First Drive: 2014 Audi RS 5 Cabriolet

2014 Audi RS 5 Cabriolet. Click image to enlarge

Overall

4

Comfort

     

3/5

Performance

     

4.5/5

Fuel Economy

     

2/5

Interior

     

3/5

Exterior Styling

     

4/5

What this car comes down to is that glorious engine and superior drive train, plus Audi’s graceful styling (though here turned up for maximum aggression) and impeccable interior. Personally, I would trade the additional exposure to the V8’s vocal glory in favour of the structural rigidity of the coupe, but I’m more of a track day than waterfront cruise personality.

By the end of the second day winding through these memorable routes, we’d shaken down the RS 5 to its limits, and headed into our final destination as the sun set between Alpen peaks, the car and driver back in cruise mode and the scenery and mechanical soundtrack enveloping us in a contented, satisfying euphoria. This is a spectacular car for the sensory pleasures of a dynamic engine, sporting capability and enjoying an unfettered view even if it gives up some of the coupe’s performance edge.

Pricing: 2014 Audi RS 5 Cabriolet
Base Price: $89,500

Competitors:
BMW M3 Convertible
Infiniti G37 IPL Convertible
Lexus IS 350 C
Mercedes-Benz E 550 Convertible