidence in sudden rain. Current rental rates, deposit amount, and mileage limit are listed in the "Sazby" block and in the facts card on this same page.

The interior and equipment address comfort rather than racing needs: a modern infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support, comfortable sport seats, driver assistance and parking systems that are especially useful when maneuvering through the narrow streets of Prague's center. Specification may vary depending on the specific unit's configuration. The model's main selling point is the open-roof mechanism itself: a classic fabric folding system versus a heavy metal hardtop, which makes the A5 lighter and more compact when folded than competitors of earlier generations.

Audi A5 Cabrio vs Mercedes-AMG SL 43 — comfort against theater

Both cars park in the same "open roof" niche, but with different temperaments. The A5 Cabrio is a family comfort convertible: four full seats, quattro all-wheel drive, 245 hp, and a smooth gasoline turbo engine for relaxed cruising. The SL 43 is a rear-wheel-drive two-seat roadster with a 3.0-liter turbo M139 engine of substantially higher output (per the catalog specification — 4.9 seconds to a hundred versus the A5's smooth 245 hp). For a family trip and all-season comfort, the Audi makes more sense; for a theatrical outing for two, choose the Mercedes.

Comparison from the other side: Mercedes-Benz A200d AMG Line

What to check behind the wheel if you're considering buying a cabriolet

The A5 Cabrio is well suited to giving a sober answer to the question "do I actually need a convertible at all." Count how many times a day you actually lowered the roof — that's the most telling test of the genre. Check the noise level in the closed position on the highway: a soft roof behaves differently from metal, and it's better to learn your own comfort threshold in advance. Assess the rear seats and trunk against your specific scenarios — with the roof folded, trunk volume drops noticeably, so it's worth doing your own suitcase test. Feel out quattro in the rain: a convertible's all-season usability is usually underestimated until the first wet road. And compare expectations with reality: if after a day you find yourself wanting more power and adrenaline, this same fleet has the BMW M4 Competition Cabrio — but that's a different purchase budget.

Suggested Route

A comfort convertible suits a northward direction from Prague well — the wine landscapes of Litoměřice and the Elbe valley near Porta Bohemica: about an hour's drive, followed by the switchbacks of the Central Bohemian Uplands among the cones of extinct volcanoes. Along the way are the vineyards of Velké Žernoseky right by the river. The base daily mileage limit is enough for the compact part of the route with room to spare; on a longer rate, you can add a climb to Milešovka, the highest point of the Uplands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pick up the A5 Cabrio right at the airport?

Yes, car delivery is available throughout Prague, including Václav Havel Airport. The exact handover time and location are agreed upon when confirming the booking.

How does the Audi A5 Cabrio differ from the Mercedes-AMG SL 43 in the same fleet?

The A5 Cabrio is a family, all-wheel-drive convertible for four with a calmer gasoline turbo engine (245 hp). The SL 43 is a rear-wheel-drive two-seat roadster with more intense dynamics. The choice depends on whether you want a theatrical roadster for two or an all-season convertible for a group.

Is a higher level of driving experience required to rent a convertible of this class?

Age and experience requirements are the same across the entire VertexRent fleet: 21 years old and a minimum of 2 years of driving experience. There are no additional elevated requirements for the A5 Cabrio.

How long does it take to raise or lower the A5 Cabrio's roof?

The A5's electrically operated folding roof works quickly, within a few dozen seconds, and is controlled with a single button — you can lower and raise the roof at a traffic light without getting out of the car. The speed limit for this operation while moving is standard for the segment; confirm current conditions at handover.

Can this car be driven outside the Czech Republic?

Yes, subject to approval from the manager — this rule applies to the entire VertexRent fleet without exceptions by model: the deposit doubles from the standard amount for a cross-border trip (the figure is in the facts block on this same page). The direction and dates are agreed in advance when booking.