Audi RS5 Cabriolet
What is it
The Audi engineers back at the firm’s quattro GmbH Neckarsulm factory base have been flexing their go-faster know-how again, this time on the Audi A5 cabriolet, turning it into a hand-crafted Audi RS5 Cabriolet.
At the heart of the RS5 Cabriolet is a hand-built 4.2-litre V8 engine that makes a sensational growly hard-edged wail that just begs for the hood to be down and for you to be driving through a tunnel.
It is an aural delight.
It is also fast, walloping 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds (almost as fast at the R8 sports coupe with which it shares its engine).
So it’s a seriously fast car you can drive with the hood down – and you’ll be one of very few for the £68,985 you’ll pay for an RS5 Cabriolet. Just 100 models are coming in each year. So exclusivity is guaranteed.
What’s hot
- The V8 engine makes a glorious noise
- It’s fearsomely fast – thankfully it has exceptional brakes to stop it, too
- And there’s quattro four-wheel drive to help you keep it all on the road and make the most of the V8’s 450PS output
- The fabric hood can be raised and lowered while on the move at up to 31mph
- And with our dithering British climate, you won’t get wet: the automatic hood lowering takes 15 seconds; auto raising 17 seconds
- You won’t get cold with the hood down either – there’s head-level heating
- RS package includes 19 inch 10-spoke alloys and 20mm lowered suspension
- Optional Sports Package (£2250) adds niceties such as sports exhaust, 20 inch alloys, dynamic steering, and Dynamic Ride Control, saving £2915 on specifying the items individually
- Sports seats are brilliantly comfortable…
What’s not
- …but unfortunately those sports seats, with fine Nappa leather, cost an extra £1753
- Frequent visits to the fuel filling station with 26.4mpg (but with an engine like that, don’t expect to get near it!)
- Top rate company car tax
- High running costs
- Pot holes with those eye-catching 20 inch alloy wheels
Business Car Manager Road Test Verdict
The sound from the RS5 Cabriolet’s V8 engine is something to be treasured – a noise to be repeated again and again and again…
The car is beautifully built, and wonderfully executed. If very niche.
So if you are successfully self-employed, and want to spoil yourself in a stand out business car, then this really is a very good way to do just that.
The Low Down…
Doors and body style | 2-door cabriolet |
Engine/gearbox | 4.2 V8 petrol/7speed S tronic auto |
CO2 Emissions | 249g/km |
Economy | 26.4mpg |
Power/torque | 450PS/430Nm |
0-62mph/top speed | 4.9 secs/155mph |
Insurance group | 45 |
…and what it costs
P11D Value | £68,985 |
Monthly business rental (ex VAT) | £1148 (3yrs/30,000 miles) |
Road tax (VED) | Band L |
Company Car Tax Bands 2013/14 to 2015/16 | 35%, 35%, 37% |
Benefit in kind 2013/14 to 2015/16 | £23,832, £23,832, £25,193 |
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%) | £1477/£123 |
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%) | £2594/£216 |
Annual/monthly company car tax (20%) | £4766/£397 |
Annual/monthly company car tax (40%) | £9533/£794 |
Figures correct at time of posting | |
For latest figures | Use our company car tax calculator |