Audi has introduced the RS 5 Cabriolet, a car that sun worshipers and enthusiasts are bound to drool over. 

Mixing pace with wind in your hair driving, the RS 5 Cabriolet is a direct rival for the BMW M3 Convertible M DCT. For many, driving dynamics and looks are going to be integral criteria as to which model they opt for, the precise feel of the M3’s steering being a particularly prominent fork in the road between the two.

Yet again the two German heavyweights of the car industry are going head-to-head. So, is the RS 5 Cabriolet a match for the BMW M3 Convertible M DCT? Read on to find out.

Performance

There may only be one engine in the Audi RS 5 Cabriolet, but as comedian Frank Carson used to say, "It's a cracker!"

The Audi RS 5 Cabriolet is powered by a 443bhp 4.2-litre V8 propelling the drop-top from zero to 62mph in just 4.9 seconds - that's 0.2 of a second quicker than its direct rival the BMW M3 Convertible M DCT. The RS 5 Cabriolet has an electronically limited speed of 155mph but if required this can be lifted at no extra cost, giving this car a top speed of 174mph.

Dab the throttle and you will be thrust back into the driver's seat as the V8 engine kicks into life. The V8 burble from the tailpipe is especially noticeable on the downshift - certainly music to any enthusiast's ears whether you have the hood up or down.

Ride and Handling

Audi RS 5 comfort levels are very good if you are willing to keep the car in 'comfort' mode. Switch to 'dynamic', however, and the car becomes much firmer.

The Audi RS 5 Cabriolet does not feel as nimble through the twisty stuff as a BMW M3 Convertible M DCT, it is however phenomenal in a straight line. The RS 5 Cabriolet comes available with a dynamic steering option which comes integrated into the standard Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system. Four settings are available: comfort, auto, dynamic and individual. When the dynamic steering option is not specified, these same settings can be applied to the steering weighting, along with the eight-speed S tronic transmission's shift points and the throttle response. The RS 5 Cabriolet has astounding levels of grip thanks to its four-wheel Quattro, but for driver engagement the M3 is still the class leader. Even in Dynamic mode the weighting of the steering feels a tad artificial and never gives you the amount of feedback that you get from an M3. There is still a little bit of work to do on this front. Audi RS 5 comfort levels are very good if you are willing to keep the car in 'comfort' mode. Switch to 'dynamic', however, and the car becomes much firmer. UK roads littered with potholes are not suited to sporty cars with firm suspensions but this is not the RS 5's fault - on a smooth track you will get the best out of the car in dynamic mode.

Interior and Equipment

Aside to the RS 5 Cabriolet, Audi also offers many other RS variants throughout its range, including the RS 3 Sportback and RS 6 Avant.

Standard kit on every model includes 19-inch alloys, RS styling tweaks to include aluminium wing mirrors and deeper bumper design, cruise control, leather seats, DAB radio and Bluetooth. The Cabriolet model has some unique features over the standard RS 5 hard top, including a wind deflector and roll-over protection bars.  The Audi RS 5 Cabriolet is surprisingly quite practical - there is a decent amount of legroom in the rear for passengers and boot space is also good. With the seats in place the Audi RS 5 Cabriolet has a load space of 380 litres and with the rear seats folded this expands to 750 litres. The lightweight fabric hood can be raised and lowered by the touch of a button. Opening the hood takes 15 seconds and closing takes 17 seconds. You shouldn't get caught out in sudden downpours as the hood can be closed at speeds of up to 31mph.

Cost

The RS 5 fares well when it comes to fuel economy and CO2 emissions, claiming average economy of 26.4mpg and emitting 249g/km. 

At around £7,000 more expensive than key rival, the BMW M3 Convertible M DCT, the RS 5 Cabriolet is hardly the cheapest drop top out there. The RS 5 fares well when it comes to fuel economy and CO2 emissions, claiming average economy of 26.4mpg and emitting 249g/km. The M3 Convertible M DCT on the other hand averages around 24.6mpg and emits 269g/km. Audi’s have a tendency to have pricey options lists – the RS 5 Cabriolet is no different, so be careful when specifying Dynamic Ride Control, dynamic steering and sports exhaust as these can set you back a few thousand pounds.

Our Verdict

Audi's RS 5 Cabriolet oozes class and buying this car will ultimately depend on how you want to use it. If you want a driver's car then you'll probably go for the default choice in the guise of the BMW M3 Convertible M DCT. So where does this leave the RS 5 Cabriolet?  Audi die-hards will sign on the dotted line thanks to the brand appeal and the lure of the Quattro technology. It's a good car, but there is more work to be carried out if the RS 5 Cabriolet is to become class leading.